Thanks for joining us at the seminar earlier this month! If you couldn’t make it—no worries—we have summarised the key points so you can catch up in minutes.
Our goal? To help you feel informed and maybe spark a few thoughts about changes or plans you’d like to revisit for your future care needs.
The biggest headline is the new Aged Care Act, which came into effect on 1 November 2025. As David Endersby, Senior Associate at KJB Law, explained:
“The new Act aims to make Australia’s aged care system stronger. It changes how providers deliver services and embeds older people’s rights into law.”
What does this mean for you? Eligibility remains for those aged 65 and over, or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those at risk of homelessness. The Act introduces stronger consumer protections and clearer rules for providers. Canberra is also seeing exciting developments in retirement living and aged care—more options are on the horizon.
Housing choices were a major topic. Jo Twible, Principal at KJB Law, summed it up perfectly:
“The pros and cons of staying at home versus downsizing depend on lifestyle, health, and financial priorities.”
Staying at home offers familiarity and potential capital growth, but ongoing maintenance and home modifications can be costly. Downsizing to a smaller property may reduce upkeep but often involves stamp duty and renovation costs. Retirement villages provide community and safety features but come with recurrent charges and departure fees. As Jo noted:
“You are buying a lifestyle. Departure fees and recurrent charges apply, and capital gain may be limited.”
Granny flat arrangements can bring families closer, but legal agreements must be watertight. Jo cautioned:
“If the agreement is not properly drafted, you could find yourself without sufficient funds for future care.”
Care options were another key focus. Luisa Capezio, Aged Care Specialist at Phillips Wealth Partners, explained the three main care models:
“Care is delivered by family, in-home providers, or residential aged care homes. Each option has cost and sustainability considerations.”
The Support at Home program now offers eight levels of funding, with annual budgets up to $78,000. Services include clinical care such as nursing and allied health, independence support like personal care and transport, and everyday living assistance such as cleaning and meal preparation. Contributions are means-tested, with full pensioners paying 0% for clinical care and up to 17.5% for everyday living, while self-funded retirees may pay up to 80%. A lifetime cap of $130,000 applies to non-clinical care contributions.
Short-term pathways include Restorative Care (up to $6,000 for allied health over 16 weeks), End-of-Life Care (up to $25,000 for urgent support), and Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (up to $15,000 for safety upgrades). Luisa reminded us:
“Government funding will not cover 24/7 care at home.”
Residential aged care remains essential for high-level needs, but availability is limited, with wait times of five to six months reported. The new fee structure from November 2025 includes a Basic Daily Fee of $65.55 per day ($23,926 annually), a Hotelling Contribution that is means-tested up to $22.15 per day, and a non-clinical care contribution of up to $105.30 per day, capped at $130,000 over four years. Accommodation costs can be met via RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit), DAP (Daily Accommodation Payment), or a combination, with RAD retentions capped at 10% over five years.
Residential Aged Care Fee Video
Legal essentials were addressed by Linda Evans, Senior Associate at KJB Law, who reminded us:
“Your Will does not automatically control everything you own. Superannuation and jointly held assets require separate arrangements.”
Binding Death Benefit Nominations determine superannuation outcomes, and ownership structures such as joint tenancy override Will provisions. Powers of Attorney must allow for conflict transactions, such as selling property or funding care for a spouse. As David explained:
“An attorney can only use your assets for your benefit unless expressly authorised.”
Financial strategies rounded out the discussion. Craig Phillips, Senior Financial Adviser at Phillips Wealth Partners, put it simply:
“Retirement can last decades. Planning helps ensure your money lasts too.”
Strategies included income layering—combining account-based pensions, Age Pension, annuities, and investments for stability. Tax implications were highlighted, with non-dependent beneficiaries potentially paying 17%–32% tax on superannuation death benefits. Craig advised:
“Ask your fund for the taxable breakdown of your balance.”
Investment bonds were presented as a tool for estate planning, offering tax-free proceeds and avoiding probate delays. Case studies showed how smart planning can unlock Age Pension eligibility and boost lifetime income.
The key takeaway? Start planning early to align housing, care, and financial strategies. Understand the new aged care funding model and its impact on costs. Review Wills, Powers of Attorney, and superannuation nominations.
For further information or to discuss your personal circumstances, contact KJB Law or Phillips Wealth Partners.
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