Online calculators assist with reform transition

Providers are using interactive online tools to assist consumers to navigate the Government’s recent changes to aged care.

The Living Longer Living Better reforms that came into effect on July 1 include fee deregulation and the mandatory advertisement of allocated bond payments with every public listing for aged care accommodation in the country.

Western Australia’s largest not-for-profit group Bethanie saw this as an opportunity to make their website more accessible.

On July 7, Bethanie pioneered the Virtual Bond Calculator, an interactive online portal that calculates the refundable accommodation payment (RAD) and daily accommodation payment (DAP) associated with Bethanie’s various aged care alternatives.

Bethanie CEO Christopher How said the tool will aid the buying decision of the consumer by allowing them to interactively compare the prices and features of the different units available.

“The program has been designed to function as an easy-to-use, translucent indicator of what to expect when buying within our aged care facilities,” Mr How said.

“Our seniors today are more tech-savvy than ever before, so we are thrilled to be bringing the latest technology to their aid.”

Victorian not-for-profit Benetas have launched a similar device this week, the Daily Cost Calculator, which allows users to enter a once-off lump sum contribution before calculating their DAP.

The calculator appears on each residential facility’s separate page and allows users to trial a variety of combinations to suit their individual circumstance.

Benetas CEO Sandra Hills said the Daily Cost Calculator is a simple way of supporting consumers through the aged care maze.

“Our focus on customer service means that we wanted to make things as simple and easy to access as possible for current and future users of our service,” Ms Hills said.

Image: A Benetas client uses her iPad to browse the internet. CONTRIBUTED.