For many retirees, this 37-page aged care ‘test’ is a waste of time

March 4, 2026 — 4:01am

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There is a moment in everyone’s aged care journey when someone hands over a 37-page document and says, “you need to fill this in.” This calculation of your cost of care form is spoken about as if it’s mandatory. Hospital discharge planners, assessors and even aged care homes will say you have to complete it, but you don’t.

The means assessment is not compulsory, in fact, question 14 will ask if you wish to disclose your assets and income. If you choose not to complete it, you simply pay the maximum means-tested fees – which are the hotelling fee and the non-clinical care contribution.

For some – particularly self-funded retirees – choosing to fill it in can be a complete waste of........

© Brisbane Times