John has just revised the BERIA factsheet on Aged Care to take into account the changes which came into effect on 20 March.

The changes apply to those who enter aged care homes after 20 March, and the main fee changes are as follows:

The Basic Daily Care Fee for self-funded retirees (including 410 visa holders) for both low and high care homes is now fixed at 85% of the annual single basic age pension. This equates to $32.05 a day (this is a reduction from the previous cost of $39.28 a day!).

The Income-Tested Daily Fee is based on a sliding scale based on income over $684.60 a fortnight. If your income is below $684.60 a fortnight ($17,800 a year) there's no income-tested daily fee, but if it's over that there's a sliding scale up to a maximum of $56.57 a day (the old maximum was $55.28).

The "allowable assets" amount has increased from $33,500 to $34,500 – this is used to calculate the accommodation bond for low care homes. The upper income limit for calculating the sliding scale accommodation charge for high care homes has increased to $90,410, and the maximum accommodation charge has increased to $26.88 a day.

The maximum daily fee for short-term respite care in government funded aged care homes has increased from $30.77 to $32.05 a day. All these changes have been included in the new version of the factsheet, and new example costs have also been included.

John says he still cannot speak too highly of staff of the Aged and Community Care Information Line – everyone he has spoken to there in the course of the research has been incredibly helpful, friendly and knowledgeable, and if anyone needs further information after reading the factsheet he recommends contacting the Information Line. Actual revised factsheet to follow.

To find the factsheet go to the 410 Useful files, or click here, or log in and go to the BERIA Files