How do residential care home fees work?

It can be overwhelming and confusing to know how much residential care costs will apply when moving into residential aged care. Everyone can afford residential care. Depending on income and assets, the Australian Government may pay some fees. We have tried to simplify the residential care costs as much as possible below. For more information, contact our friendly and knowledgeable Admissions Team on 1300 653 600 who are experts in all things aged care.

The costs

The aged care system in Australia involves a few different fees. Not all fees are relevant to everyone, this depends on each person’s income and assets. Centrelink will work out which fees apply.

Fees include:

  • A basic daily fee
  • An accommodation payment or contribution
  • A means-tested care fee
  • Fees for additional services

Basic daily fee

This covers everyday living costs such as meals, cleaning, laundry, heating and cooling. Everyone moving into an aged care home can be asked to pay this fee and it is equal to 85% of the single basic age pension.

Accommodation payment or contribution

This is the amount charged for a room. Some people will have all or part of this cost covered by the Australian Government.

There are 3 main payment options available:

1. Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)
The RAD is paid up front and is refunded when you leave the care home.

2. Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)
This payment is accrued daily and is not refunded when you leave the care home.

3. A combination of both
You can combine the above options to suit your budget.

 

A means-tested care fee

Centrelink will tell you if this fee applies, based on an income and assets assessment. This fee covers the cost of daily care needs such as nursing and personal care.

Connect with us to find out more

If you need more information you can call one of our friendly team members now, or request a callback at a preferred time.

Or if you are ready to register your interest in this service, you can do this online now too.

Advice about Residential Care

Female reception staff member on phone call respite care

Eligibility for government-subsidised residential aged care is assessed through My Aged Care. An aged care assessor will discuss your health, safety, daily support needs and current living situation before confirming whether you are approved for residential aged care. Many people still know this as an ACAT assessment. Your approval letter will explain which services you are eligible to access and may include referral codes.

Next step: Contact My Aged Care to arrange an assessment, then speak with Helping Hand about available homes and next steps.

Qualifications depend on the role. All employees need to be eligible to live and work in Australia and may need a current national police clearance. Some roles require specific qualifications, licences or registrations. Common examples include Certificate III in Individual Support for care roles, a full South Australian driver’s licence for community roles, a Diploma of Nursing for Enrolled Nurses, and a Bachelor of Nursing plus AHPRA registration for Registered Nurses.

Next step: Review the job advertisement for role-specific requirements and contact Helping Hand recruitment with questions.

Residential aged care costs vary depending on the home, room type, government funding and your personal financial situation. The Australian Government may contribute to care costs, and residents may also need to contribute depending on their means assessment. Costs may include care fees, accommodation costs and optional additional services. Helping Hand publishes fees on individual residential care home pages.

Next step: Review My Aged Care cost guidance, check fees on the relevant home page and speak with Helping Hand’s Admissions Team.

Aged care residents have rights under the Statement of Rights. These include the right to independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice; equitable access; quality and safe care and services; respect for privacy and information; person-centred communication and the ability to raise issues without reprisal; and the right to advocates, significant persons, and social connections.

Next step: Read the Statement of Rights and speak with Helping Hand if you have questions about resident rights, advocacy or support.

Home care supports you to stay living independently in your own home with services such as cleaning, personal care, transport, nursing, allied health and social support. Residential care is for people who need 24-hour support in a care home, including nursing, meals, personal care and lifestyle activities.

If you are unsure which option is right, contact Helping Hand or arrange an aged care assessment through My Aged Care.

Yes. Helping Hand can arrange residential care home tours by appointment. Visiting a home can help you understand the environment, rooms, shared spaces, lifestyle activities and whether the home feels right for you or your family member. Entry requirements may change depending on current health or government advice. Virtual tours are also available for some homes on the residential care locations page.

Next step: Call 1300 653 600 or book a tour online.