Navigating aged care costs doesn't have to be overwhelming.
When a parent needs aged care, families are often thrust into one of the most complex and emotionally difficult financial decisions they'll ever face — and they usually need to make it quickly. The aged care system is confusing, the costs are significant, and the wrong decision can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
At LifeScope Wealth, we specialise in helping Australian individuals, families, professionals and businesses navigate aged care finances with clarity and confidence. We understand the urgency — that's why we offer priority appointments for families facing immediate aged care decisions.
Aged care isn't just one fee — it's a complex mix of accommodation costs, daily care fees, means-tested fees, and additional service charges. The total can range from $350,000 to $700,000+ depending on the facility and your parent's financial situation.
The Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) is a lump sum payment (often $300,000–$600,000) that's fully refundable when your parent leaves care. The Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) is an ongoing daily charge. You can also pay a combination. The right choice depends on your parent's assets, income, Age Pension eligibility, and how long they're likely to need care. We model every scenario.
The government assesses your parent's assets and income to determine how much they pay in aged care fees. But the way assets are assessed for aged care is different from Centrelink — and structuring things correctly before the assessment can significantly reduce ongoing costs.
If your parent owns their home, the treatment of that property in the aged care means test depends on who is still living there. There are specific strategies to protect the home and minimise its impact on care fees.
How aged care fees are structured can affect your parent's Age Pension entitlements — and vice versa. We coordinate both to ensure your parent isn't losing pension while overpaying on care fees.
Unlike other financial planning matters that can wait weeks, aged care decisions often need to happen within days. Hospital discharge timelines, facility availability, and family pressure all create urgency. We offer priority aged care appointments — including after hours and weekends.
Don't wait — get expert aged care financial advice when you need it most. We offer priority appointments for families facing urgent aged care decisions.
Book Priority Appointment0479 155 444 — Urgent aged care advice available
