Noel Whittaker is the author of Wills, Death & Taxes Made Simple and numerous other books on personal finance. Email: [email protected]

Regardless of the final make-up of both houses, aged care is shaping up as a major battleground. Operators are struggling to stay afloat, while families trying to navigate the system find it a maze of red tape. And just to make it harder, major changes are about to hit in two months.
Here’s what you need to know.



From 1 July, aged care homes will be allowed to charge an exit fee — up to 10% over five years. It’s another step towards making them look more like retirement villages.
Ironically, over the past decade, many retirement villages have been trying to look more like aged care homes. Both offer accommodation and some level of support, but the similarities end there. Legally and financially, they are completely different — and it’s crucial to understand the difference before you sign anything.



Retirement villages are governed by state laws. Most people sign leasehold or licence agreements, often registered on title. The property might be a villa, duplex or apartment — usually with one to three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living area, and laundry.



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