Reverse mortgages, also known as 'equity unlock loans' are equity release loans designed for older borrowers including those entering aged care, who are 'asset rich' but 'cash poor'.  They enable the borrower to access the equity in their home. The borrowed funds can generally be taken out as a lump sum, a regular income stream or a combination of both.

If someone is suffering from financial hardship and unable to pay for their cost of aged care, they may be eligible for financial hardship assistance for some or all of their aged care fees. Financial hardship assistance can apply to the basic daily fee, means-tested care fee and/or accommodation contribution/payment, it does not apply to extra or additional service fees.

Neither the Aged Care Income Assessment (for determining an Income Tested Care Fee in Home Care) or the Combined Income and Assets Assessment (for determining someone’s ability to contribute towards the cost of Residential Aged Care) are compulsory. People who choose not to submit an assessment are referred to as “Means Not Disclosed” and can be charged their cost of care.