What is a care suite?

A care suite (previously called a care apartment) is technically a retirement village offering with care components governed by the Age-Related Residential Care (ARRC) Agreement. It offers the same type of care as a care home and is bound by the same rules. As this is a type of retirement village offering, you will usually have to pay an upfront capital amount (the ‘purchase’ price).

Specific rules apply to care suite arrangements to ensure the resident and the public health services don’t end up paying for the same thing:

• If you are privately paying for and receiving a standard level of care (as set out in the ARRC Agreement), you will only pay for personal care and associated services, such as meals, linen and laundry.
• Accommodation should not be charged for or should be reimbursed: a formula of 18% of the Maximum Contribution applies. You pay maintenance and property-related fees as per your Occupation Right Agreement (ORA).
• You cannot be charged for additional or ‘premium’ fees related to fixed elements in your care apartment.
• If you get a Residential Care Subsidy and are receiving care under an ARRC Agreement, fees you pay cannot include charges covered in that agreement, (such as meals, cleaning, laundry, and room service). You must pay for the property-related charges detailed in your Occupation Right Agreement, like rates, insurance and maintenance fees.