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Aged Care Victoria

Meals that delight

Transitioning to life in an aged care home brings many changes, including adjustments in daily routines and meal times. Recognising the importance of mealtime as a source of both nutrition and enjoyment, Hope Aged Care strives to make every dining experience special.

Branko Kuzmanovic who resides at Hope Aged Care Sunshine appreciates this effort.

“The chef’s dedication to using seasonal produce and fresh ingredients shines through in every meal.”

Dr Afif Hadj
Branko Kuzmanovic
resident at Hope Aged Care Sunshine

This approach ensures that every resident, regardless of their dietary preferences or background, finds comfort and satisfaction in the meals provided.

And yet, our chefs acknowledge that they can’t always cook to everyone’s taste. If Salvatore Valenti, a resident from Gladstone Park, finds something not to his liking, he goes directly to the kitchen staff and asks for something else. Melville Adams, another resident from Gladstone Park and originally from India, sometimes uses extra spices to get around these obstacles.

This flexibility and openness in our kitchen underscore our commitment to making sure that every resident not only receives nutritious meals but also enjoys a dining experience that feels personalised and satisfying.

“The delightful assortment of baked goods served during morning tea and afternoon tea adds an extra layer of indulgence and sweetness to the overall dining experience.”

Dr Afif Hadj
Branko Kuzmanovic
resident at Hope Aged Care Sunshine
Aged care Victoria - Chef in Swan Hill

Aged care facilities

Spotless spaces

The cleanliness of our facilities is a cornerstone of the comfort we provide. Fred Fry from Swan Hill appreciates this aspect.

“The cleaning of the facility is up to standards.”

Dr Afif Hadj
Fred Fry
resident at Hope Aged Care Swan Hill

It’s our commitment to maintaining a pristine environment that makes Hope Aged Care feel like home. Gladstone Park resident Salvatore agrees.

“Even though it’s an old building here in Gladstone Park, and not very luxurious, this place is very homely and comfortable to live in. I’m very happy that I made the decision to live here.”

Dr Afif Hadj
Salvatore Valentini
resident at Hope Aged Care Gladstone Park

Aged Care Melbourne

Friendly, supportive staff

The compassion and dedication of our staff are frequently highlighted by our residents, creating a foundation of care that makes Hope Aged Care truly feel like home. Jeanette from Sunshine finds a special connection with the team.

“I cannot express enough how happy and satisfied I am with the exceptional care and support provided. From the moment I arrived, I have experienced a level of care that goes above and beyond my expectations. The staff members have made me feel welcome, valued,
and truly cared for.”

Dr Afif Hadj
Jeanette Johnson
resident at Hope Aged Care Sunshine

Melville from Gladstone Park echoes this sentiment, sharing staff is friendly, very helpful and attentive, and so does Avijit Rudra from Hope Aged Care Sunshine.

“The staff is always available to assist me with any concerns, whether it’s medical needs,
assistance with daily activities, or simply providing a listening ear. This continuous care has greatly improved my quality of life and allowed me to maintain my independence while having the support I need.”

Dr Afif Hadj
Avijit Rudra
resident at Hope Aged Care Sunshine

More than aged care

Beyond care

Our centres offer more than just care; they offer a lifestyle. Avijit Rudra from Sunshine finds great value in the outings organised by the Lifestyle Team.

“These outings provide an opportunity for me to socialise, engage in stimulating activities, and explore the community.”

Dr Afif Hadj
Avijit Rudra
resident at Hope Aged Care Sunshine

It’s about maintaining independence while being part of a supportive community. Graham, a resident in our Swan Hill aged care facility, agrees:

“I do front reception on weekends to keep busy and I have been really enjoying it.”

Dr Afif Hadj
Graham Gaylard
resident at Hope Aged Care Swan Hill

To find more details on all our aged care locations across Victoria, just pop over to the “Locations” tab on our website. You’ll find everything you need to know about what makes each place special.

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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