Aged care residents can refuse Higher Everyday Living Fees
From November 1, aged care homes are sending new contracts for Higher Everyday Living Fees, which are optional and can be refused.
Aged care homes are rolling out new contracts for Higher Everyday Living Fees (HELF), which cover extras like pay TV, movies, and hair care. The fees are completely optional and making them mandatory is illegal.
Residents who entered care before November 1, 2025, stay under old rules and cannot be forced into new agreements unless they choose to change rooms or move to a different facility. If you do not think the fee represents value, you can just opt out.
Specialist advisers warn residents to read contracts carefully, as they can be long and confusing. Existing residents should only sign if they are moving rooms or changing providers.
Why it mattersMany residents are unsure whether HELF payments are compulsory. Understanding your rights stops you signing away money for services you will not use.
AustraliaTens of thousands of Australian aged care residents will receive these letters over coming weeks and need to know the fees are optional.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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