A Glimpse into the Future of Aged Care: Alba Easy Living Apartments and Australian Unity

We recently had the opportunity to attend a special event hosted by Megan Parnaby from Australian Unity at the Alba Hybrid Aged Care and Retirement Living. This innovative development has introduced the Alba Easy Living Apartments, which offer a continuum of care options from independence to clinical care and memory support. The event brought together various professionals in the aged care industry to explore this exciting new concept and discuss the future of aged care and retirement living. 

The Alba Easy Living Apartments, comprising 60 beautifully designed units, provide state-of-the-art facilities within a light-filled interior, complete with an on-site café, private dining facilities, a hair and beauty spa, and a gym. In addition, the prime location near Albert Park Lake ensures residents have access to a range of outdoor activities and a vibrant community connection. 

In line with Australian Unity’s “Better Together” principles, the Alba Care Suites feature 95 beds, small self-contained households, and a higher staff-to-resident ratio, allowing for more personalised care and service. This model showcases the commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents while providing a seamless transition through different care levels. 

As experts in retirement village and aged care financial advice, we were thrilled to engage with other professionals and share insights into the financial models and options available for individuals considering a move to a retirement village or residential aged care. Our team is dedicated to helping clients make informed decisions and find the best financial solutions for their unique situations. 

The tour of the Alba Hybrid Aged Care and Retirement Living was an invaluable opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible amenities and forward-thinking approach to aged care embraced by Australian Unity. We look forward to seeing how this innovative model continues to evolve and redefine the landscape of aged care and retirement living.

The ACG Strategy Day 2023

The Aged Care Guru’s annual Strategy Day took place on February 24, 2023, bringing together experts from across Australia to exchange ideas and insights about the aged care and retirement planning industry. Attendees engaged in discussions and presentations on a wide range of topics, including changes in aged care policies, financial strategies, and the crucial role that financial planners play in preventing elder abuse.

Shaun Ganguly, the founder of Aged Care Financial Planning and Retirement Village Financial Advice, was chosen as one of three panelists on a national panel hosted by Rachel Lane from Aged Care Gurus. Shaun spoke on the topic of “How to build a successful aged care advice business (from advisers who have)”, sharing his expertise on the use of technology, client engagement, and leverage in building such a business.

The panel provided valuable insights on various aspects of establishing a successful aged care advice business, and the attendees learned from the collective experiences of the panelists.

Other distinguished speakers at the event included Marilyn Graham from Aveo and Jessica Kinnear, a lawyer from Compare Villages. They shared their perspectives on how retirement villages are adapting to the changing accommodation, contracts, and care to meet market demands.

Felipe Araujo and Laura Salisbury from Generation Life also presented the latest financial products that can help clients achieve their financial goals. James Dimond from Moores Lawyers led another session on the critical role financial planners play in preventing elder abuse. The presentation emphasized the importance of protecting clients from abuse and the critical role that financial planners play in identifying and preventing it.

The event was an informative and insightful opportunity for industry experts to share their knowledge and experiences. It highlighted the importance of continuous learning and knowledge sharing in the aged care and retirement planning industry. The critical role played by financial planners in helping clients achieve their financial goals while ensuring their protection was also emphasised.

Overall, it was a successful event that showcased the importance of collaboration and innovation in the aged care and retirement planning industry. 

Can I call Centrelink for Financial Advice?

Many Aussies may wonder if they can call Centrelink for financial advice. However, the answer is no. While Centrelink can provide information and factual answers to your questions, they are not licensed or qualified to consider your personal circumstances and give recommendations. 

It’s essential to understand that Centrelink officers are not financial planners, and they have limited knowledge of financial matters beyond the policies and procedures related to Centrelink payments. Therefore, they cannot provide the tailored financial advice that you may require. 

Similarly, while the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) can provide information on tax-related matters, they are not tax accountants. Their expertise is limited to tax policies and procedures. If you need advice on how to structure your investments to minimise your tax liability, then you should seek advice from a qualified accountant or financial planner. 

It’s also important to note that people often ask if they can get free financial advice from Centrelink. While Centrelink does offer a Financial Information Service, which provides education and information on financial matters, this service is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice. The service aims to help you make more informed decisions about your finances and can be a useful starting point for understanding financial matters. 

In conclusion, while Centrelink can provide you with information and factual answers to your questions, they are not qualified to provide personalised financial advice. If you need advice on managing your finances, investing, or minimising your tax liability, it’s best to seek help from a licensed financial planner or accountant.

Accessing Aged Care: What Couples Need to Know

Aged care is something that couples need to start planning for well in advance. There are many things to consider when making the decision about who will provide aged care for one another, and it’s important to have all the information before making a choice. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the things couples need to think about when accessing aged care. We’ll also talk about the implications of making this decision, and what you can do to make the process as smooth as possible. 

When it comes to aged care, there are two main types of care that couples can choose from: home care and residential care. Home care is where a person is cared for in their own home by a professional caregiver. This type of care can be customised to meet the needs of the individual, and it allows couples to remain in their own home for as long as possible. 

Residential care is where a person moves into a facility that provides 24-hour nursing care. This type of care is often necessary for people who can no longer live independently or who need more specialised care. 

When making the decision about which type of care is best for a couple, there are a few factors to consider. First, you’ll need to think about the needs of each individual. Does one person require more care than the other? What type of care do they need? Are there any medical conditions that need to be taken into consideration? 

Second, you’ll need to think about your budget. Home care can be expensive, and it’s important to make sure you can afford the care that’s needed. Residential care is often less expensive, but it’s important to consider the long-term costs associated with this type of care. 

Finally, you’ll need to think about your lifestyle and how you want to maintain your independence. If you’re not comfortable with the thought of moving into a facility, home care may be the best option for you. 

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll need to start planning for how you’ll access aged care. If you decide to go with home care, you’ll need to find a reputable agency that provides this type of care. You’ll also need to make sure you have the financial resources in place to pay for the care. 

If you decide to go with residential care, you’ll need to find a facility that meets your needs and budget. You’ll also need to make sure you’re comfortable with the level of care you’ll receive. 

A Protected Person can have various impacts on Aged Care too and smart decision making is needed to minimise costs in care. 

No matter which type of care you choose, it’s important to have a plan in place so you can access the care you need when you need it.  Aged care can be a complex process, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are many resources available to help you make the best decision for your situation. 

What Is Aged Care and Why Does It Matter?

Aged care is something that a lot of people don’t think about until they need it. And by then, it may be too late. Aged care can be expensive, and the options available to you can be overwhelming. In this blog post, we will discuss what aged care is, why it matters, and how you can plan for it financially. 

What is aged care? 

Aged care is a term used to describe the various services and support available to older people who need help with everyday activities. This can include everything from personal care and health care to domestic assistance, shopping, and cooking. 

Aged care can be provided in someone’s own home (in-home care) or in an aged care facility or nursing home. 

Reasons Why Aged Care Matters 

As we age, we often lose the ability to take care of ourselves. This can be due to physical or mental health problems, or simply because we are not as mobile as we used to be. Aged care can help us maintain our independence and quality of life. 

Secondly, aged care can provide much-needed support to our families and carers. When we are no longer able to take care of ourselves, it can be a huge burden on those who love and care for us. Aged care can help ease this burden and allow our loved ones to continue living their lives without having to worry about us all the time. 

Finally, aged care is important because it can be expensive. The cost of aged care can vary depending on the type and level of care required, but it is not cheap. Aged care financial planning is therefore essential to ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared for the future. 

Aged Care Financial Planning 

When it comes to financial planning for aged care, there are a number of things to consider. 

Firstly, you will need to consider how you will fund your aged care. This may include using your savings, selling your home, or taking out a loan. 

You will also need to think about what type of aged care you want and need, and how this will fit into your budget. Financial planning for aged care is something hard that you can do on your own, so it is important to seek professional advice. A financial planner can help you understand all of the options available to you, and make sure that you are prepared for the future. 

Wrapping Up 

Aged care is an important issue that we all need to think about. It is not something that we can ignore, and the sooner we start planning for it, the better. Financial planning is essential to ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared for the future. 

If you would like to need help with your aged care financial planning, please contact us today. We can help you plan for a bright future.