Navigating Aged Care with Confidence and Care
Navigating aged care can feel overwhelming; there are rules, costs, and emotional decisions to make, all at a time when families want reassurance and clarity. At JBS Financial, we understand that aged care is about more than just numbers. It’s about ensuring your loved one’s future quality of life while also considering the best financial outcomes for the whole family.
What Do You Want to Achieve?
Before diving into the details, it’s important to step back and think about what you’re trying to achieve:
- Is the goal to give your loved one the best lifestyle and care possible?
- Are you aiming to preserve family assets while still meeting ongoing care needs?
- Or is it about balancing both, finding the best option for everyone involved?
Every family’s circumstances are different, and the right choice will depend on what matters most to you.
Understanding the Costs
Retirement Villages
For those entering a retirement village, costs usually include the purchase of the unit and ongoing maintenance fees. When leaving, a percentage of the entry payment (often up to 30%) is retained by management to cover the costs of lifestyle services, including pools, cafés, gyms, and entertainment areas.
Aged Care Facilities
For those needing higher levels of support, aged care facilities have a more complex fee structure, including:
- Basic daily fees set by the government
- Additional means-tested fees depending on income and assets
- Accommodation costs, often involving a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)
The RAD can range from around $650,000 upwards. While this sounds daunting, there are flexible payment options, such as paying a portion upfront and the rest as higher daily fees. From 1 November 2025, new rules will also require 2% of the value of the RAD per year, to a maximum of 10% over 5 years, to be retained after a resident leaves..
Why Financial Advice Matters
Managing aged care decisions isn’t just about covering costs; it’s about protecting income, managing cash flow, and making sure your loved one’s lifestyle is supported both now and into the future.
“Aged care decisions can feel confronting, but with the right guidance, families can move forward with confidence. At JBS, we help you understand the rules, navigate the costs, and ensure that your family member receives the care they deserve—while protecting your financial security too.”
— Jenny Brown, CEO, JBS Financial
Your Aged Care Resources
We’ve created a simple Planning for Aged Care Tip Sheet to help you understand the key considerations and the value of tailored advice. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing immediate decisions, this resource is a great starting point.
What’s Next?
Aged care is a journey best approached with empathy, clarity, and a sound strategy. You don’t have to make these decisions alone.
📞 Talk to the JBS Financial team today—together, we’ll help you explore your options, secure the right care, and make progress towards peace of mind for you and your family.
🔗 Learn more about Aged Care advice here