Aged Care Fees & Charges

What will I be asked to pay?

You may be asked to pay towards your care, accommodation and daily living costs. How much you pay depends on your financial situation. There are strong protections in place to make sure care is affordable for everyone.
‍
The Australian Government sets the maximum fees for care and daily living expenses, and there are also rules about how much you can be asked to pay or contribute to your accommodation.
‍
You may be asked to pay one or more of the following:

A Basic Daily Care Fee

This covers the cost of your daily care needs such as meals, electricity, laundry, showering, cleaning etc. For some people, this is the only fee they are required to pay. Everyone pays a basic daily fee.

A Means-Tested Care Fee

This is an additional contribution towards the cost of care that some people may be required to pay. Services Australia (Centrelink) or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will work out if you are required to pay this fee based on an assessment of your income and assets, and will advise you of the amount.

An Accommodation Payment

This is for your accommodation in your new home. Some people will have their accommodation costs met in full or part by the Australian Government, while others will need to pay the accommodation price agreed with the aged care home. Services Australia will advise you which applies to you based on an assessment of your income and assets. If Services Australia determines you need to pay your own accommodation costs, this can be paid via a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD), Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) or a combination of the two.

RAD - If you choose to pay a RAD, this is a lump sum which is refunded in its entirety to you or your family once you leave the aged care facility, minus any agreed-upon or unpaid fees.

DAP - If you choose a DAP, this is a daily rental-style payment for your accommodation whilst you stay in the aged care facility. It is calculated as interest on the amount of the RAD you didn’t pay. This is not refundable.

Fees for Extra Services and Additional Services

Additional fees may apply if you choose a higher standard of accommodation or additional services. These vary from home to home. We can supply you with details of these services and the fees that apply.

Our aim is to make your life as easy and simple as possible.

We have plenty of simple and easy to follow information available for you. We are always happy to explain about the costs associated with the care we provide. Visit our Contact Us page to get in touch with our friendly team who can assist you with providing more information, or view our Resource Page for downloads.

The Australian Government My Aged Care Service is very helpful in outlining what aged care services are available, how to apply for aged care and the fees associated with aged care. Their contact number is 1800 200 422 and their website is www.myagedcare.gov.au.
SummitCare can also arrange contact with several independent financial advisors who specialise in helping you make the best financial decisions around care requirements as you age.

Contact Us on 1300 68 55 48 if you would like us to assist in arranging this for you.

We offer two methods for the payment of fees and charges:

Payment by Direct Debit
This means that the amount on your statement will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account or credit card around the 15th day of the month.
Group Schedule
This is available for pensioners or DVA Care Recipients who choose to have the pension paid into the Care Recipient trust account. A statement will be issued each month with the balance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why don't you accept cash?

We do not offer cash or cheque payment options at our centres due to risks associated with this practice. It is important that we protect staff and Care Recipients at the service. We do not have the capability for holding cash at the centre.

What makes up the fees?

Fees are made up of:
- basic daily fee: this is a flat rate, fixed by the department
- income tested fee: if the resident's income is assessed as above the threshold. This is determined by Centrelink
- accommodation charge: determined by your means assessment and the accommodation you select

The basic daily fee and level of accommodation charge is prescribed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing as per the Aged Care Act. It is important that you send your means assessment form to Services Australia or DVA as soon as you have been assessed for an aged care placement. Until we receive confirmation regarding your financial status you will be charged the full accommodation charge.

On admission do I need to pay in advance?

Yes, on admission you are required to pay fees equivalent to one month’s fees in advance.

Invoicing

Invoices are issued at the start of each month and include fees and charges for the next month, as set by the Australian Government and Services Australia, depending on your individual circumstances. Other charges may appear on your monthly account in addition to the daily care fee, accommodation charges and income tested fees. These charges may include Podiatry, Hairdressing, Pharmacy items, Electrical tagging, cost of approved outings, and labelling of personal clothing.

'In the spirit of reconciliation SummitCare acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.'