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Organising Aged Care for your loved ones just got a little easier
13 November 2024
5 min read
Aged Care may not be something many Australians like to think about. But whether you’re supporting a loved one to live safely and independently in their later years, or making informed decisions about your own future, CFS is now offering members help to understand and access Aged Care.
If you’ve never had to arrange support for yourself or a loved one to live at home, or in a retirement complex or Aged Care facility, the thought of doing so can be confronting.
There are many different types of services available, funding models are complex, and comparing different options if the need is urgent can be stressful. Add medical considerations, family roles and dynamics, or managing the process for loved ones who don’t live nearby to the mix, and there’s little wonder it can be a difficult time.
But every year, around 250,000 older Australians* go through this process when accessing residential care and home care for the first time, and it can take families up to 190 hours to find the services they need^.
New partnership helps members understand Aged Care options
To make things a little easier, CFS is now offering support to help members and families navigate Australia’s Aged Care system.
CFS has partnered with Care and Living with Mercer to help CFS members around Australia access the Aged Care information you need so you can select suitable care options quickly and with confidence if the need arises.
The Guidance and Advice service is available as a discounted member benefit and offers personalised support to access all levels of care, from in-home support, retirement living and residential Aged Care to end-of-life preparation. It offers general advice on the financial considerations and funding options of various Aged Care arrangements but does not include personalised financial advice.
Members can access the service through an online portal and a national team of care consultants who can help connect you with service providers in your area.
The service includes access to a personal Aged Care planner that enables family members, healthcare professionals and financial advisers to collaborate online to put suitable care arrangements in place.
Unlimited Aged Care support is available through the service via phone or video calls with a care consultant.
“At CFS we want to support our members throughout their life and making it easier and less stressful for families to navigate the Aged Care system is one of the needs that can arise,” CFS Executive Director of Retirement Marissa Powe said.
“Australia’s Aged Care system is complex, and it can be expensive, and we know there is a real need for assistance when it comes to finding and selecting suitable Aged Care services and moving quickly to put arrangements in place,” Marissa said.
Making Aged Care decisions can come at a difficult and emotional time for families, Care and Living with Mercer leader Will Burkitt said.
What does it involve?
“By using the service, CFS members supporting ageing loved ones or planning for their own later years can save significant time, reduce stress and mental load, and ultimately achieve better outcomes.”
CFS members who enter the first three digits of their membership number will receive a $50 discount on the $400 fee.
Access to additional or emergency-level Care Concierge support is also available for an additional fee.
Members who sign up to the Guidance and Advice service can receive support to:
understand what services are available
shortlist Aged Care providers based on needs, preferences and location
collaborate with family members and other professionals with an Aged Care planner
stay on track when it comes to navigating the system through calendars and reminders
remain informed about changes to services.
The Care Concierge service can help with implementation and placement with care providers when needs are urgent or overwhelming, as well as help applying for government support, advocating with service providers and a follow-up check once arrangements are in place.
Learn more about Aged Care support for CFS members and families with Care and Living with Mercer.
What’s next?
Aged Care reforms to cost more
The proposed new Aged Care Bill aims to improve the quality of aged care
Six steps to lower the cost of caring
Look out for yourself and your super while looking after your loved ones
Guide to understanding Aged Care
Your guide to Australia’s aged care services, costs and eligibility
* Australian Institute for Health & Welfare report on Older Australians, 2021-22
^ Care and Living with Mercer customer data.
Avanteos Investments Limited ABN 20 096 259 979, AFSL 245531 (AIL) is the trustee of the Colonial First State FirstChoice Superannuation Trust ABN 26 458 298 557 and issuer of FirstChoice range of super and pension products. This document may include general advice but does not consider your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or tax circumstances. You can find the Target Market Determinations (TMD) for our financial products at www.cfs.com.au/tmd, which include a description of who a financial product might suit. You should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Financial Services Guide (FSG) carefully, assess whether the information is appropriate for you, and consider talking to a financial adviser before making an investment decision. You can get the PDS and FSG at www.cfs.com.au or by calling us on 13 13 36.