Getting Started
Making the move to aged care can feel overwhelming — but we’re here to help, every step of the way.
Our five-step guide explains how to apply for aged care, what to consider, and how we support you throughout the journey.
Step one
Assess your eligibility
Eligibility for aged care
To find out if you’re able to receive government support for residential aged care, you’ll need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), also referred to as Single Assessment System (SAS).
During the assessment, you’ll be asked questions about your lifestyle and health needs to assess your eligibility for residential aged care. Information will be provided to you about the aged care homes available in your area and more. You may wish to enlist the support of family, friends, your local doctor and social workers to help you find an aged care home that meets your individual needs.
To get in touch with an ACAT you can call them directly or have a loved one or health professional contact them on your behalf. The ACAT will complete an assessment that you can provide to any aged care provider that confirms you are eligible for care, and your level of assessed care needs.
Financial Services Australia assessments
Financial Assessment with Services Australia – You’ll also need to complete a Means and Assets Test through Services Australia to understand your care costs. These tests can take time, so we recommend starting this at the same time as your care assessment.
Consider speaking with an aged care financial advisor who can help you make informed decisions based on your personal situation.
Step two
What to consider when looking at aged care homes
It’s important to choose an aged care home that meets your care needs and lifestyle preferences. We invite you and your loved ones to book a private tour and encourage you to tour other homes in your preferred location so you can find the right fit.
Before you visit
Before you visit any aged care home, think about what is important to you.
Care Needs
- Do you need 24-hour nursing?
- Are you living with dementia?
Your Room
Do you prefer a private room with your own ensuite?
Meals
Is fresh, home-cooked food important to you?
Lifestyle
- Are there social activities, community outings, or pet-friendly options?
- Bring a list of questions and personal preferences. We’ll guide you through it all.
Talk to Us
When you visit Burpengary Manor, we’ll take the time to understand your needs and preferences. Feel free to ask any questions — we’re here to support you. After your visit, we welcome you to call or come back with any follow-up questions.
Step three
Applying to Burpengary Manor Aged Care
If you choose Burpengary Manor Aged Care, we’ll provide clear information about your care costs based on your circumstances. You can apply using the Government Application for Aged Care, and once submitted, we’ll confirm available rooms that meet your needs and begin the pre-admission process.
Step four
Pre-admission support
This step is unique to Burpengary Manor Aged Care and helps new residents feel comfortable from day one.
Your residential care agreement
We’ll invite you in to go through your Residential Care Agreement, answer any questions, and help complete paperwork.
Your pre-admission day
You’ll also meet our care and lifestyle team, take a home orientation tour, and enjoy a coffee or meal with us.
Preparing to move in
We’ll help you prepare your room with labelled clothing, special items, and electrical checks so it feels like home from the start.
Step five
Admission and Moving In Day
On the day you move into your new home, we encourage your loved ones to join you for the whole day as you settle into your new home. We will be there to support you, however we will give you the space to settle in and begin to feel at home. We invite your loved ones to join you for lunch so you can enjoy a meal together and relax once the hard work of moving is done.
FAQs
As you can imagine, we receive a lot of questions from prospective residents and families. So take a look at our most common queries – we might have even answered some you hadn’t thought of yet.
Seek further information
There are numerous online resources available to help you make the right choice. We’ve listed a few below.