Understand the Australian Aged Care System



Helping you make the best choices for your future care, security and happiness.

We are fortunate to live in a country where longevity is becoming increasingly the norm. However, not everyone will be able to continue to live independently – many will need access to residential aged care services.

By engaging an aged care financial advisor in Castle Hill, you position yourself to make informed, financially sound decisions long before urgent care becomes unavoidable.

Getting the right information and advice now will help you make the best choices for your future care, security and happiness.

As your aged care financial advisor, we will:

  • Help you and your family to understand the range of care options and how the aged care system works
  • Outline a step-by-step roadmap from initial assessment to facility selection, tailored for Castle Hill and its surrounding districts.
  • Act as a central reference point for clear and relevant information on age care and how your finances are impacted
  • Guide you in evaluating what you can afford so you can focus on searching for a suitable age care service
  • Explain the range of fees like RAD and DAP and how they are calculated to estimate what you might need to pay
  • Determine Centrelink implications and evaluate strategies for your accommodation payment
  • Develop strategies to provide a regular and reliable income to cover your age care costs
  • Discuss the importance of estate planning
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Why Choose Our Castle Hill Practice?

Operating at the intersection of elder-care expertise and high-level financial planning, we deliver tailored advice attuned to the demographics, property market, and care facilities specific to Castle Hill and The Hills area. Our nuanced, evidence-driven approach empowers you to:

  • Preserve capital where possible while still accessing premium care.
  • Maintain lifestyle flexibility – whether you stay in your family home or downsize.
  • Mitigate tax and pension leakage through judicious asset structuring.
  • Safeguard inter-generational wealth so your legacy reaches the next generation intact.

Securing the right information now equips you to make decisions that safeguard your future care, protect your assets, and uphold your family’s peace of mind. Speak with our aged care financial advisor Castle Hill team today and begin charting a course toward security, dignity, and well-being.

Hear from our clients

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an aged care financial advisor actually do?

We model the costs of home care vs residential care, explain RAD/DAP and ongoing fees, assess Centrelink and tax impacts, and structure assets/cash flow so you can fund care without unnecessary leakage.

When should I seek advice—before or after the ACAT assessment?

Earlier is better. Engage before or alongside ACAT so funding choices, home decisions, and timing are coordinated rather than reactive.

Do I have to sell the family home to enter residential aged care?

Not always. You can pay via a RAD, a DAP, or a combination. Keeping, selling, or renting the home each has distinct cash-flow, Centrelink, and taxation consequences.

How are RAD and DAP calculated?

The RAD is a refundable lump sum set by the provider. The DAP is the interest charge on any unpaid RAD using a government-set rate; you can mix and match to suit your liquidity and estate goals.

What ongoing fees should I expect in residential aged care?

Typically: a basic daily fee, a means-tested care fee (if applicable), your accommodation payment (RAD/DAP), and any extra/service fees for higher-tier amenities.

How does moving into care affect my Age Pension?

Assets and income tests may change, and treatment of the former home depends on circumstances (e.g., whether a protected person remains). Advice prevents unintended pension loss.

If one spouse stays at home, how are fees assessed?

Assessments are largely individual, but couple circumstances and the status of the family home materially influence outcomes. Coordinated planning avoids avoidable fee increases.

Can renting out the home help pay fees?

Yes, but rent can affect means-testing and tax. We weigh net cash flow against impacts on fees and payments before recommending a strategy.

What strategies legitimately reduce means-tested fees?

Typical levers include payment mix (RAD vs DAP), asset structuring, and timing. “Gifting” is heavily constrained—breaching rules can increase fees rather than reduce them.

Do you provide guidance on facilities in Castle Hill and The Hills?

We’re not placement brokers; we map affordability ranges and funding options, then help you shortlist facilities that fit your financial and care criteria.

How quickly can placement be arranged?

Timeframes vary with ACAT progress, availability, and finances. Preparing documents and finances early shortens the critical path.

What documents should be in place before entry to care?

At minimum: enduring power of attorney/guardianship, updated wills, super/pension nominations, and current health directives.

Do you offer ‘near me’ or remote consultations?

Yes—face-to-face in Castle Hill and secure phone/video for clients across The Hills and greater Sydney.

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Click on the link below to arrange a complimentary initial consultation.

Book Consultation Call (02) 9894 1844

Contact Us

Send us a message using the form to the right, or get in touch with us via any of the methods below.

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(02) 9894 1844

michael@roccaforte.com.au

5 / 15 Terminus St Castle Hill NSW 2154
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Opening Hours
9:00am–5:00pm, Monday to Friday

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