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.
Retirement villages are generally built as a group of units or villas with entry restricted to people who are over 55 and retired from full-time employment. Retirement Villages operate under the relevant state or territory legislation, often called the Retirement Villages Act.
For people who enter residential aged care after 1 July 2014 a means tested amount is used to determine how much they can pay for accommodation and care.
Aged Care Providers are required to refund the balance of a resident’s Refundable Accommodation Deposit/Contribution or Accommodation Bond within legislated timeframes.
Prior to 1 July 2014 Residential Aged Care was categorised into three types; Low Care, High Care and Extra Services. A different financial arrangement applied to each and while some facilities offered only one type of care others had more than one — and perhaps all 3 — in the same facility.
