Care360 is Australia’s first independent, comprehensive aged care search service. We are a privately-owned company, independent of any aged care home, with the mission to help every Australian family, no matter what their means, to find the right aged care option for their loved one.
The Care360 Quality of Care Report is usually part of a package that includes a range of services to support those looking at the options for aged care. For a limited time, you can access the report direct at no charge to you.
Your personalised Care360 Quality of Care Report is delivered directly to your email inbox within minutes of completing the questionnaire.
Our team has independently gathered data from over 2,500 aged care homes, including reviews of over 207,000 rooms.
Care360 is funded by the fees paid for our consulting services and referral fees from our finance and real estate partners. While all of our partners have been thoroughly reviewed, you are under no obligation to use them at any stage. If we are receiving any referral fees, this will be made known to you at the time as part of our Transparency Promise. Note that we do not receive any fees or payments from aged care homes.
What makes one nursing home better than another depends on the individual needs and preferences of the person entering care and their family.
That is why we have created the Care360 Quality of Care report. To prepare the report, we will ask a series of questions that identify your preferences. From here, our online algorithms will find the most suitable matches from our independently conducted research into over 2,500 nursing homes across Australia.
As the Australian Government controls the number of aged care placements, the transition to aged care usually begins with determining eligibility.
The eligibility process is managed by My Aged Care and starts with an initial phone assessment with those needing care or their family. The assessment will determine eligibility for services such as home support, home care or residential care.
For those needing entry-level home support, they will be referred by My Aged Care to a Regional Assessment Service (RAS). For those who are seeking subsidised home care, residential care or flexible care, they will require assessment and approval for care by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).
Once approved, it is time to find a provider that will meet your needs. The Care360 Quality of Care Report is the ideal first step. We will ask you a series of questions designed to understand your needs and preferences and compile the top ten matches into a comprehensive report. This report outlines the costs, accommodation options and services to help you find the right aged care home for your needs.
The ability to leave the home largely depends on the physical and mental health of the individual resident. Generally, the treating doctor and care staff will make this decision in consultation with the loved one’s family members
Fees between aged care homes vary significantly. There are the fees for the accommodation itself and then fees for the care your loved one will receive.
There are two types of accommodation fees –
- Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) is a lump sum bond payment payable when you enter the home. This payment is refunded when you leave less any amounts you have agreed to be deducted.
- Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) contributes to the cost of the accommodation and is charged fortnightly or monthly. This payment is non-refundable.
There are three types of care fees –
- The Daily Care Fee is a mandatory fee set at 85% of the aged care pension to cover living costs such as meals, power and laundry.
- The Means Tested Fee can be up to $245 per day and is calculated by the Department of Human Services based on your financial position.
- Additional Fees may be charged for services such as higher quality meals and accommodation. Some aged care homes charge one-off entry and exit fees.
The level of accommodation, service and care varies between aged care homes. Our Quality of Care Report details the costs from each home to help inform your decision making.
Most aged care homes welcome visits from family members and loved ones – some even encourage pets. With the recent pandemic, some aged care homes are restricting visitors, so it is best to get in touch before visiting.
From July 2019, organisations who provide aged care services are required to comply with the Aged Care Quality Standards (Quality Standards) from 1st July 2019.
These standards aim to ensure high levels of care and services that can be expected for residents and their families.
There are eight individual quality standards
- Consumer dignity and choice
- Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers
- Personal care and clinical care
- Services and supports for daily living
- Organisation’s service environment
- Feedback and complaints
- Human resources
- Organisational governance.
Most residential aged care homes receive funding from the Australian Government that subsidises expenses.
Residents also pay fees to the operator of their home. Types of fees include a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD), a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) and fees for living expenses and other additional services.
The Net Medical Expenses Tax Offset ceased on 1st July 2019. Therefore, medical expenses (including Aged Care fees) incurred after this date can no longer be claimed as a tax deduction. Aged Care expenses incurred in years before this date may still be claimable.
All residents of aged care homes are required to pay a basic daily fee to their aged care operator to cover their living expenses. The fee is set at 85% of the single basic age pension amount – adjusted in March and September of each year in keeping with increases in the pension.
We are often asked what the difference between aged care and a nursing home is? Both terms have the same meaning – a place that provides residential accommodation and health care for older adults who can no longer live at home.
The terms nursing home, residential aged care, aged care home, aged care home are all used interchangeably.
