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Bina Brown

October

Keeping people living in their own homes until the end is, at last, looking like a possibility.

Thankfully, living at home until the end looks possible for more Australians

Elderly people will get used to paying for the services they need rather than wondering what they are going to leave the next generation.

August

Rooms in aged care now cost $800 a week

Those who can’t afford the full accommodation deposit need to watch out for an 8.35pc sting in the tail.

June

Australians are living longer, healthier lives, but the costs are growing.

When it’s worth giving up government subsidies to stay home for longer

There may be more home care packages in the recent federal budget, but in some cases you would be better off financing care yourself.

March

Thousands of Australians are opting to delay residential aged care.

Aged care providers publish what they spend on food, care and wages

The new tool is designed to hold aged care providers to account for how they manage their budgets. But it’s only as good as the data provided.

February

Newcomers to Centrelink are often reluctant to disclose their financial affairs, particularly if they are complicated with multiple share holdings, bank accounts and self-managed super.

How one Centrelink tweak saved $50,000 in care fees

When one partner or both self-funded retirees go into aged care, keeping up-to-date records with the government agency can mean lower costs.

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January

Forty per cent of retirees will struggle with the transition from full-time work to what comes next,

When this illness could cost you $10,000 a week

Families with dementia patients may need extra planning and money – particularly when there is violence involved.

December 2023

A home care package can provide support if the recipient spends time away from home during the holidays.

How to enjoy a family Christmas with all the help you need

Elderly people spending time away from their regular home during the holiday season can be eligible for extra government-funded support.

November 2023

Generally there is a basic interest rate of 2.25 per cent a day which is payable to the outgoing resident (or their estate) if the provider takes more than 14 days to refund the RAD.

Worried about deposit refund? You’re protected by 8.15pc ‘late fee’

Moving between aged care facilities is easier than you think. This is how it works.

September 2023

The rent equivalent on a $550,000 room will jump from $119.04 a day to $122.80 a day.

Rents are rising in age care facilities, too

The equivalent to daily rent on a room in residential aged care will increase from 7.9 per cent to 8.15 per cent from October 1.

July 2023

If your assets or income are below a certain threshold and you are a supported resident, the government picks up some or all of the accommodation tab.

Aged care residents to be slugged with 7.9pc interest rate

On accommodation worth $500,000, this means extra payments of almost $16,000 a year for those who don’t pay the full deposit.

June 2023

How to navigate changes to aged care packages

Home care scheme recipients have been warned to expect providers to increase their prices to cover the wage and other cost increases.

May 2023

An aged care levy much like the Medicare levy is another option to be discussed for raising additional funding.

Why you’re going to pay more for your aged care

Whatever it costs, the option of being able to grow old near home and family in an appropriate setting is the least we should expect.

April 2023

Financial decisions being made by some providers are putting existing and future residents at personal and financial risk.

Shock for residents when aged care facilities close

Financial decisions being made by some providers are putting existing and future residents at personal and financial risk.

March 2023

Routine pool maintenance is no longer covered by the home care package.

Government cracks down on home care package spending

The exclusion of some services such as swimming pool maintenance and gardeners will increase costs for many.

February 2023

Respite care is available to provide a regular carer with a much-needed break.

What to do when you need a break from your parents

This is what it costs to organise respite care, whether at the home of the person needing support, a short-term stay centre or at a residential aged care facility.

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January 2023

To make it easier for recipients to shop around, the government has also announced the removal of any exit fees associated with someone leaving a provider to go elsewhere.

Ageing at home? New caps mean more to spend on you

With provider admin fees creeping to as much as 60 per cent of a full-service package, rules from January 1 should lead to more funds for cleaning, meals or other services.

December 2022

Doctors say it is useful to start with talking about the common scenarios which can occur as a result of specific medical conditions.

Worried about Mum or Dad getting older? How to start the conversation

If you think about aged care as a safety net rather than a goal, it might make it easier.

With no staff ratios in aged care, the focus is on care minutes provided by registered nurses, enrolled nurses and personal care workers.

New aged care star ratings make difficult family choices easier

Aged care homes are being put under the spotlight in a system that compares staffing levels, residents’ experience and quality of care.

November 2022

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Self-funded retirees paying $1000 a month ‘just in case’

Those who signed up to the government’s home care packages before they needed high levels of care are paying more in fees than the cost of the services they use.

October 2022

There is an overarching legal focus in most jurisdictions but a new approach is mediation.

Is elder abuse happening in your family? Better help could be coming

A widowed mother who sold her home and moved in with her son raised the red flag, highlighting a growing issue.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/by/bina-brown-1mnru0