Extra services in aged care: What you can get and what you’ll pay for

Essential services you can receive in aged care include meal preparation, personal care — such as help with showering and dressing, medical support and social activities. These basic services are covered under government funding and are designed to ensure that every resident is well cared for.

However, aged care providers also have the option to offer extra or additional services — which are bonus features or upgrades that residents can choose to pay for. These additional services can make life more comfortable, enjoyable or luxurious, depending on the resident’s preferences and budget.

From July 1, 2025, extra services/additional services will be covered under the Higher Everyday Living Fee agreement. 

Providers will have until June 30, 2026, to transition residents from the extra service fee or the additional service fee to the Higher Everyday Living Fee. It is the responsibility of the provider to ensure this happens.
If someone is already paying the extra service fee or additional service fee, the provider will need to enter into a new agreement with that resident for the Higher Everyday Living Fee.

What kind of additional services are available?

Aged care homes can offer a variety of extra or additional services, such as the following.

√ Entertainment upgrades are considered an additional service, such as larger TVs in rooms, premium movie channels, streaming services or Wi-Fi access.

√ Fancy food options are considered an additional service, like a steak dinner or gourmet desserts, along with a wider selection of drinks or even a glass of wine with dinner.

√ Additional social services, such as extra outings, cultural events, concerts or personalised programs based on hobbies and interests that are not otherwise covered in the standard course of the facility.

√ Luxury living upgrades may incur an additional service fee, for a larger or better-furnished room, premium linen or hotel-style amenities.

These services are not essential for daily care, but they can improve a resident’s lifestyle if they choose to pay for them.

How do these additional services work?

If an aged care provider offers additional services, they must follow some important rules.

♦ They must be clear about costs and explain what each service includes and how much it costs.

♦ They must charge fairly and residents can’t be forced to pay for services they don’t use or can’t access. For example, if a resident is offered a bundle of services, but can’t physically take part in certain activities, they should be able to get a discount or swap for something else.

♦ Providers can’t charge ‘hidden fees.’

♦ Providers must have approval from the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing  Authority to offer extra service rooms or register as an extra service facility. Extra service fees are different from additional service fees as they require an agreement to be signed.

♦ Providers do not need approval from IHACPA to charge for individual additional services.

Many aged care residents and families worry about costs, so it’s important to know what’s included in standard care and what’s considered an additional service. If you or a loved one is looking into aged care, you should always ask the following questions.

√ What’s included in the standard services?
√ Are there any optional extras and how much do they cost?
√ Can we choose only the extras we actually want?

Understanding additional service fees

For older individuals and their families, navigating the costs of aged care can be a significant concern. Understanding the distinction between standard services and extra or additional services is crucial to avoid unexpected expenses and ensure that the care arrangement aligns with both needs and financial capacity. Extra services can significantly enhance a resident’s experience, but they are not mandatory and residents should feel empowered to choose only what suits them.

Additional services offer an opportunity for older residents to maintain a sense of individuality and enjoyment in aged care. For some, a larger room with premium furnishings can provide a greater sense of comfort and privacy. For others, access to gourmet meals or additional social activities can bring joy and connection, enriching their daily lives. These services allow residents to tailor their experience, ensuring that their time in aged care is not only safe and supportive but also fulfilling and reflective of their personal preferences.