Getting Started
Getting Started

A clearer path to aged care

One step
at a time.

You do not need to understand everything at once. Our five-step guide brings the assessment, care choices, costs and move-in process into one calm, practical path.
Start the guide
Speak with our team

Here to help

from first question to move-in day

Begin where you are

A big decision can still feel manageable.

Families often begin this journey at different points. You may be planning ahead, responding to changing care needs or helping someone leave hospital. The next useful step depends on what has already been arranged.
GT can explain our care, rooms, availability and application process. My Aged Care and Services Australia remain the official sources for assessment outcomes and individual fee information.

Clear guidance, without pressure.

Take the process at the pace your situation allows.

Your five-step guide

Know the next useful step.

Each stage includes what it means, what can help and where to find trusted information.
Use the My Aged Care estimator
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01

STEP

The assessment is the starting point for accessing Australian Government-funded residential aged care.

Apply for an aged-care assessment

Apply through My Aged Care online, by phone or in person. The assessor will discuss daily life, health, safety and the support required, then provide an outcome and referral information.

Helpful to have ready
  • Medicare details
  • A family member or supporter, if helpful
  • Health and support information
How to apply

02

STEP

Bring the care decision and financial information together before comparing homes.

Understand care needs and costs

A means assessment helps determine possible contributions and government assistance. Room prices, daily living costs and individual contributions should all be considered before making a decision.

Helpful to have ready
  • Assessment outcome
  • Preferred room and care type
  • Means-assessment information
Understand aged-care costs

03

STEP

A visit helps you understand the people, spaces and everyday rhythm behind a website or brochure.

Shortlist and tour care homes

Consider the required care, room choice, meals, culture, activities, family access and overall atmosphere. Bring questions and take time to compare the things that matter most.

Helpful to have ready
  • A list of priorities
  • Preferred location and room type
  • Questions for the care team
Book a GT tour

04

STEP

Once GT feels right, our team can explain availability and guide the practical next steps.

Apply and plan together

Share the relevant assessment and referral information, discuss suitable rooms and review the documents and costs carefully. Ask questions before agreeing to anything you do not understand.

Helpful to have ready
  • Referral or assessment details
  • Personal and care contacts
  • Fee advice information, if available
Talk with our team

05

STEP

Familiar routines, people and belongings can help a new room begin to feel like home.

Prepare for a supported move-in

Before arrival, we learn about preferences, routines, medication information, cultural needs and the people who matter. Families can help choose photographs and personal items for the room.

Helpful to have ready
  • Current care and medication information
  • Favourite photos and suitable personal items
  • Comfortable labelled clothing
See the move-in checklist

Before a tour

Notice how the home feels— not only how it looks.

A tour is your chance to see everyday life, meet the people and ask whether the home can support the person now and as needs change.

01

Care

Can the home support current and changing care needs?

02

People

Do residents and staff appear comfortable and connected?

03

Rooms

Which room options are available, and what is included?

04

Meals

Can cultural, personal and dietary preferences be supported?

05

Lifestyle

Are there meaningful choices for active and quiet days?

06

Family

How are visits, updates and family involvement supported?

Bring your own questions

Write down priorities before the visit and involve the future resident wherever possible.

book a private gt tour

Understanding costs

Get the right information before you decide

Aged-care fees can include everyday living costs, individual contributions and accommodation costs. What applies depends on entry arrangements, financial circumstances, assessment outcomes and the room agreed with the provider.
gt rooms and pricing
01

Complete the means assessment

Services Australia or DVA uses financial information to determine possible contributions and government assistance.

02

Review the room price

A basic daily fee contributes to daily living services such as meals, cleaning and laundry.

03

Ask questions and seek advice

Request written information and consider independent financial advice for individual circumstances.

This page provides general information only. Your actual fees are determined through the relevant aged-care fee arrangements, means assessment and your agreement with the provider. Consider independent financial advice for your circumstances.

Here to help

from first question to move-in day

Preparing to move

Make the new room feel familiar from the beginning.

Small details can make arrival calmer. Confirm the practical information with the care team and choose a few meaningful belongings rather than trying to move everything at once.
  • Current medication and health information
  • Comfortable, clearly labelled clothing
  • Toiletries and mobility aids, if used
  • Photos, a familiar blanket or favourite objects
  • Important contacts and cultural preferences
  • Any approved electrical items
Ask about preparing for arrival

Trusted places to continue

Official resources for the practical details.

Assessment & care

My Aged Care

A skilled team is available day and night, with support tailored to current health and mobility needs.
Visit resource

Financial assessment

Services Australia

Learn about means assessments, fee advice and financial information for aged care.
Visit resource

GT information

Rooms & pricing

Explore the five GT room categories and understand how accommodation pricing works.
Visit resource

Your Care Journey FAQs

Answers for the first questions families ask.

Every situation is different. GT can explain our own process, while official organisations confirm assessment and fee outcomes.
Do I need an assessment before contacting GT?
No. You can contact GT at any stage to ask about care, rooms or tours. An assessment is needed to access Australian Government-funded residential aged care, so starting it early can be helpful.
Yes. Family members or other trusted supporters can help prepare questions, attend tours and support discussions, subject to the older person’s wishes and relevant authority.
Begin early. A means assessment can clarify possible government assistance and contributions, while GT can explain current room prices and provider information.
Tell My Aged Care, the hospital team or relevant health professional that the situation is urgent. You can also contact GT to discuss current availability, but eligibility and suitability still need to be confirmed.

Wherever you are in the journey

You can start with a simple conversation.

Tell us what has already been arranged and what still feels unclear. We can explain GT’s care, rooms, availability and application process.
Request a call back
Book a private tour
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