Resources, links and articles to help you navigate aged care

Choosing an aged care facility for your loved one can be incredibly daunting. You want to know that your parent or family member will be both happy and well cared for. And while it’s natural to feel uneasy about making the right call – especially with everything that’s changed in the aged care space over the past couple of years …

We talk to a lot of families who are going through this for the first time. Mum’s had a fall, or Dad’s memory isn’t what it was and suddenly everyone’s trying to work out what happens next… not just where they will live, but how you actually pay for it. If that’s where you’re at, you’re not alone and you …

One of the first big decisions families face when a loved one needs to move into residential aged care is how to pay for the room itself. It comes down to two options… or a mix of the two: the RAD and the DAP. It’s easy for the acronyms to get confusing at a time when you’re already juggling a …

When a loved one needs to move into aged care, families are often faced with a long list of questions. How much will it cost? Do we need to sell the family home? What happens with Centrelink? What about Mum or Dad’s investments or super? Will this affect their estate? It’s no wonder so many people feel overwhelmed. The good …

One of the most common questions I hear from families is: “If Mum needs to go into aged care, do we have to sell the house?” The short answer is not necessarily. Many people assume that moving into residential aged care automatically means selling the family home, but that’s often not the case. Every family’s financial situation is different, and …

For many women over 50, money suddenly becomes something they need to understand quickly – often during some of the most emotional periods of their lives. It might happen after a divorce or after losing a partner. After receiving an inheritance or when retirement suddenly feels very real. I have seen this time and time again in my work as …

One of the most common situations we see in aged care financial advice is families coming to us feeling overwhelmed because their parent owns assets – but simply doesn’t have enough cash flow to comfortably live or pay for care. Recently, I sat down with a lovely family consisting of a mother recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and her three …

Often, when the time comes for a loved one to enter aged care, it happens quickly. You’re suddenly faced with big emotional decisions… and just as many financial ones. That’s where aged care financial advice comes in – but if you’ve never been through this process before, it can feel overwhelming trying to work out where to start and who …

Over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern. Families often come to see me after they’ve received what I call the “OMG letter” – and by then, the damage is usually already done. What is the “OMG Letter”? The “OMG letter” is the letter sent by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs around two years after someone enters aged care. …

Moving a parent or loved one into aged care is often one of the most stressful periods a family will face. Decisions need to be made quickly, emotions are running high and the financial choices involved can be significant. In many cases, families are dealing with hundreds of thousands… sometimes millions of dollars, often accumulated over a lifetime. One of the …

When a parent suddenly needs aged care – whether after a fall, hospital admission or rapid health decline – families are often thrown into panic. You may be feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to prioritise, and worried about making the wrong decision. The good news? There is a clear pathway.
The key is knowing what to do first – and what not to rush. …

For many Melbourne families, an investment property isn’t just an asset on a balance sheet. It’s the unit bought in Hawthorn in the 90s.
The Camberwell property that helped fund school fees.
The long-held investment that was always meant to support retirement – or one day pass to the grandchildren. When aged care becomes necessary, one of the most common questions I …

No one wants to make mistakes when planning for aged care, especially when planning for aged care is one of the most significant financial decisions many families will ever make. The rules are complex, the stakes can be high and decisions are often made during stressful and emotional times. While every situation is different, there are several common mistakes we …

When someone in the family needs aged care, families are often feel under pressure to make fast decisions – and financial advice can feel like just another box to tick. But not all “aged care advice” is equal. Before you agree to meet with an aged care financial adviser, there are three questions you should ask first. The answers could …

The Christmas season is here already! With families gathering to celebrate, some for the first time in a long time, often the dinner table discussions turn to aged care. We have put together a few tips to help guide the conversation to make it a positive one.  Be open with your conversations
 Engaging in conversations about care can be challenging, …

As an aged care financial adviser, one of the most common and stressful issues I see families face is navigating the aged care assessment process. For many, this is the first step into the aged care system – and unfortunately, it’s often where delays, confusion and frustration begin. What Is an Aged Care Assessment? An aged care assessment (commonly referred …

When a loved one needs aged care, the emotional weight can feel overwhelming. Families often come to us unsure of their options, confused by the rules, or terrified of making the wrong financial decision. Our role is to provide clarity, confidence and compassion at a time when families need it most. Every situation is different – but the common thread …

Making the decision to move a loved one into aged care is rarely simple. It’s an emotional and often overwhelming process for individuals and their families – made even more complex by the financial decisions and government regulations involved. Engaging a qualified aged care financial adviser in Melbourne can make this transition clearer, smoother and far less stressful. (Our reviews …

For many Australians, the ability to stay at home for as long as possible is a common goal. With the Federal Government introducing a new Support at Home program that started 1 November 2025, the aged care landscape is changing (again)- and with it, the financial considerations you’ll need to think about. As a financial adviser specialising in aged care, …

Recently, I met a lovely couple in their 60s. Between them, they have six children, and they’re both on the Age Pension. They came to see me about a situation that started quite unexpectedly – and has now turned into a financial dilemma that many families can relate to. About a year and a half ago, an aunt came to …

As we (or our loved ones age), the need for quality specialised care and support becomes increasingly important. In Australia, various aged care services are available to provide assistance tailored to individual needs. Whether it is home care or a facility, costs can be high and funding confusing so navigating the eligibility requirements and understanding the process can be complex …

Making the decision to move a loved one into residential aged care is never easy. Alongside the emotional weight, there are practical, financial and logistical considerations that can feel overwhelming. As an aged care financial planner based in Melbourne, I work with families every day to help them navigate this process. There are some beautiful, well run facilities in Melbourne, …

The process of entering aged care can be one of the most challenging times for both residents and their families. Between health concerns, government requirements and often massive financial decisions, it’s understandable that many people do not know where to start. One of the first steps should always be seeking professional aged care financial advice. With costs in Melbourne often reaching …

When aged care is mentioned, the family home is often one of the first big discussion points. It’s emotional – and can feel overwhelming – especially if there was no plan in place. When you’re presented with a RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit) that could be $600,000+, selling the home might seem like the obvious option. But before you make that …

Claudia was recently interviewed by industry website The Inside Adviser about her career and how she ended up specialising in aged care. You can read via the link below.

From November 1 2025, aged care homes will be allowed to charge an exit fee, up to 10% of your lump sum payment over five years. This change brings them a little closer in style to retirement villages, which often charge exit fees. Legally, financially and practically, they are still very different. Accommodation & Contracts: Village vs Aged Care Home …

One of the most common questions I hear as an aged care financial planner is: “Will my pension change?” The short answer is: yes, it can – sometimes for the better. Here’s what you need to know about how your Age Pension may be affected by decisions you make when entering aged care. Understanding Means-Tested Pensions If you receive a means-tested payment …

Navigating the aged care system can feel overwhelming – especially when finances come into play. One of the most common concerns we hear is: “Can I afford aged care?” The good news is, the Australian Government helps fund residential aged care, making it accessible to everyone who needs it. However, the costs can vary greatly depending on the facility, your assets and …

The aged care process can feel like a whirlwind.
 When a loved one suddenly needs care, families are often forced to make quick decisions which are often emotionally charged ones at that! Unfortunately, this is when financial mistakes are most likely to happen. As experienced aged care financial advisers, we’ve seen the same traps catch families time and again. Here …

Entering residential aged care – whether for yourself or a loved one – is a major life transition. It often brings a mix of emotions, paperwork and big financial decisions that can feel overwhelming. One of the most important steps you can take is to seek expert advice early in the process. As aged care financial specialists based in Melbourne, …

Navigating aged care for a parent or loved one – or planning for your own future, can be one of the most emotionally and financially stressful times of your life. From complex Centrelink rules to keeping the family home, there’s a lot to understand and even more at stake. As a Melbourne-based aged care financial specialist, I’ve seen first hand (over …

Updated March 2025 Unsure where to go when looking into aged care? Here are links to resources relating to all things aged care- and if you can’t find what you are looking for, please contact us and we will help you find it!  Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – www.health.gov.au Services Australia (formerly known as Human Services) …

One of the biggest concerns families face when considering aged care is affordability. The good news is that no matter your financial situation, the Australian government provides funding to ensure aged care is accessible to those who need it. However, understanding the costs, funding options, and financial strategies available can be complex. If you’re worried about how to pay for …

Aged care ratings are still reasonably new in the ever changing world of aged care. Understanding the quality of service provided by care facilities is so important when choosing care for a loved one. The Australian Government implemented a Star Rating system which was introduced in December 2022, to help individuals assess the performance of aged care homes. This system …

When people hear the word downsizing, they often picture selling the big family home and moving into a small unit. But downsizing isn’t about size or the cost, it’s about having a home that suits your new stage of life. This could mean a smaller home, perhaps a single story, maybe a home more accessible – there is no set way …

Moving a loved one into aged care is one of the most challenging decisions a family can face. It’s an emotional time, filled with uncertainty, guilt and usually difficult choices. On top of that, the financial side of aged care can be complex and overwhelming, leaving families feeling lost and pressured to make quick decisions. The good news is that …

When an appointed power of attorney step into our office, they’re usually very overwhelmed. They’re tasked with making significant financial and logistical decisions, frequently under tight timelines and in the middle of many emotions. At such a critical moment, impartial advice is essential – not just to provide clarity but also to ensure the decisions made are in the best …

As we leave the festive season, it is a good time to reflect on sharing our wealth with loved ones. While gifting money or assets is a generous tradition, it’s important to understand the potential financial implications—especially if you or your loved ones receive a means-tested pension, like the Age Pension, or may need aged care in the future. Before …

When the time comes for a parent or loved one to transition into aged care in Melbourne—or if you’re planning for your own future—it can feel overwhelming. Balancing the emotional, logistical, and financial aspects of aged care is no small task. Many people wonder why they should pay for professional aged care financial advice when plenty of free information is …

As we consider financial and care planning in later life, understanding the implications of gifting is important, especially when aged care is looming or you are on a pension. Gifting can seem like a straightforward way to support family, friends or even your favorite charities, but it can have unanticipated impacts on entitlements and payments. We have put together a …