FAQs

• The steps to moving in
  1. Get an assessment. Before someone can move into residential aged care, they need to be assessed as eligible. Start by contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or at myagedcare.gov.au. An assessor will talk with you about the care that's needed. In an urgent situation - for example, a hospital discharge - let the hospital or My Aged Care know it's urgent, as assessments can be prioritised.
  2. Get a means assessment (do this early). Services Australia (or the Department of Veterans' Affairs for some veterans) looks at income and assets to work out how much, if anything, you'll be asked to contribute. It's worth lodging this as early as possible - even before choosing a home - so there are no surprises.
  3. Find and compare homes. Look at location, the type of care needed, room options and cost, and each home's Star Rating on My Aged Care. Visit in person if you can - you're welcome to book a no-obligation tour with us.
  4. Get financial advice. Some decisions (like how to pay for accommodation, or whether to keep or sell a home) are significant and not always easy to reverse. A licensed financial adviser who specialises in aged care can save you money and stress.
  5. Move in. When you're ready, you'll sign an agreement that sets out the care, the services and the costs. We'll guide you through every step.
• What you might pay

  Most people pay some fees, but the government funds most aged care costs, and there are legal caps and safety nets so costs can't run away. What you pay depends on your income and assets, as assessed by Services Australia.

  There are up to four ongoing fees, plus the cost of your room.

  1. Basic daily fee - everyone pays this. Covers everyday living: meals, cleaning, laundry, heating and cooling. It's set by the government at 85% of the single Age Pension - $68.93 a day as at 20 September 2026 - and everyone in permanent care pays it.
  2. Hotelling contribution - some people pay this. An extra means-tested contribution toward those same everyday living services. If your income and assets are above the thresholds, you may pay up to $22.15 a day. Lower-means residents don't pay it.
  3. Non-clinical care contribution - some people pay this. A means-tested contribution toward personal care such as help with bathing, dressing and getting around. It's capped at a set daily amount (around $107 a day), and there are two further protections: a lifetime cap (around $137,900) and a four-year limit - after four years of paying it, it stops, even if you haven't reached the lifetime cap. Lower-means residents may pay nothing.
  4. Higher everyday living fee - optional. Only if you choose extra services or premium options beyond what the home must provide. You'll always be told the cost up front, and it's your choice.

  Important: The actual nursing and clinical care - the medical side, delivered by nurses and allied health staff - is fully funded by the government. You don't pay for that.

  Disclaimer: This information is a general guide only and isn't financial advice. Fees are indexed on 20 March and 20 September each year; the figures here were current as at 20 March 2026. For amounts specific to your situation, please speak with Services Australia, a licensed financial adviser, or our team.

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  Please note: If your loved one was already in care before 1 November 2025

  The fee rules changed on 1 November 2025 under the new Aged Care Act. If someone moved in before that date, they're protected by a "no worse off" principle - they keep their existing fee arrangements and don't have to move to the new fees. These pages describe the arrangements for people entering care on or after 1 November 2025.

• What's the waitlist time?

  We can’t provide a definitive timeline as it varies and is dependent on when a suitable bed becomes available.

• Can I take a tour before deciding?

  Yes, our friendly team are here to support you. We’d be delighted to give you a no-obligation tour of our villages and show you what we have to offer in person.

• Can I bring my own furniture and items?

  Of course. Residents are encouraged to bring personal items to make their room feel like home, as long as they comply with our rules and aren’t hazardous.

• Are pets allowed?

  Unfortunately, we do not allow pets to stay at Harbison. Pets are most welcome to visit however and provide great therapy for our residents.