The Australian population is aging and more people are needing aged care. People need to know all of the costs to determine what is the best step for them or their loved ones. When it comes to aged care homes, there are 5
- Accommodation Cost – This is definitely the largest fee you will see. Most families will only consider the RAD or Refundable Accommodation Deposit, which is a room’s lump sum. There’s also DAP or Daily Accommodation Payment, which can be combined with RAD.
- Basic Daily Fee – This is to cover an aged Australian’s everyday needs, such as meals and cleaning, as well as utilities and laundry. The fee will depend on age pension rates.
- Hotelling Fee – Contribution for this fee will depend on your income and assets and should cover services like maintaining communal areas, linen services, and housekeeping.
- Non-Clinical Care Contribution – This fee is for activities that aren’t medical or clinical in nature, like assistance in mobility, dressing, and showering.
- Higher Everyday Living Fee – More of an optional fee for extra services, it can be a premium menu or entertainment packages and will vary per establishment.
Do take note that these fees are just for receiving care and not that actual cost of living. It is still important to consider these key costs for aged care.