Understanding Costs at Westgate Aged Care
At Westgate Aged Care, we are committed to transparent and regulated pricing in accordance with the Australian Government Department of Health. All aged care fees are structured and monitored to ensure fairness and affordability, based on each resident’s financial circumstances.
There are two main types of fees:
- Care Fees: Covering the cost of daily care and services such as meals, personal support, and nursing
- Accommodation Fees: Covering the cost of your room and associated amenities
The amount each resident pays is determined by a Means Tested Assessment, conducted by Centrelink and the Department of Health. Residents who do not complete this assessment may be required to pay the full maximum amount for care and accommodation.
1. Care Fees
At Westgate Aged Care, residents receive daily support and services to ensure comfort, health, and wellbeing. To help cover the cost of this care, most residents are required to pay Care Fees. These are government-regulated and are assessed based on each individual’s financial situation.
There are two components to Care Fees:
Standard Daily Care Fee
The Standard Daily Care Fee is a base fee that all residents pay to help cover the cost of essential daily services.
These include:
- Nutritious meals tailored to dietary needs
- Housekeeping and personal laundry services
- Access to activity programs and communal amenities
- General personal care and assistance
- Basic clinical care provided by nursing staff
This fee is set by the Department of Health and is aligned with 85% of the single basic Age Pension. It is reviewed and adjusted twice a year—on March 20th and September 20th—to keep pace with changes to the pension.
The Standard Daily Care Fee applies to:
- Full pensioners
- Part pensioners with limited private income
- Respite residents
- Non-pensioners (unless financial hardship assistance is approved)
This fee is payable by almost all aged care residents unless they have been assessed as being eligible for financial hardship support.
Means Tested Care Fee
In addition to the standard daily fee, some residents may be required to pay a Means Tested Care Fee. This is an income- and asset-based fee determined through a Means Tested Assessment carried out by Centrelink and the Department of Health.
This fee applies when a resident is assessed as being financially able to contribute more towards the cost of their care. The government reduces its subsidy to Westgate Aged Care for these residents, and the resident is expected to cover the difference through this additional fee.
Key points about the Means Tested Care Fee:
- The fee amount depends on your individual income and asset levels
- There are annual and lifetime caps to ensure affordability
- Not all residents will be required to pay this fee
- The Department of Health will notify Westgate and the resident (and/or their nominated next of kin) of any applicable fee and of any changes to the amount over time
The Means Tested Care Fee helps ensure that aged care funding is distributed fairly—those with greater financial means contribute more, while those with fewer resources receive additional government support.
If a resident chooses not to complete the means tested assessment, they may be charged the maximum means tested care fee by default.
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2. Accommodation Payments
The cost of accommodation at Westgate Aged Care depends on your financial assessment outcome and choice of room.
There are two possible accommodation fee types:
Accommodation Payment: For residents not eligible for government support, based on room selection
Accommodation Contribution: A reduced fee for residents with limited income/assets
If your financial situation meets the government’s eligibility threshold, the Australian Government may fully cover your accommodation cost.
Payment Options
You can choose how to pay for your accommodation:
- RAD – Refundable Accommodation Deposit (lump sum)
- DAP – Daily Accommodation Payment (interest-only daily fee)
- Combination – A split between lump sum and daily payment
You can also opt to have your daily payments deducted from your lump sum (RAD). This must be confirmed in writing and will affect the balance of your remaining RAD. As your lump sum decreases, your daily payment (DAP) may increase proportionally.
Refunds
Accommodation payments are fully refundable when a resident leaves Westgate Aged Care.
- Refunds are processed within 14 days after formal notice or upon transfer to another facility
- In the event of a resident’s passing, refunds are made to the estate within 14 days after receiving probate or letters of administration
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Fee Collection Process
All fees at Westgate Aged Care are invoiced monthly in advance. Our Admissions Team will guide you through payment options, collection methods, and any assistance available to ensure the process is clear and stress-free.
For personalised guidance or to discuss your financial situation in more detail, please speak with our Admissions Team prior to admission.