What does residential aged care cost?
Residential care fees are charged in accordance with the regulations stipulated by the Australian Department of Social Services. Details are available at: http://www.myagedcare.gov.au/ or from the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 200 422.
There are a number of components to the fees an individual is assessed to pay; the amount is based on a standard minimal fee (daily fee) for all residents and then may vary depending on means and assets tests conducted by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs. All fees are set and regulated by Government.
- Daily Fee – equates to 85% of the Age Pension.
- Pensioner Supplement – for pensioners this is paid by the Government, for non-pensioners, it is an additional daily charge.
- Income Tested Fee – a specific, means tested charge which is deducted from the care subsidy the Government pays PAC, hence it is added to the resident fee. It is based on income above the allowable income for full pensioners.
Although the fee covers most standard services, some additional specific requirements are charged on an individually assessed and costed basis. These will be discussed with you and outlined in your resident agreement.