Nursing homes in Australia

There are two levels of residential care in Australia, both designed for frail, aged people. These are:

• hostels, offering low level care services; and
• nursing homes, offering high level care services.

Hostels and nursing homes are for people who no longer have the ability to live independently in their own homes.

Hostels

Hostels are low level care facilities, offering accommodation with personal care type services, including:

• assistance with daily activities such as bathing, eating and dressing;
• some medical treatments and procedures;
• recreational therapy and rehabilitation; and
• assistance with accessing health services.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are high level care facilities, providing all the services offered by hostels. They also provide nursing type services and additional personal care services including:

• specialised furniture and other equipment;
• basic medical and pharmaceutical supplies, including nursing procedures and administration of medications;
• continence aids and assistance;
• provision of therapy services; and
• oxygen and oxygen equipment.

Who is eligible?

All potential residents of hostels and nursing homes must be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), consisting of doctors, nurses and social workers. Approval for residential care by an ACAT must be acquired before anyone can enter the facility.

ACATs are usually located at hospitals, aged care centres and community centres and will assess a potential resident's level of independence.

How much do they cost?

Although the Federal Government subsidises many residential care facilities, residents can still be asked to pay certain fees and charges.

• All residents must pay a basic daily care fee. The amount paid depends upon the resident's pension status and whether they are full-rate or part-rate pensioners, or self-funded retirees.
• Part-rate pensioners and self-funded retirees are also required to pay an additional daily care fee. Full-rate pensioners are not required to pay this fee.
• Residents may be asked to pay an accommodation charge if they can afford to. This charge is means tested.
• Some nursing homes have extra service fees, providing for better facilities, services or meals.
• Some care facilities also require residents to pay a bond, a lump sum that is returned to the resident when they leave. If the resident transfers to a nursing home from a hostel where a bond was paid, in some cases the bond can also be transferred to the new accommodation.

Fees and charges may qualify for the Medical Expenses Tax Offset. Contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

Who are aged care facilities right for?

Aged care facilities are designed to accommodate retirees who can no longer care for themselves or have a limited capacity of self-care.  For more information call the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853 or see your doctor.