Leaving one’s home and entering an Aged Care Home isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. In 2019 – 2020, statistics show that around 245,000 people lived permanently in a residential Aged Care facility at some point during the year.

So whether you’re looking for an Aged Care Home for yourself or a loved one, these residential homes are excellent at providing the care and services you need to maintain quality of life. Fortunately, there are many government-funded Aged Care Homes across Australia, but it’s important to know what you’re looking for and which one is right for you.

Privately funded Aged Care Homes

Before looking at government-funded Aged Care Homes, it’s important to note that not all homes are subsidised by the government.

Aged Care Homes that do not receive government funding are not regulated by the government, but they still offer the same services such as accommodation, day-to-day care, and clinical care. These privately funded Aged Care Homes would require you to pay the total cost ot-of-pocket without subsidies.

Retirement villages or independent living units are also not subsidised by the government but are state and territory government-regulated instead. These homes cater to individuals who require less extensive care services than an Aged Care Home.

Australian government-funded Aged Care Homes

Government-funded Aged Care Homes receive subsidies for their accommodation and services to provide more affordable care for older Australians. These homes are regulated by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC), and government subsidies are paid directly to them.

To search for government-funded Aged Care Homes, Care About’s ‘Find a Provider’ tool for a home that suits you. Once you have found a suitable Aged Care Home, you can then start the process of getting subsidised for your Aged Care Home.

How can I get funded by the government for an Aged Care Home?

The amount of government funding you’ll receive in an Aged Care Home is generally assessed using two key tools:

  • A tool called the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI) will evaluate the level of care you or your loved one needs from the Aged Care Home
  • A means assessment tool will determine how much you can contribute to the care and accommodation provided in the Aged Care Home.
  • If you are applying for an Aged Care Home subsidy for the first time, you’ll need to check your eligibility, which can be done online. Once you are deemed eligible, you can be referred for an assessment, which is done in your own home.
  • Although going through an assessment may seem daunting, it is nothing to worry about. The assessment is simply a way for the government to understand your individual situation and verify if you’re eligible for an Aged Care Home subsidy. For more information, the My Aged Care portal has a handy tool on how to prepare for your assessment.

How much will I get subsidised for an Aged Care Home?

How much you’ll pay depends on the home you choose and your assessment results. While your finances will not affect your eligibility to stay in an Aged Care Home, it will affect how much you’ll have to pay to stay in the home.

Generally, you would have to pay a basic daily fee (currently at a maximum of $54.69 per day), accommodation cost, and a means-tested care fee (currently at a maximum of $264.81 per day). Each of these fees is subsidised by the Australian Government for Aged Care Home residents, but this also depends on the assessments done on the individual. 

Whatever your Aged Care needs are, Care About here to help.

Navigating your way through government-funded Aged Care Homes can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure where to start. Luckily there’s help available.Care About helps seniors find the proper Aged Care Homes for themselves and their loved ones, and navigate the various assessments for government-funded aged care services. For experienced help in finding care providers, contact our team for a personalised discussion.