Residential aged care in Australia is substantially controlled and
regulated by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing under
the Aged Care Act 1997. Licences to operate are also granted by the
Health Department of Western Australia.
To gain access to an approved Aegis Group or other residential
aged care facility and entitlement to a Commonwealth subsidy, it
is recommended that information be sought from a government appointed
Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) on their helpline or from a Centrelink
office or hospital social worker.
Once an ACAT assessment has been completed, eligibility for entry
to either Low Care (hostel) or High Care (nursing home) facilities
is determined.
Costs associated with subsidised residential aged care fall
into three categories:
Daily Care Fees - set against
the prevailing pension rate with the amount of subsidy based on the level of care needs as determined by the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) or a Resident Classification Score (RCS)
Income Tested Fees - may
apply following an evaluation by Centrelink of the resident’s
means tested income and assets
Accommodation Payments
- includes an additional daily charge for High Care residents
(means tested) and an accommodation bond for Low Care or Extra
Services residents.
