Accommodation Costs and Key Feature Statements
Warrigal – this is who we are
At Warrigal we are committed to older people having choice and we support those who are financially disadvantaged wherever possible. Our financially supported resident ratios are well above the required government regional requirements which are generally 21%, at Warrigal our ratio usually stands at around 40%. This means that we provide the highest possible quality of care to all people with an assessed need, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Our philosophy of choice is built upon 4 key themes - Independence, Dignity, Happiness and feeling Connected, most importantly we provide places where people can just be themselves.
There are a number of pricing options available for residents. These can be complicated, but we’ve tried to make them as clear as possible. The published prices are the maximum price that a resident could be charged for the specific room type, this price may be negotiable. If you’re not sure what the best option for you is, or if you would like to talk to someone about your financial situation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Residential aged care costs fall under two main categories
- Accommodation costs
From 1 July 2014, residents have three options for paying for the costs of their accommodation:
Option 1: Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD). This is a lump sum payment.
Option 2: Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP).
Option 3: RAD + DAP Combined. This is a combination payment that is made up of part refundable accommodation deposit, and part daily accommodation payment. In this case you can deduct the daily payment (DAP) from the lump sum payment (RAD).
You are able to pay any RAD + DAP combination you wish.
Accommodation supplement
The Australian Government also pays an accommodation supplement for residents who are unable to contribute to the cost of their accommodation. So in this way anyone, regardless of their financial circumstance, can access the care we offer.
- Care costs
The Australian Government subsidises the cost of care. Residents are asked to contribute in the following two ways:
Basic Daily Care Fee
All residents pay a Basic Daily Care Fee which goes towards care needs and living expenses such as meals, cleaning and laundry. The standard Basic Daily Care Fee is 85% of the full single pension.
Means-tested care fee
In addition, residents whose income and assets exceed thresholds set by the Australian Government will also be asked to pay a means-tested care fee which contributes to the cost of their clinical care.
So what will the total cost be?
Your specific care costs will depend on a number of factors, including your particular circumstances and care needs. If you would like to discuss these further, please contact our Client Services Consultant on 1800 626 670.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once I’ve move into an aged care home, will the accommodation costs change?
No. The accommodation price that you agree to before moving into an aged care home will remain fixed (unless your needs change and you enter a new residential agreement )and there are three options for making this payment – a refundable deposit, an equivalent daily payment or a combination of the two.
Once you move into one of our residential care homes, you have up to 28 days to decide which payment option you wish to make. If you choose to pay a refundable accommodation deposit, you have up to six months after you move in to make that payment.
If you wish to make a combined refundable deposit and daily payment, you have the option of deducting the daily payment from the deposit. When you make this choice, the overall amount of your accommodation payment will not change but the amount of your daily payment will increase as your refundable deposit reduces.
How does the means tested care fee work?
If your income is higher than the income free area and/or your combined assets are above the asset free area, you will be asked to contribute to the cost of your care.
No one will be asked to pay more than $25,000 in one year or more than $60,000 over their lifetime. This will include any income tested amounts paid when receiving home care.
Is there help for people who are financially disadvantaged?
Yes. No matter what your financial circumstances are, Warrigal has a place for anyone who needs care. And if you are unable to contribute towards your accommodation costs, the Government will pay an accommodation supplement on your behalf.
How do I know if I am eligible for the government’s accommodation supplement?
You can complete an income and assets test through Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs. This will determine if you are eligible for the government accommodation supplement.
What about existing residents?
Permanent residents who entered an aged care home before 1 July 2014 will have no changes in the way they contribute towards for their care and accommodation, unless their needs change and they enter a new residential agreement after this date in a new service.
What happens to my refundable deposit if I move out of an aged care home?
If you have paid a refundable accommodation deposit on entering a residential care home, it will be returned to you when you leave the home. If you have deducted daily accommodation payments or other payments, the balance of your refundable deposit will be returned to you.
If you require further information, or you are not sure what the best option for you is, and would like to talk to our experts about your financial situation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call 1800 626 670 to find out more.