At St Catherine's we understand that moving into aged care is a big decision and a major investment – both financially and emotionally. It’s important to gain an understanding of the fees and charges associated with your care and accommodation.
We recommend you seek financial advice before entering an aged care home to help you choose the right payment option for you. Your fees and charges will vary according to your circumstances. There are four main fees associated with aged care: |
- Basic Daily Fee – This fee 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 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.
Payment is required one month in advance and is to be made by direct debit.
- Means Tested Care Fee - This fee contributes to your day-to-day care costs. This is an additional daily care contribution fee based upon 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 applicable.
If you are part of a couple, your fee will be based on half of your combine income and assets, regardless of who earns the income or owns the assets.
If you were receiving a Home Care Package before moving to an aged care home and have been paying an income-tested care fee related to that, it counts toward your annual and lifetime caps or your annual and lifetime caps.
Payment is required one month in advance and is to be made by direct debit.
- Additional fees and services – This fee is for the care or services that are in addition to those that the 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 wifi access.
Payment is required one month in advance and is to be made by direct debit.
You may be required to contribute some or all of the cost 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. This form is not compulsory to complete, but for those who choose not to will be required to pay the full price.
If you’re a non-concessional resident, there are four options available:
If you’re a non-concessional resident, there are four options available:
- Accommodation Costs - The amount that you are required to pay is based upon an individual’s assets and income and is determined by the Department of Human Services through completing a Request for a Combined Assets and Income Assessment.
You can move into an aged 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.
DAP calculator
This DAP calculation is to be used as a guide only. Read more about fees and charges to understand how this is calculated.
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.
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.