Win copy of vital aged care handbook
An aged care handbook, originally published in 2011, has been relaunched to reflect the new residential aged and home care fees and charges which were introduced in July.
Rachel Lane, co-author of the book Aged Care Who Cares?, hopes the book will help people understand the choices they have when it comes to their care arrangements.
Rachel Lane, co-author of the book Aged Care Who Cares? and principal of financial advice network, Aged Care Gurus, says she hopes the book will help people understand the choices they have when it comes to their care arrangements – whether it be residential aged care, home care or retirement living.
“It has certainly become a lot more complicated to understand, on the surface, the fees and charges associated with aged care as the new reforms were introduced in July,” Ms Lane says.
Those entering residential aged care from 1 July 2014 will now have their assets included in calculating the fees payable for living expenses and care.
Importantly, the previous income tested care fee, which is based on assessable income, will be replaced with a means tested care fee, which will be based on assessable income and assets. For many, this will mean ongoing care fees will be higher if entering an aged care facility on or after 1 July 2014.
According to Ms Lane, the book aims to inform people as “choices can have significant consequences of type of care they access”.
“It’s a two edge sword. There’s a lot more complexity when you have more choices. You need to be better informed of decisions you’re making as the industry evolves. Care choices become more diverse, and greater flexibility of care and financial arrangements just become enviable,” she says.
Whatever your financial status, state of health or future hopes and plans, readers will find down to earth advice to help them make the best choices for their senior years about aged care in Australia.
The book is divided into sections covering care in the home; retirement villages; aged care facilities; financial strategies for planning and coping with all of the options; and finally a section covering all of the resources and information you can access to help you with your choices. The revised book also reflects the growing trend of receiving care in retirement villages.
Find out more information about Aged Care Who Cares?
To win a signed copy of Aged Care Who Cares? (RRP $24.99), tell us in 25 words or less what aged care reforms you would like to see the federal government make. Leave your responses below or email info@dpsnews.com.au
