There are standard fees that are associated with care in any Commonwealth Government supported residential facility. The Department of Health and Ageing expects residents to contribute toward their own care if they are in a financial position to do so. To that end, self-funded retirees are charged a slightly higher amount than pensioners and part-pensioners.

Navigating through the financial information can be confusing and we do recommend consulting a financial advisor if you need assistance. Centrelink has financial advisors as part of their staff; they can be accessed by anyone, without charge, by calling them directly on 132 300.

Daily Care Fees (Respite and Permanent)

Care fees cover the daily costs associated with living in a residential care facility. These include food, cleaning, washing, and any nursing assistance required. They are the equivalent of 85% of the basic pension, indexed to the pension and are the same for low and high care residents who are under either a permanent or respite arrangement.

Do I pay an Accommodation Bond or Accommodation Charge?

Clients who are accepted into an ECH facility in a permanent capacity may be subject to pay an accommodation bond (low care) or accommodation charge (high care). The amount is calculated by the net value of your assets. A Request for an Assets Assessment form is to be completed and sent to either Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) prior to your admission so that we can advise you on the amount that you can expect to incur.

You will not be expected to pay a bond or charge if Centrelink or DVA deem that you cannot afford it.

Do I get any of my bond money back?

When you pay an accommodation bond there is a small amount retained by the care provider. The retention amount is charged monthly for a maximum of five years. If, before those five years expire, you move into high care, discharge, transfer or die, the retention amount is charged only up to that date. The retention amount is continually updated by the Department of Health and Ageing and can be accessed on their website.

The amount remaining after the retention fees have been deducted is returned to the resident or resident’s estate at the end of the stay.

What is an Income Tested Fee?

The income tested fee is a fee charged by the Department of Health and Ageing to residents that are part-pensioners and non-pensioners. It is calculated by the Department after a client has been accepted into care and their financial position has been adjusted to reflect their new arrangements. These fees are updated regularly and can be accessed on the Department of Health and Ageing Website. Click here to View

Medication and other costs while in a care facility

Low care residents must pay for their own medications, wound dressings, continence pads and any other special nursing equipment necessary.

High care residents are covered by the Department of Health and Ageing for costs associated with 'general' medications, wound dressings, continence pads and any other special nursing equipment. Resident specific medications are not covered.

All residents pay for hairdressing, drycleaning and similar services.