1.1.A.110 Aged care (residential)
Usage
This definition applies to all payments subject to income and assets testing.
Definition
For the purpose of the SSAct, aged care is residential care and accommodation provided by a person or body approved by the Department of Health and Aged Care to operate Australian Government funded aged care services for the elderly.
Prior to 1 July 2014 there were 2 broad types of residential aged care provided in:
- an approved high level care home (formerly known as nursing homes) (1.1.N.140), and/or
- an approved low level care home (formerly known as hostels) (1.1.H.90).
From 1 July 2014, the distinction between low and high level care no longer applies. All residential care recipients will have access to the type of residential care service that meets their needs.
Aged care resident
An aged care resident is a person who resides in an Australian Government funded aged care home and who has been assessed by an ACAT as having significant care needs and requiring residential care.
Act reference: SSAct section 13(8A) … an aged care resident for the purposes …
Policy reference: SS Guide 1.1.R.220 Residential care service (Age)
Assets test exemption of principal home for aged care residents
Provisions exist to continue to regard an aged care resident's former home as their principal home for defined periods when the person is in a care situation and not living in the home.