Placement consultants

An aged care placement consultant is a professional who helps you and your family find the best aged care home that suits your needs. Think of them as guides, making the process easier and less stressful by doing the hard work for you. They know the ins and outs of the aged care system, have contacts within the industry and can give you expert advice.

Here are some key ways an aged care placement consultant can assist:

1.  Understanding your needs  

The consultant will start by talking to you and your family about what you need. This might include:

• The type of care (e.g., general care, dementia care, or palliative care)
• Your budget or financial situation
• Preferred location (close to family or in a certain area)
• Lifestyle preferences (e.g., social activities, room size, or special services)

2.  Finding the right aged care home

Once they understand your needs, the consultant will research aged care homes that meet your criteria. They know which homes have available spots and which ones have a good reputation. This saves you the trouble of contacting multiple homes yourself.

3.  Touring homes with you

The consultant can arrange tours of aged care homes and come with you to ask important questions. They will help you notice the details that matter, such as staff-to-resident ratios, cleanliness and the general atmosphere of the home.

4.  Negotiating fees and services  

Aged care costs can be confusing, with fees for accommodation, daily care, and extra services. The consultant can explain these costs and even negotiate with the aged care provider to ensure you get the best value for money.

5.  Handling the paperwork  

Applying for an aged care home requires filling out several forms, including financial assessments and the official application. The consultant can help you complete these forms correctly and on time, making sure nothing is missed.

6.  Supporting you throughout the process  

Moving into an aged care home is a big change and it can be emotional for both the older person and their family. The consultant provides emotional support, helping you navigate the transition smoothly and addressing any concerns along the way.

Here are some reasons families choose to use an aged care placement consultant:

• Save time and stress: they handle the legwork, so you don’t have to spend hours;
• Expert knowledge: consultants have deep industry knowledge and know what to look for in a good aged care home;
• Personalised support: they listen to your individual needs and find a home that matches what’s important to you and your family;
• Assistance with complexities: if you’re not familiar with how aged care fees or government subsidies work, the consultant can explain it in plain language and help with all the details.

The cost of hiring an aged care placement consultant varies. Some consultants charge a flat fee, while others may offer packages based on the level of help you need. For many families, the cost is worth it because of the time saved, reduced stress, and confidence in making the right decision.

You might consider hiring an aged care placement consultant if:

• you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options and don’t know where to start;
• you don’t have the time or ability to visit many aged care homes;
• you want expert guidance to ensure you’re choosing the right place for your loved one;
• you’re unsure about the costs and need help negotiating fees.

An aged care placement consultant is a valuable resource for older Australians and their families when it’s time to choose an aged care home. They make the process easier by guiding you every step of the way, from understanding your care needs to finding the best home and handling the paperwork. If you’re looking for peace of mind and expert advice, a placement consultant could be the right choice for you.

If you or your family need assistance with aged care placement, reach out to a consultant to see how they can make this important decision easier for you.

You’ll find a range of well qualified placement consultants in your area on the Aged Care Guide.

Related content:

What a financial advisor can do for you
Case managers
Nursing home fee estimator