I am 78 years old and previously attended a local community health centre for treatment of injuries, physio and the like.
However, since the introduction of My Aged Care, I am unable to do this. Continue reading
Costs
Why not pay families to care?
I care for my mum who is 99 years of age. I was assessed and rejected for a carer’s payment. I only receive a carers allowance from the Government.
Yet my mum can get services from an aged care provider who charge us a fee of $95-110 for a home visit from a physio for (a visit of) under half hour, plus an administration fee of $300 to maintain my mum’s file. Continue reading
Costs relating to in-home care
The Australian Government subsidises both Commonwealth Home Support Packages and Home Care Packages and publishes information about those costs.
However, if you can afford to, you are expected to contribute to the cost of your care.
This web page notes that there is a fee for each service delivered under the CHSP and the amount you contribute depends on your income and the type and number of services you require.
You and your service provider will discuss and agree on the rate before you receive any services. Contact your service provider to find out specific costs.
Conversation starter
Have you or someone for whom you care applied for either – or both – a Commonwealth Home Support Package or a Home Care Package? What were your experiences with this process? How long was the wait for the package to begin? What support was the person needing care while they waited for their package? Was the support given sufficient to sustain the person in their home? Did family, friends or neighbours play a role in this person’s care at any point? Did the person remain at home?
Extra services
Extra services in residential aged care refers to the provision of additional, hotel-type services that include a significantly higher than average standard of accommodation, range and quality of food, as well as non-care services such as recreational, entertainment and personal interest activities.
These are separately charged as an additional daily fee.
Conversation starter
Have you or someone for whom you care ordered Extra Services for someone in residential aged care? What services were expected and were these services delivered? Did you feel the price paid for Extra Services was worth it?
Residential aged care costs
Navigating the costs associated with residential aged care is complex and can be confusing, even in the most straightforward cases.
And it is often difficult to compare potential outgoings between providers because services and fee structures usually vary.
As this Startsat60 article points out, while the Federal Government subsidises some aged care services, there is an expectation that the person going into a care facility will contribute to care costs wherever they can afford to do so.
It explains that the cost of aged care typically consists of a basic daily fee, a means-tested care fee, an accommodation payment plus (usually optional) extra services fees.
Conversation starter
Have you or someone for whom you care found it difficult to weigh up the outgoings between residential aged care providers? Who was able to give you advice? In the end, what did the decision come down to? Have you been satisfied that value for money has been delivered?
Care costs
The Australian Financial Review recently reported on a survey by National Seniors Australia and a commercial annuity provider.
This survey found that – despite a widespread belief that the need for money decreases as one ages – a majority of those aged older than 75 years found their cash flow needs went up not down.
This was because health costs and family support needs typically replaced and exceeded earlier financial commitments.
With life expectancy for both Australian men and women rising, provision also needs to be made for a longer retirement period.
Conversation starter
Have you or someone for whom you care found costs for aged care reasonable or too high? What aspect is of the most concern? What issues have you encountered around the costs associated with aged care?
Aged Care: Are we getting it right? 