Higher everyday living fees in residential care homes explained
Residential aged care homes, from 1 November 2025, will offer extra services, which they can now charge more for.
Firstly, if you or a loved one is entering an aged care home after 1 November, the following services must be offered free of charge:
Residential care homes are responsible for meeting the care needs of their residents in line with the Residential Care Service List (service list). The service list outlines the care and services that homes are required to provide.
These services are funded by the Australian Government (with some contributions from you) and should be provided at no extra cost. These services will be provided whether you have moved into a residential care home permanently or are there for a short period of time for a break (called respite).
When you enter a residential care home you will sign a service agreement and an accommodation agreement. These agreements will include information about the care, services and accommodation you will receive, and any payments you will need to make.
Higher everyday living services
Aged care homes will offer a range of higher everyday living services that are over and above the standard services outlined by the service list.
Residential care homes can choose which higher everyday living services they want to offer (if any). This means the range of higher services offered may differ between residential care homes.
Examples of everyday living higher services that might be offered, subject to an additional charge, include:
• Wi-Fi usage
• in-room television
• subscription services with a streaming television provider
• premium menu options
• wider refreshment selection such as wine, beer and spirits
• daily newspaper delivery
• hairdressing and beauty services
You can choose to receive these higher services if you wish. But you may be asked to pay a Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF). Whether you want to purchase any of these services is completely up to you.
Residential care homes must provide you with information on their HELF services before you enter a written HELF agreement. This might be included on their website or in introductory materials such as welcome packs, or it may be explained verbally with you.
This information may help you compare residential care homes and make informed choices. Information must include a list of the HELF services they offer and the price you will need to pay if you want the service.
Find out more about the accommodation agreement here.