Case Study: Finding Accommodation on Short Notice

Real-Life Scenario: Finding Aged Care Accommodation

When Bertha, a 91-year-old resident of a Supported Residential Services (SRS) facility, was informed that her accommodation would be closing, her family faced an urgent challenge. They had just 28 days to find a new placement.

With limited financial resources after five years of weekly fee-based care, Bertha couldn’t afford the standard Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) or Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) levels typically required.

Her family turned to My Care Path, who quickly identified three aged care homes with available places, flexible bond arrangements, and care suited to Bertha’s needs. Within days, Bertha had successfully transitioned into her new home, avoiding the stress of homelessness or last-minute, unsuitable placement.

Practical Tips for Urgent Aged Care Placement

1. Start Immediately – As soon as you’re notified of a closure or change, begin researching options.

2. Use Professional Services – Placement experts have insider knowledge of vacancies and financial flexibility.

3. Be Honest About Finances – Transparency helps providers tailor solutions that match your situation.

4. Tour Facilities Quickly – Even under pressure, visiting in person ensures the care environment feels right.

5. Secure Short-Term Options – If long-term care isn’t immediately available, a temporary placement may be the safest solution.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Placement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How quickly can aged care accommodation be arranged?

In urgent situations, placements can sometimes be arranged within a few days if suitable vacancies exist. Using placement services often speeds up the process significantly.

2. What happens if I can’t afford the RAD or DAP?

Some aged care homes offer flexible financial arrangements for residents with limited assets. Government subsidies may also apply, depending on the outcome of a Means Test Assessment.

3. Can I choose the facility even if time is limited?

Yes. While time is short, you should still visit facilities (in person or virtually) to ensure the environment, care standards, and staff are a good fit.

4. What if there are no vacancies nearby?

You may need to consider facilities slightly outside your preferred location for short-term security. Once a closer vacancy becomes available, you can transfer later.

5. How does respite care fit into urgent placement?

If permanent accommodation isn’t immediately available, residential respite care can provide short-term housing and support until a long-term solution is found.

6. Do I need an aged care assessment for urgent placement?

Yes. Most permanent aged care placements require aged care assessment approval, but in urgent cases, this process can sometimes be fast-tracked.

7. Who can help me with the process?

Families can work directly with aged care homes, but engaging a placement consultant or using a directory such as Aged Care Online can save significant time, stress, and confusion.

Next Steps

If you’re facing an urgent aged care situation like Bertha’s, support is available. Aged Care Online and My Care Path can help you:

• Find facilities with immediate vacancies
• Negotiate RAD/DAP fees to fit your financial circumstances
• Arrange short-term or permanent care within tight deadlines

Call 1300 197 230 today for a personalised aged care shortlist tailored to your needs.

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Article posted:Sep 1, 2019
Category: Finding care