Moving into aged care, or helping a parent through the process? Kara Legal advises on Refundable Accommodation Deposits, contracts, and the legal side of aged care decisions.
The move into aged care or supported senior living involves more legal and financial complexity than most families expect — Refundable Accommodation Deposits (RADs), aged care contracts, Centrelink means testing, and how the move interacts with your existing estate plan and Power of Attorney arrangements.
Kara Legal supports older Victorians and their families through this transition, whether you're planning ahead or making decisions during a health crisis. We work alongside your financial adviser and aged care placement consultant where relevant, so the legal side of the decision fits the bigger picture.
Our aged care & senior living services include:
We understand that each client's needs and circumstances are unique, especially in areas like aged care and elder law. That's why we take a client-centered approach to each case, tailoring our senior living legal support services to meet our clients' individual needs.
What is a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)? It's a lump-sum payment made to an aged care provider in exchange for accommodation, which is refunded (less any agreed deductions) when the resident leaves or passes away. Understanding your payment options — RAD, daily payments, or a combination — has significant financial implications worth getting advice on.
Do I need a Power of Attorney before moving into aged care?Ideally, yes, and well before it's needed. Without one, family members may need to apply to VCAT for an administration order if the person can no longer make their own decisions — a longer and more stressful process.
Can I negotiate an aged care facility's contract? Some terms are set, but not everything is fixed — we review contracts to flag anything unusual and help you understand what you're agreeing to before signing.
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