Aged Care Careers Melbourne

Transforming lives in Melbourne: why aged care careers are more than just jobs

Working in aged care is so much more than a checklist of tasks; it’s about deeply impacting the lives of our residents.

Aged Care Careers Melbourne

Impact on residents’ lives

Working in aged care is so much more than a checklist of tasks; it’s about deeply impacting the lives of our residents.

Meet Tania Libardi, a dynamic Lifestyle Assistant here at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne. Her role isn’t just about activities; it’s about enriching the lives of those she cares for.

“It’s a meaningful job. Knowing that I have a positive impact on the lives of those who live here makes it worth getting up to come to work each day.”

Tania Libardi
Lifestyle Assistant at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

Anita Gurung, a Clinical Care Coordinator here at Hope, echoes this dedication. She takes pride in her progression from a PCA to a registered nurse, constantly focused on enhancing the life quality of residents.

“I go by the principle that every day is a new day to learn something new to ensure we enhance the lives of our residents which have been entrusted into our care.”

Anita Gurung
Clinical Care Coordinator at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

And then there’s Andrew Niemoeller, whose 11-year journey has been about building trust and relationships, ensuring a comfortable and enriching environment for residents.

“Over the past 11 years I have been able to build bonds with the people l care for and build a
trusting relationship with them which I feel is extremely important for their quality of life.

Andrew Niemoeller
Occupational Health & Safety Rep at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

If you’re in Melbourne and on the lookout for a fulfilling job in aged care, then you’ve come to the right place. At Hope Aged Care, our dedicated staff members are the heart and soul of our residents’ well-being.

“They go the extra mile, focusing on building trust, forming meaningful connections, and making each day an opportunity to enhance the quality of life for those we care for.”

Bashar Bitar
Bashar Bitar
Operations Manager at Hope Aged Care

Joining our team isn’t just about finding a job; it’s embarking on a profoundly compassionate and rewarding journey of dedication and purpose.

Opportunities aged care jobs Melbourne

Career growth and opportunities

At Hope Aged Care, we believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for career growth.

Tania initially joined Hope Aged Care as a PCA. With the support of her management team she transitioned into the role of Lifestyle Assistant.

“I was encouraged by management to obtain my cert IV in Leisure and Community Service and I have been afforded a wonderful opportunity to not only engage residents in activities but also help people with their emotional, physical and mental health along the way.”

Tania Libardi
Lifestyle Assistant at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

Anita also started out as a PCA. She experienced firsthand how management interacts and supports employees and residents on a daily basis.

“They have always taken the time to understand what my needs are and helped me find the right career pathway. Starting as a PCA, then becoming a registered nurse and now being in the role of Clinical Care Coordinator, I enjoy working for Hope Aged Care because I feel supported and encouraged.”

Anita Gurung
Clinical Care Coordinator at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

Andrew also began his career at Hope Aged Care as a PCA. He was encouraged to study and take up the position of Occupational Health & Safety Rep.

“The fact that I have been here since 2013 is because of that.”

Andrew Niemoeller
Occupational Health & Safety Rep at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

In summary, at Hope Aged Care, we turn the idea of career growth into actual opportunities for our dedicated team members.

Aged Care Services Melbourne - Hope Aged Care Services

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Supportive work environment

At Hope Aged Care, we offer a supportive work environment that empowers our team members to make a meaningful impact on residents’ lives.

“We prioritise holistic care, provide guidance and support, encourage strong relationships with residents and colleagues, and offer ongoing training and open communication to help you excel in your career.”

Bashar Bitar
Operations Manager at Hope Aged Care

Joining our team means that you are becoming a part of a supportive and dedicated community that works together to achieve person-centered care for our residents and their families.

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Commitment to quality and values

At Hope Aged Care, we’re all about quality care and sticking to our values. It’s not just a job; it’s about making life better for our residents.

“I have observed the values and holistic approach in which Hope cares for the residents, ensuring that there are sufficient staff ratios and nurses available at all times; including during the Covid lockdowns where many homes were reducing the staff to keep costs down.

Andrew Niemoeller
Occupational Health & Safety Rep at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

Ready to join our team? As a family-owned business, we look out for our residents and our team. Join us, and you’ll be part of a place that really walks the talk when it comes to care and values.

Entry into Hope Aged Care Homes

If you’re starting to consider residential aged care for your Mum, Dad or loved one you’re probably wondering how much it will cost – and if they can afford it.

The Australian Government’s New Aged Care Act came into effect from 1 November
2025. The reforms include changes to the costs of permanent residential aged
care. These costs apply to every aged care community across Australia.

The following costs apply to those entering residential aged care after 1 November
2025. If you were approved for, or accessing, a Home Care Package on 12
September 2024, you are protected by the ‘no worse off principle’ and will pay
fees under the 1 July 2014 arrangements. 


Fees and contributions you may pay

Before you enter permanent residential care, you should have your means assessed to see if you’re eligible for Australian Government assistance with fees and accommodation costs. The fees you pay will depend on the outcome of your means assessment and what you agree on with your aged care provider.  You may need to pay some or all of these fees:

• basic daily fee

• hotelling contribution

• non-clinical care contribution

• accommodation costs

 

Basic daily fee

All residents pay this fee for daily living services, including meals, cleaning, laundry and utilities.

The maximum fee is set at 85% of the single basic age pension. This fee increases in March and September each year in line with the age pension.

Hotelling contribution

People who can afford to will contribute more towards their daily living costs through a hotelling contribution.

Services Australia will tell you if you need to pay a hotelling contribution and if so, how much you need to pay. This is based on your means assessment and changes with indexation in March and September. 

Non-clinical care contribution

People who need to pay the maximum hotelling contribution may also need to pay a non-clinical care contribution.

Services Australia will tell you if you need to pay a non-clinical care contribution and if so, how much you need to pay. This is based on your means assessment. The maximum amount changes with indexation in March and September. Daily and lifetime caps apply.

This fee ceases after a person pays it for four years, even if they have not reached the lifetime cap amount


Accommodation costs

Room prices

How much you pay for a room at your chosen aged care facility will also depend on your means assessment.

If you are eligible for assistance, the government will pay some or all of your accommodation costs to your provider. If not, you will need to pay the price that you agree with your provider.

Payment options

  • Option 1: 

A lump sum refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) that is refunded when you leave care, less any retention amounts and any fees that you agree to draw down.


A refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) retention also applies – if you pay a lump sum, your provider keeps 2% of your lump sum per year. This amount is not refunded when you leave care. After 5 years in care, no further retention amounts will be deducted.

  • Option 2: 

A daily accommodation payment (DAP) that is not refunded when you leave care.

The interest rate used to calculate a DAP is called the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR). This is set by the Government and reviewed quarterly.

Daily accommodation payment (DAP) indexing applies – if you pay by DAP, this amount will increase due to indexation on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October each year. Indexation does not apply to daily accommodation contributions (DAC) paid by residents eligible for government assistance with their accommodation costs.

  • Option 3: 

Any combination of a RAD and DAP.

Until you pay a RAD, you will pay a DAP. You can pay a RAD at any time after you enter care.

A RAD payment is considered an asset for aged care purposes. This means it is counted in your means assessment and may affect your hotelling contribution and non-clinical care contribution.

If you choose a combination payment, you can choose to draw your daily payment from your paid RAD. Over time, this will increase your daily payment unless you top up the lump sum. Your provider may also agree to draw other fees from the lump sum, like your basic daily fee.

 

Confirm your fees with a means assessment

To confirm your aged care fees, you will need a means assessment. This is where Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) assesses your income and assets. If you are a member of a couple, they will assess half of your combined income and assets, regardless of who earns the income or owns the assets.

If you choose not to have your means assessed, you will not be eligible for assistance with your accommodation and your provider can ask you to pay:

• the full hotelling contribution and non-clinical care contribution, and

• the accommodation price you agreed on before you entered care.

 

To complete a means assessment, fill in the Residential Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care form (SA457) or the Residential Aged Care Property details for Services Australia and DVA customers form (SA485). If Services Australia or DVA already have your financial details, you may not need to complete a form to have your means assessed.

 

Once your assessment is complete, Services Australia will send you a fee advice letter.

 

You should lodge your request for a means assessment as early as possible – even before you enter an aged care home. If your assessment is finished before you enter, the results are valid for 120 days unless there is a significant change in your circumstances.

 

Changes to fees after entering care

Your aged care fees and contributions do not stay the same for your time in care. They will change over time because of:

• changes to your financial circumstances

• indexation of aged care fees and thresholds

• reaching lifetime caps on certain fees.

 

Keep your financial details up to date

Once you’ve had your means assessed, you need to keep your income and assets up to date with Services Australia or DVA. You are legally required to report changes to your (and your partner’s) personal or financial circumstances within 28 days. This will help keep your aged care fees correct.

You can call Services Australia on 1800 227 475 or update your details online through MyGov.

 

Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) recipients

If you are an eligible former Prisoner of War (POW) or Victoria Cross (VC) recipient, DVA may pay your basic daily fee. You may also be exempt from paying some of the contributions based on your means assessment.

You can find more information at dva.gov.au

 

Seek financial advice and education

You should seek independent financial advice before deciding how to pay for aged care. Some payment methods can affect your pension and aged care fees. If both you and your partner need to access care, each of your payment methods may affect the other’s aged care fees.

 

Financial hardship assistance

If you can’t afford your aged care fees for reasons beyond your control, you can apply for financial hardship assistance. You must meet certain eligibility criteria and will be assessed on your specific circumstances. If you’re approved for hardship assistance, the government will pay some (or all) of your aged care fees.

 

Got Questions?

We understand that residential aged care costs can be confusing. That’s why our knowledgeable and friendly team is here to help you. We’ll guide you through the options, answer your questions and help you at every stage.

Call us on (03) 9302 9300 or email us at [email protected]

Schedule of fees and charges for residential care
from 20 March 2026


This Schedule applies to residential aged care recipients. Different fees and accommodation costs apply based on the resident’s fee arrangements and accommodation arrangements.

Rates for 1 November 2025 fee and accommodation arrangements

Resident fees and contributions

Fee

Maximum daily rate

Basic daily fee 1

$66.80

Hotelling contribution 2

$22.15

Non-clinical care contribution 2

$107.32

This fee applies for permanent residential care and residential respite care.

Services Australia advises the contribution amount for a resident.

Caps on non-clinical care contribution

Non-clinical care contribution cap

Rate

Daily cap

$107.32

Lifetime cap 3

$137,917.01

A four-year cap also applies to the non-clinical care contribution. The fee ceases after a person pays it for four years, even if they have not reached the lifetime cap amount. 

 

Rates for post 1 July 2014 fee and accommodation arrangements

Resident fees and contributions

Fee

Maximum daily rate

Basic daily fee

$66.80

Means tested care fee 5

from 1 October 2025

from 1 April 2026

$403.80

$370.39

Services Australia advises the fee amount for each resident.

 

Caps on Means tested care fee

Means tested care fee caps

Rate

Lifetime cap

$86,185.23

Annual cap

$35,910.43