Costs

Understanding costs

Understanding the different costs is an important part of the decision to move into residential aged care.

It’s also an important factor in selecting the right type of accommodation and payment option that will best meet your needs. Walara offers flexible cost options for its residents. We’re here to help you understand the costs and offer you choices that best suit your circumstances.

Am I eligible for Australian Government Assistance?

The costs that you pay cover the cost of the care you receive and your accommodation. The Australian Government subsidises some aged care fees if you are eligible. This is based on your income and assets.

It is important to find out if you are entitled for Australian Government assistance to support your accommodation and care costs.

The first step is to complete and lodge an Income and Assets Assessment form with Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Australian Government assistance can only be paid if these forms have been submitted.

Your income and assets will be assessed by the Australian Government and will advise the amount you will be subsidised towards your care and accommodation costs.

We strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice to help you choose the right option for you.

Types of costs

There are different types of fees for residential aged care depending on your circumstances. Below is an outline of each:

Basic daily fee

An amount to cover the costs of day to day care services you will receive at our aged care homes.

Means-tested Care Fee

A contribution some residents pay towards costs of care. The amount of the fee, if any, is determined by means assessment, based on your income and assets.

Respite Fees

This is a daily fee covering the basic cost of care and is applicable for short-term respite accommodation.

Additional Services Fees

These apply to optional services such as hairdressing, paid TV services, etc.

Accommodation costs

Depending on your means assessment, this is an amount that some people pay to contribute towards or cover the full costs of their room in line with Government guidelines.

Residents who are not eligible for Government support have 3 different payment options for accommodation costs:

More info

For further information about these options go to:

https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-home-costs-and-fees

Payment options to suit you

We offer flexible payment options to suit your individual circumstances. You can take 28 days from entry to decide on your preferred payment method. A Daily Accommodation Payment fee will be applied during this 28 day period.

We encourage you to seek independent financial management advice from a licensed financial advisor with experience in aged care.

Need help understanding costs?

Call us to speak with our Admissions Officer for further information about the costs associated with our residential aged care accommodation.

My Aged Care residential care fee estimator is a useful too that can help you calculate the costs you may be required to pay for residential aged care accommodation.

What our residents say

“This is a caring, efficient and homely facility. I am very happy to have my husband here in a permanent capacity. He feels comfortable, supported, and enjoys meeting new staff members and residents. The staff are friendly but professional and will consult with families when problems arise”.

Flo, Resident, Walara Hamley Bridge