What do the aged care reforms mean for me?

The aged care reforms are essential to ensuring that the aged care system in Australia is sustainable and can keep up with future demand: but if the seemingly endless stream of information has left you wondering what it all means for you, read on.

You'll know the cost of your care upfront

Aged care providers are now required to tell you the maximum accommodation cost you will be charged in their homes. These are set by the provider, and rooms in the same home may be priced differently.

The accommodation costs for Hall & prior homes are available on the website.

You can now choose the way you pay for your care

Based on an assessment of your income and assets, some people will have their accommodation cost met in part of full by the Government, while others will need to pay the rice agreed with the aged care home. If you're required to pay for your accommodation, you can now choose three payment options:

1. a refundable accommodation deposit (paid as a lump with the balance refunded when you leave the home)
2. daily accommodation payments (paid periodically, eg monthly)
3. a combination of refundable accommodation deposit and daily payment.

You can find all the information about aged care you need in one place

The Australian Government My Aged Care website has been developed as a on-stop shop for everything aged care. Find out what help is available, learn about caring for someone or search for an aged care home, a home care service or an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) near you.

A helpline (1800 200 422) is also available from 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday and from 10am - 2pm on Saturday to answer any questions.