Age care costs made clear.
Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or a loved one, choosing the right care can feel daunting, especially when it comes to finances. We’ll walk you through what to expect, what government funding is available and how to get started.
Overview
Understanding aged care costs
Fees and funding for in-home care depend on your income and Home Care Package level, with government subsidies and potential client contributions covering costs. For retirement living, you pay an ingoing contribution for the right to reside, plus ongoing fees for village services, and potentially an exit fee when you leave.
Tool tip: New to aged care? You might want to start with our Getting Started with Aged Care page for a full overview of how the system works.
Fee comparison
Differences in aged care fees
Fees will differ depending on the type of care you require.
Main Costs |
Funding Options |
Extras or Notes |
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In-Home Care |
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If you access care through a Home Care Package (via My Aged Care), the government subsidises most of the cost. |
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Residential Aged Care |
Accommodation costs, basic daily fee (meals, laundry), means-tested care fee (clinical and personal care), extra or additional services fees (optional costs for lifestyle extras). | This is structured through both government subsidies and (via an ACAT/ACAS assessment) and individual resident contributions depending on your financial situation. |
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Retirement Living |
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Private pay only. | Includes independent living, no care funding. Refer to Form 3 for transparency. |
Terminology
Understanding key aged care fees and payments
Understanding aged care fees and funding can sound like learning a second language. Here’s some helpful explainers for the more common terms.
RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit)
A lump sum payment for residential aged care, fully refundable. For more, visit our RAD Calculator (link to RAD Calculator).
DAP (Daily Accommodation Payment)
A daily payment alternative to the RAD, calculated using an interest rate.
Basic Daily Fee
Covers everyday living expenses like meals, laundry and cleaning.
Means-Tested Care Fee
An additional fee based on income and assets, assessed by the government.
Entry Contribution
A one-off fee to secure a villa in retirement living.
Ongoing Service Fees
Covers things like maintenance, communal services or wellness programs.
Life at Sundale
It’s not just where you live. It’s home.
At Sundale, you’ll find more than exceptional care services – you’ll find a sense of belonging. Our communities are built around budding friendships, lush gardens, fun-filled events and shared moments. From morning tea groups to music days, there’s always something to enjoy.
Care at Sundale
More ways to feel at home
From flexible in-home support to, to fun-filled communities and dedicated full-time residential aged care, there’s a range of care to meet you where you are – with respect, warmth and dignity at every step.
Resources
Helpful links
From additional information regarding fees and funding, to navigating different aged care types and everything in between, we recommend looking at these helpful resources.
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
Learn about disability support and eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? We’re here to help.
We’ve answered some of the more common questions we receive about fees and funding. Need more help?
It depends on the service you choose:
In-home care – hourly or package-based fees.
Retirement living – entry contribution, maintenance fees, and exit fee.
Residential aged care – accommodation costs, daily fees, and care contributions.
Yes. The Australian Government subsidises both in-home care (through Home Care Packages) and residential aged care, based on your needs and financial assessment.
It’s a standard contribution (set at 85% of the single Age Pension) that all residents pay for meals, cleaning, laundry, and everyday services.
A RAD is an upfront lump sum payment for residential aged care accommodation. It’s fully refundable when you leave, minus any agreed deductions.
Yes. You can pay a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP), which works like rent, or a mix of RAD and DAP depending on your financial situation.
Also called a Deferred Management Fee (DMF), this is a percentage of your entry contribution, payable when you leave your Sundale village home.
Yes. You may choose optional extras such as upgraded meals, entertainment, or lifestyle services, which come at an additional cost.
We recommend speaking with a financial adviser and completing a government means test (through Centrelink or DVA) to determine your contributions and funding eligibility.