The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.N.140 Nursing home or high level care home

Usage

This definition applies to all payments.

Definition: nursing home

Please refer to the definition of this term in the SSAct section 13(7).

Act reference: SSAct section 13(7) Nursing homes

Residential aged care (1.1.A.110)

Prior to 1 July 2014 aged care homes that provided high level residential care were often referred to as nursing homes. High (nursing home) level care homes provide care for people with a greater degree of frailty than those receiving low level care (1.1.H.90), and who often needed continuous nursing care.

For the purposes of the SSAct, a person receiving high (nursing home) level care in an Australian Government funded aged care home, approved under the Aged Care Act 1997, is defined as being in residential care (1.1.C.25). This means that the care situation provisions may be applied to high level care residents.

From 1 July 2014, the distinction between low and high care no longer applies. All residential care recipients will have access to the type of residential care services that meets their needs. This means that the care situation provisions may be applied to residential care recipients.

Policy reference: SS Guide 4.6.3.70 Exempting the principal home - care situations

Nursing-home type patient

A nursing-home type patient, within the meaning of the Health Insurance Act 1973, of a hospital may be considered to be 'residing in a nursing home'.

Act reference: SSAct section 13(8) Unless the contrary intention appears …

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