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Financial Information

Understanding
care costs

At St Catherine’s, we believe in transparency, compassion, and helping families make more informed decisions about care.

Respite care fees and charges

Respite care at St Catherine’s is for a minimum of a two week continual period.

All residents are asked to pay a Basic Daily Fee. This is a contribution towards day-to-day living costs such as meals, cleaning, laundry, heating and cooling, as well as social activities.

This fee is set out by the Government and equates to 85% of the full pension. The fee amount will be reviewed on the 20th March and 20th September each year in line with the pension increase.

Everyone in aged care is required to pay this fee unless they are experiencing financial hardship which will be determined by Centrelink.

Visit the government’s Ageing and Aged Care website to learn about fees, charges and payments.

Download St. Catherine’s fees (March 2025) Visit Australian Government’s Ageing and Aged Care

Respite day care fees and charges

The Respite Day Care respite fee is $90 per day. This per day rate is applicable regardless of whether a client chooses to stay for part or the full day.


All payments are non-refundable and are to be received in advance of the booking date.


In addition to this, a day respite agreement is to be reviewed and authorised by the resident or their loved one prior to the booking date to ensure all parties are aware of the terms and conditions of day respite at St Catherine’s

Permanent care fees and charges

At St Catherine’s we understand that moving into aged care is a big decision and a major investment – both financially and emotionally.
Prior to committing to permanent care with us it is important that you have a clear understanding of the fees and charges associated with your care and accommodation.

We recommend you seek financial and legal advice before entering an aged care home to help you choose the right payment option for you.

Your individual fees and charges will vary according to your personal circumstances.

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Essentially, there are four main fees:

Covers your day-to-day living costs such as meals, cleaning, laundry, heating and cooling. It is currently 85% of the pension. The fee amount is reviewed on 20 March and 20 September each year in line with the government pension increase. Every resident in aged care is required to pay this fee unless they are experiencing financial hardship which will be determined by Centrelink.

Payment of the Basic Daily Fee is required one month in advance, by direct debit to St Catherine’s.

Contributes to your day-to-day care costs and is an additional daily care contribution fee based on an individual’s personal circumstances. The fee is capped annually and over a resident’s lifetime. The means-tested care fee is determined by an assessment of your assets and income. The assessment is done via an Income and Assets Assessment Form that is completed and lodged with Centrelink. DHS or DVA will then send you a letter to advise you of what your means-tested fee will be.

If you are part of a couple, your fee will be based on half of your combined income and assets, regardless of who earns the income or owns the assets.

If you were receiving a Home Care Package before moving to a care home like St Catherine’s and have been paying an income-tested care fee, this will count toward your annual and lifetime caps.

Payment of the Means Tested Care Fee is required one month in advance, by direct debit to St Catherine’s.

Cover the care or services that are in addition to those that the care home must provide to you.

St Catherine’s offers an optional communication package to ensure you’re able to stay in contact with your loved ones. This includes a telephone in your room and unlimited Wi-Fi access. Payment for such services is required one month in advance, by direct debit to St Catherine’s.

In addition, you may be required to contribute some or all of the costs of your accommodation. If your income and assets are below the threshold (concessional) as determined by the Department of Human Services, no accommodation cost is required. It should be noted that whilst this form is not compulsory, if you choose not to complete and submit, you will be required to pay the full permanent care price.

If you’re a non-concessional resident, there are four options available:

  • Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) – This is a lump sum that is fully refundable when you leave. St. Catherine’s maximum RAD is up to $750,000.
  • Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) – This is the daily payment of interest. Services Australia sets the maximum permissible interest rate (MPIR) that you pay.
  • A combination of RAD and DAP – You can elect to pay a part of your RAD and DAP on the remaining amount.
  • A combination of both RAD and DAP drawdown – If you elect to pay a RAD, you may choose to have your DAP deducted as part of the combination arrangement.

The amount that you are required to pay is based upon an individual’s assets and income and is determined by the Services Australia through completing a Request for a Combined Assets and Income Assessment.

You can move into a care home before deciding how you want to pay. You then have 28 days to decide. Until that point, you will make a daily accommodation payment.

Options for paying your fees.

A refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) can be paid by cheque or electronic funds transfer.
All other accommodation fees are to be paid one month in advance, via direct debit to St Catherine’s.

Do you have any questions about care for you or a loved one?

Please contact us for a friendly chat or to book a personal tour.

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