Residential Aged Care

The Whiddon Difference

Explaining Costs & Fees in Residential Aged Care

• Understanding Fees & Charges set by the Government

  Basic daily fee

  This fee contributes to the costs of your day-to-day living expenses.

  • Helps to cover the costs of meals, cleaning, laundry, electricity.
  • The Basic daily fee is calculated by the Australian Government at 85% of the pension.
  • This fee increases biannually.

   

  Means tested care fee

  In addition to the resident fees and charges, the Australian Government subsidises the cost of care for individuals based on their care needs. If you have the means to support the cost of your care, you will be required to contribute.

  • Whiddon does not retain this fee – it is paid directly to the Australian Government.
  • This fee is determined by the Centrelink Income and Assets Assessment.
  • The fee cannot be higher than the resident’s cost of care.
  • The Means Tested Care Fee is assessed quarterly and can change.
  • There are annual and life-time caps associated with this fee.
• Accommodation Costs

  Contributes to your accommodation at an aged care home.

  • Individuals who are assessed as having the means to pay are required by the Australian Government to contribute to the cost of the advertised room price.
  • Individuals who are assessed as low means will be supported by the Australian Government.
  • There are different ways to pay for your accommodation costs based on your personal financial situation, Centrelink’s assessment of your income and assets and the advice provided by an independent financial planner.
  • Each of Whiddon’s homes have different accommodation costs and these may also vary between room types.
• Understanding Centrelink's Income and Assets Assessment

  The Income and Assets Assessment is a Government assessment to determine your ability to contribute to your accommodation and care costs.

  • This Assessment can be completed prior to admission – valid for 120 days.
  • The Assessment is not mandatory, however the maximum fee charges will be applicable for those who do not have a valid Assessment, or until the Assessment is completed.
  • If a resident is assessed as having the means to pay their own accommodation costs, no reassessment can be requested at a later date.
  • If a resident is assessed as Low Means, they will retain this supported status for the duration of their admission in residential aged care.
• Optional Extras

  Assisted transport services

  Through Whiddon’s Community Care services we are able to offer residents access to Personal Transport Services. These services ensure that your family member is able to access the community, external health appointments or special occasions when they may otherwise be unable to attend.

  To find out more or to book your transport, please speak to the Administration Team at your care home or contact Whiddon on 1300 378 388.

  Additional services

  Whiddon offers a range of Additional Services to support and enhance our residents’ lifestyle, well-being and experience.

  Our Additional Services are offered at select locations and complement our exceptional care, award-winning hotel services and standard care services that are provided under the Aged Care Act.

  Please contact us to find out more about the Additional Services available at each home.