The transition to aged care can sometimes be a stressful time for families. We are here to help you every step of the way
We know that moving into aged care can feel like a big step – but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At CraigCare, we’re here to make the process simple, clear, and as stress-free as possible.
Our friendly team will guide you through each stage – from understanding your options and paperwork to settling your loved one into their new home.
We take care of the details, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re supported every step of the way.
Let us take the weight off your shoulders – and help make this transition a little easier for everyone.
Step 1
To move into a residential aged care home an assessment is first required which provides approval to receive respite or permanent care services. This assessment outlines in detail the care needs and health diagnosis of the potential resident. If an assessment has not yet been completed, please contact My Aged Care 1800 200 422 to arrange a free assessment. An Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) staff member will assist you with this process.
Once the assessment is complete, an approval letter and support plan is provided to you with a unique referral code next to the approved service. This referral code needs to be forwarded to the aged care home of your choice to enable the clinicians to determine if they can meet your care needs.
Step 2
CraigCare encourages anyone looking into aged care to come and view their preferred home. We believe it is important to physically experience the home, its culture and feel, to meet the Home Manager and key staff that will care for you, and our lovely residents who will become your friends. If you live interstate or if there is any other reason that may prevent you from physically touring the home, it is recommended you request a virtual tour of the home.
To book a tour, please contact our friendly Admissions team by calling our Western Australian team on 0419 856 664 or our Victorian team on 0468 718 856, or click here to submit an online enquiry or click here to book a tour online. A tour will be arranged at your convenience, and a further discussion will be held with you to understand your individual care needs, preferences and wishes, and to answer any questions you may have regarding residential aged care or CraigCare.
Step 3
After completion of the home tour you may wish to go home and discuss further with your family or you may make an immediate decision to move into our home. We are happy to place a tentative hold on a room for 48 hours while you make your decision.
Step 4
If you wish to proceed with CraigCare as the new home, now is the time to select a room and plan the furniture and personal items you would like to bring with you. Our display rooms provide a good indication of optimum furniture size and layout. At this time, you will be provided with some pre-admission documentation which is required to be completed prior to admission. We can assist you with completion of all the necessary paperwork. We will also determine a preferred date you would like to move into our home.
Step 5
From the moment you or your loved one arrives, we want you to feel not just cared for – but truly at home. One of our friendly team members will personally escort you to your room and help settle you in, including unpacking personal belongings to make the space feel familiar and comfortable.
To ensure we provide the best possible care, we’ll take some time to get to know you – covering your health, food preferences, and lifestyle interests. This helps us personalise everything we do, from your meals to your daily routines and social activities.
We’ll walk you through how mealtimes work, introduce you to our lifestyle and activity programs, and help you meet your fellow residents – your new soon-to-be friends.
We’ll also make sure you’re comfortable using important things like the call bell, television, and telephone.
We understand that this transition can be emotional. Please know that we treat your loved one as we would our own. With warmth, respect, and kindness. You are welcome to be as involved as you would like, and we are always here to keep you informed, reassured, and connected every step of the way.
Step 6
Life at CraigCare is all about continuing the things that bring you joy – like regular family catch-ups, shared meals, and long-standing traditions. We encourage your family and friends to visit as often as they like, whenever it works best for you.
This is your home, and you are free to enjoy it your way. Whether it’s spending time with visitors, joining in social activities, or simply relaxing in your own space, you will be supported with kindness, respect, and care. With a team that values you, you can truly feel comfortable, connected, and at ease.
An ACAT assessment is essentially your way to access aged care support. It is used to determine your eligibility for funding and to decide what level of care you require based on your circumstances and support needs.
At CraigCare some of our aged care fees may be negotiable.
Talk to us about your Refundable Accommodation Deposit and our Enhanced Everyday Living Package and we will find a solution that best meets your care needs and financial situation.
The Basic Daily Care Fee, Hotelling Supplement Contribution, and Non-Clinical Care Contribution are set by the Commonwealth Department of Health and are therefore standard across all residents in all residential aged care providers. These fees are non-negotiable.
No. We support “Ageing in Place” where the level of care provided changes as care needs change. Decisions about where you will live within the home will prioritise your wellbeing, protection and safety and take into account our ability to provide you with the best possible care. There may be times when we will need to reassess where you live within the home to ensure we meet these priorities. A comprehensive care plan will be created for you upon arrival, and will be regularly updated depending on your care needs.
A response is usually required on the day of offer or at least within 48 hours.
The financial implications of aged care are complex. If you have queries regarding your specific financial situation you may choose to seek independent financial advice. In regards to CraigCare’s room pricing, payment options or general questions about the cost of residential care, please contact our friendly Admissions team on 0468 718 856.
Beds, bedside cupboards, wardrobes and linen are provided across all of our CraigCare homes. A television is also provided for some of the rooms. We strongly encourage small items of furniture and knickknacks to personalise your room.
Yes. CraigCare is committed to ensuring that experienced Registered Nurses are on site 24/7 across all our homes.
We strongly support aged care providers being held to account for providing quality care to residents and safe environments for staff. We do not support mandating staffing ratios as the skill mix of staff, their qualifications and training and the way they work are also critical. We work under a care model that recognises the acuity and changing needs of residents.
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