New Extra Service places

The Minister for Ageing, Senator Santo Santoro, has announced 365 new ‘extra service’ places for aged care homes across Australia. Residents who pay additional fees for an Extra Service place are able to enjoy higher standards of accommodation, food and non-care services, such as recreational or personal interest activities.

“Extra Service places are re-shaping the face of aged care by providing diversity and choice and encouraging innovation in our aged care homes,” Senator Santoro said. “Australia’s residential aged care services already offer high quality care to their residents, underpinned by a strong accreditation and regulatory framework.

“Many older Australians and their families, however, are prepared to contribute more in fees in order to access an even higher standard of care, with additional luxuries and activities. The provision of Extra Service places does not diminish the standard of care for residents who did not choose to take them up, and in fact they often lift the standard of service for all residents,” he said.