Residential Aged Care

Residential aged care provides ongoing, 24-hour care and support in an aged care home for older people whose care needs can no longer be safely or effectively supported at home. It can include personal care, nursing care, meals, accommodation, social activities, lifestyle programs and day-to-day wellbeing support.

At Benetas, our residential aged care homes provide safe, welcoming and supportive environments where residents receive personalised care while staying connected to the people, interests and routines that matter to them.

Residential aged care may be worth considering if daily activities, personal care, mobility, health needs or safety at home are becoming increasingly difficult to manage, even with support from family, carers or home care services.

Signs that it may be time to explore additional support can include increased falls, changes in memory or health, difficulty managing meals or medication, carer stress, loneliness, or needing regular support throughout the day and night.

Every situation is different. An aged care assessment will help determine the type of care you or your loved one may be eligible to receive. The Benetas team can also discuss your circumstances and help explain the available options.

To access residential aged care, you will generally need to complete an aged care assessment through My Aged Care. The assessment considers your care needs and helps determine which types of aged care services you may be eligible to receive.

Once you have been assessed and approved for residential aged care, the Benetas team can help you explore our aged care homes and identify the location that best meets your needs and preferences. We can also discuss current availability, accommodation options, fees, individual care needs and the admission process.

If you are entering permanent residential aged care, you will generally need to complete a financial assessment so Services Australia can determine how much you may need to contribute towards your care and accommodation.

Services Australia may already hold the financial information it needs. If not, you may need to provide or update details about your income and assets.

You can complete the assessment by:

• applying online through Services Australia
• completing a paper form if preferred
• contacting Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs directly for assistance

We recommend starting the assessment as early as possible, ideally before admission, as it can provide greater clarity about the fees and accommodation costs that may apply.

Residential aged care costs vary depending on your financial circumstances, accommodation choice and the fee arrangements that apply to you.

Depending on your circumstances, costs may include:

• a basic daily fee
• accommodation costs
• a hotelling contribution
• a non-clinical care contribution
• a means-tested care fee under earlier fee arrangements

The Australian Government may contribute towards your care and accommodation costs, depending on your eligibility and financial assessment.

Because fee arrangements can be complex and differ between individuals, we recommend speaking with My Aged Care, Services Australia or an independent financial adviser. The Benetas team can also explain the accommodation prices and payment options available at each residence.

All Benetas residential aged care homes provide high-quality, personalised care in a safe, welcoming and respectful environment. When choosing a home, consider which location, accommodation options, surroundings and lifestyle offerings best suit you or your loved one.

You may also want to consider proximity to family and friends, room preferences, meals, lifestyle activities, gardens and outdoor areas, cultural or spiritual needs, and the overall environment in which the person will feel most comfortable and connected.

Booking a tour can help you experience the home, meet the team and discuss the individual’s care needs, routines, interests and preferences.

Yes. Booking a tour is one of the best ways to experience a Benetas Residential aged care home, meet members of the team and view the rooms, dining areas, lifestyle spaces and outdoor areas.

During your tour, you can ask questions about care, daily routines, meals, lifestyle activities, accommodation options and current availability.

You can book a tour online through your preferred residence page or contact the Benetas Customer Centre on 1300 23 63 82 to arrange a visit at a location that suits your needs and preferences.

Yes. Benetas offers residential respite care at all our aged care homes, subject to eligibility and availability.

Residential respite provides short-term accommodation, care and support in an aged care home. It may be helpful when a carer needs a break, following a hospital stay, when circumstances at home temporarily change, or when additional support is needed for a limited period.

We want every resident to enjoy a meaningful and fulfilling lifestyle. Residents can participate in a range of activities including:

• Exercise programs
• Music and entertainment
• Gardening
• Arts and crafts
• Cultural celebrations
• Social outings
• Group activities

Participation is always based on individual interests and preferences.

We encourage residents to personalise their room with meaningful belongings such as photographs, artwork and small items of furniture, where appropriate, to help make it feel like home.