Gain clear insight into how aged care really works with David Coluccio, Principal of Senexus.
These guides are designed to help families understand the most important parts of the aged care system – from finances and waitlists to dementia care and legal requirements – so that you can make informed decisions with confidence.
- What are the benefits of moving into residential aged care?
- When is the right time to consider aged care?
- Why are aged care beds so hard to find?
- How do aged care waitlists work?
- What is the difference between respite and permanent residential aged care?
- Why use Senexus instead of hospital placement teams?
- How does Senexus chose the right aged care home?
- Can I afford residential aged care?
- What are the costs and fees of aged care?
- What is the Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)?
- Do I need to sell my home when I move into residential aged care?
What are the benefits of moving into residential aged care?
Many families are surprised to see significant improvements in their loved one’s wellbeing after moving into aged care. When aged care is done well, residents often experience:
- Improved nutrition
- Regular personal care
- Safe medication management
- Increased social interaction
- Structured daily routines
- Reduced loneliness or isolation
For many families, the move provides peace of mind and a dramatic reduction in stress, knowing their loved one is supported and safe.
When is the right time to consider residential aged care?
This is one of the most difficult decisions families face.
Most people underestimate the physical and emotional load of caring for an aging parent, especially when dementia, falls or complex behaviours are involved.
Aged care decisions are often made during a crisis, such as a hospital admission. But with current wait times and bed shortages across Adelaide, planning early can prevent months of delays.
Senexus helps families assess care needs, understand timing, and avoid leaving the decision until it becomes urgent.
Why are aged care beds so hard to find?
Adelaide currently has a significant shortage of aged care beds. Hospital demand is high, and hundreds of people across the public system are medically ready for discharge but unable to leave because there are no aged care vacancies available.
Demand, increasing care needs, and an under-funded system have created long wait times. This is why seeking guidance earlier — before a hospital admission — helps families secure better options in less time.
Senexus monitors availability across Adelaide and works to secure the best possible placement based on your needs.
Video coming soon
How do aged care waitlists work?
Being placed on an aged care waitlist does not guarantee an offer. Homes consider multiple factors when deciding who to admit, including:
- Current demand
- Clinical care needs
- Social compatibility with other residents
- Financial viability for the home
- Staffing requirements
Senexus prepares a detailed profile and submits all required information upfront — giving homes the confidence to make a decision quickly and improving your chances of receiving an offer.
What is the difference between respite and permanent residential aged care?
There are two types of aged care admissions: respite care and permanent residential care.
Respite Care
- Short-term
- No security of tenure (the home can discharge the resident at any time).
- Often used after hospitalisation or to support carers
Permanent Residential Care
- Provides long-term accommodation
- Security of tenure (your place is maintained even if you enter hospital)
- Residents receive a permanent room allocation
Senexus helps families understand which option is appropriate and supports the transition into permanent care when needed.
Why use Senexus instead of hospital placement teams?
Hospital placement teams provide valuable support, but their priority is freeing hospital beds, not tailoring placement to your family’s personal, financial or long-term needs.
Senexus works solely on behalf of you, the family. We consider your preferences, financial situation, care needs, home location, and long-term stability — and we manage the entire process from start to finish.
How does Senexus choose the right aged care home?
For over 10 years, Senexus has surveyed families after placement to understand real-world experiences.
This long-term feedback has resulted in a trusted list of around 90 aged care homes in Adelaide that consistently deliver strong care outcomes.
We do not accept commissions or referral payments. This means that every recommendation is independent, unbiased, and aligned with your loved one’s needs.
Can I afford residential aged care?
The most common question families ask is: “Will we be able to afford this?” The answer, for most people, is yes.
Aged care is designed to be affordable for everyone, regardless of wealth. Through detailed financial assessment, Senexus helps families understand:
- Aged care fees
- Payment options
- Means testing
- The impact on pensions
- Strategies to reduce unnecessary costs.
Knowing your options upfront prevents costly mistakes.
What are the costs and fees of aged care?
Aged care fees are often misunderstood because multiple charges can apply at the same time. Most residents may pay:
- Basic Daily Fee
- Hotelling Supplement
- Non-Clinical Care Contribution (NCCC)
- Accommodation Fee: Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) or Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)
- Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF)
Senexus provides a full financial breakdown so that you know exactly what applies to your situation — and how to structure your fees wisely.
Video coming soon
What is the Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)?
The Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) is a lump-sum payment many people use to cover their accommodation in aged care.
Key points:
- Most of the RAD is refundable to the resident’s estate (minimum refund of 90%).
- You can pay none, some, or all of it
- Any unpaid amount becomes a daily interest charge (DAP)
- Any lump sum paid is exempt from the age pension assets test
Choosing the right combination of RAD and DAP can provide significant savings for families. Senexus helps you understand your options clearly.
Video coming soon
Do I need to sell my home when I move into residential aged care?
No — selling your home is not required.
However, your home may affect your fees depending on who lives there, your financial situation, and Centrelink rules. It is essential to understand the long-term implications before making any decisions.
Senexus provides personalised guidance based on your family’s circumstances — so you make the right choice at the right time.
Need help navigating aged care?
Senexus provides independent, expert guidance for families across Adelaide, from placement and financial assessments to legal, property and estate support.
Contact us today to discover how Senexus can assist you and your loved one.
