Getting started

To start your journey into residential aged care, you’ll need an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This can be arranged through My Aged Care.

Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit their website myagedcare.gov.au

Once approved, you’ll receive a referral code. This code allows you to explore residential care options. To find out about options with Helping Hand please call 1300 653 600 and ask to speak to our Admissions Team about vacancies.
You can arrange a tour of the home you’re interested in here or by calling 1300 653 600, so you can experience the amenities firsthand.

When a room becomes available, it’s time to prepare for your move. Our admissions team will guide you through every step, ensuring you have all the necessary information.

In the meantime, Services Australia will calculate and verify which fees apply to you based on your income and assets. These may include a basic daily fee, accommodation payment, means-tested care fee and fees for additional services.

With Helping Hand, when transitioning into residential aged care, you’ll be guided by our compassion and expertise. With Helping Hand, you’re in good hands.

  • 1
    Arrange Aged Care Assessment

    Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit their website www.myagedcare.gov.au and arrange for an Aged Care Assessment. You will need your Medicare number and concession card.

  • 2
    Referral code

    Once approved, you’ll receive a referral code.

  • 3
    After the assessment

    Call our admissions team on 1300 653 600.

  • 4
    Get ready to move!

    Meet our Admissions Team and Move in.

Connect with us to find out more

If you need more information you can call one of our friendly team members now, or request a callback at a preferred time.

Or if you are ready to register your interest in this service, you can do this online now too.

Advice about Residential Care

All residents at our residential aged care homes have access to the following services and assistance:

  • Staff onsite at all times to assist where needed, including in emergencies
  • Assistance with daily living activities including, showering, dressing and help to move about
  • Assistance with medications
  • Meals and refreshments, including catering for special dietary needs
  • Laundry and housekeeping services
  • Building and grounds upkeep and maintenance
  • Social and lifestyle activities program
  • Basic furnishings including curtains, chairs, beds, bed linen, bath towels, soap and toilet paper are also included, and residents are encouraged to bring items of furniture or personal possessions with them to personalise their home.

The cost of residential aged care varies from person to person, depending on which home you are moving into, and your own personal financial situation. The Government may contribute toward your care costs, and you may be asked to contribute towards them too if you can afford it. My Aged Care provides an overview of the costs involved on their website, and we also have an overview on our website, and publish our fees for our homes on each of our residential care home pages.

If you are considering moving into a residential aged care home, you will first need an assessment with a member of an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). A member of an ACAT will talk to you about your current situation and help you work out what your options are. Once you have completed the ACAT assessment, you will receive a letter to let you know if you have been approved as eligible for Australian Government subsidised aged care services, including home care services and residential aged care accommodation. Your letter will tell you what type of services you’re eligible for and approved to receive, as well as the reasons why.

Yes. We can arrange tours of our homes by appointment. Entry restrictions may apply depending on current government regulations, and current vaccination requirements are in place. Please call us on 1300 653 600 or click here to arrange a tour.

You can also take a virtual tour of our homes any time on our website, see residential locations page, tours are listed on each care home’s page.

The Australian Government developed the Charter of Aged Care Rights in July 2019, which you can download here in several languages. It gives information about your rights as a user of aged care services in Australia.

If you would like more detailed information about your rights as an older person, the Legal Services Commission, in partnership with the Office for the Ageing, has developed a guide called Knowing to Know.