Financial advisers for aged care, any on here?

[achjimmy]

I have got my dear old mum into aged care facilities near me and so far it's working out well.  She is in respite for now but I have to formalize it shortly. I need to get some advise financially which is the best course of action around the family home etc. I have asked one financial planner who have come back with a possible solution. I am aware I need to pay for this assistance /advise but I am not sure how much it should be?  They are indicating $3500-3800 . Any advise appreciated.

[Nomad]

go and see a solicitor who is experienced in the process. I think its best to sell the family home and put the proceeds through her superfund.......definately worth checking out......Ill ask a solicitor friend and try and get you an answer. 

[krisandkev]

Good financial advisors are not cheap.  There is a gov web site where you can see if they are registered planners.  Kevin

[Mallory Black]

It's a labrynth and the rules are constantly changing.
The good ones are not cheap, you just got to be sure that they are who they say they are and deliver value with strategic advice.

Advisers - I don't know anyone down your way but make sure that you have an adviser that is a bona fide specialist in that field and does practically nothing but advice for people in aged care, and is totally across Centrelink and healthcare concessions and entitlements. There are advice firms who do nothing but that, and you could start with their names off the web and before you call them, ask other aged care residents or their families who they use and go from there, see if the feedback backs up their website profile.

Solicitor - The last people in the world you want involved in the event of death are grubs who magically materialise from the woodwork or the public trustee so as for a solicitor, yes get one, especially if the family make-up is not straightforward or if there might be issues on the executor side of things when the end game moment arrives if you know what I'm talking about.
Make sure there is a directive in place like power of attorney etc. Same deal, use a solicitor that specialises in work for people in this phase of life.

all the best

[buff]

Hi AJ.
Firstly, my sympathy to you and your family. It is a tough time for all involved, especially if your mum means a lot to you.
I have been through this over the last 4 - 5 years, and have just reached the end of the journey.
There is plenty of advice out there: the government website http://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-homes/considering-aged-care-home provides excellent advice, and their phone advisers are great, but if you want to go with private advisers, then my experience has been excellent.
I'm in Adelaide and used Sharee Kelly at enquiries@agedcareinfoservice.com.au ...she could point you in the direction of someone local, or possibly advise via email...you will need to know your mum's finances down to the last detail for her to give you accurate advice. Cost about $200 a few years ago IIRC.
Honestly, lawyers are not needed for this stage, and always best avoided.
From personal experience,  I would advise that if you have other family involved, please involve them in everything, but if they can't be bothered, remember to keep records of every discussion you have, or try to have with them. (For sale: A'hole brother who saw father for a few times over the last 30 years, was completely uninterested in his care, got lawyers involved in the will because he was unhappy that he was actually left the lion's share of the estate, but wanted it al!...true!!!!!)
DIY probate is fairly easy, so if you have half a brain, consider doing it yourself...it was a fairly quick and painless exercise when I did it, and you avoid lawyers, which could get expensive  depending on the value of the estate.
All the best,
buff