The Australian Government pays for the bulk of aged care in Australia, but as with all aged care services, you may be need to contribute to the cost of your care.
Basic daily fee
A basic daily fee is used to contribute towards your day-to-day living costs such as meals, cleaning, laundry, heating and cooling. From 20th September 2017, the maximum basic daily fee for new residents (including respite residents) is $49.42 per day. This rate increases on 20 March and 20 September each year in line with changes to the Age Pension.
How is the basic daily fee rate worked out?
For new residents, the maximum basic daily fee is 85% of the single person rate of the basic Age Pension. This applies even if you are a member of a couple.
Further information on the Age Pension and a full list of current rates is available on the Department of Human Services website.
If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. For more information, contact Department of Veterans' Affairs on 133 254 or 1800 555 254 (for regional callers).
How will I know what rate I should pay?
When you enter Violet Town Campus you will receive a letter from the Department of Human Services confirming your maximum basic daily fee.
Will my basic daily fee increase?
Yes. Your basic daily fee will be indexed on 20 March and 20 September each year in line with increases to the Age Pension. The Department of Human Services will let you know when the increases occur.
Means-tested care fee
This is an additional contribution towards the cost of care that some people may be required to pay. The Department of Human Services will work out if you are required to pay this fee based on an assessment of your income and assets, and will advise you of the amount. Please note that if you are a member of a couple, half of your combined income and assets are considered in determining your means-tested care fee, regardless of which partner earns the income or owns the asset.
There are annual and lifetime caps that apply to the means-tested care fee. Once these caps are reached, you cannot be asked to pay any more means-tested care fees. Any income-tested care fees you have paid in a Home Care Package prior to moving into an aged care home will also contribute to your annual and lifetime caps.
Accommodation payments
This is for your accommodation in the home. Some people will have their accommodation costs met in full or in part by the Australian Government, while others will need to pay the accommodation price agreed with Violet Town Campus. The Department of Human Services will advise which applies to you based on an assessment of your income and assets. Please note that if you are a member of a couple, half of your combined income and assets are considered in determining your eligibility for Government assistance with accommodation costs when you enter the home, regardless of which partner earns the income or owns the asset.
A meeting will be arranged prior to admission to provide information on accommodation charges and payments and discuss financial requirements and procedure.
Maximum Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) is $450,000 for single room with ensuite.
Maximum Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) is $400,000 for double room with ensuite.
All Accommodation Charges are negotiable with either RAD, Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) or a combination
Who manages my money?
It is your decision who manages your money. Direct debit can be organised so you can pay your bills automatically, either from your bank account or by deduction from a credit card. In some cases, you might be able to have your pension paid directly so that your fees and other costs, such as chemist bills, can be deducted.
What if I need help managing my affairs?
If you need help managing your affairs, you can arrange for someone you trust to look after them for you through a power of attorney. This is a legal document where you appoint someone else to act on your behalf in money or property matters.
You can also choose to give someone enduring power of attorney. This means that if at some stage you're no longer able to look after your affairs, someone you trust will be able to look after them for you and try to make sure your wishes are met. This person may also be able to make decisions on your health care. You can specify limits to their powers.
You can ask your solicitor about giving someone power of attorney or enduring power of attorney. Alternatively, someone from a community legal centre, a public trustee or private trustee company, or your local magistrate's court should be able to help. Read more about giving someone power of attorney.
You may also appoint someone to act on your behalf in relation to your aged care home fees and charges. To do this you need to complete an Appointment of a Nominee form, which you can print off or get from your aged care home.