WHAT THE HIGHER EVERYDAY LIVING FEE (HELF) COVERS

Choosing aged care for your loved one involves understanding several fee structures. One term that often raises questions is the Higher Everyday Living Fee, or HELF. This fee applies to Extra Service places at premium aged care residences like those offered by Regents Garden across Perth.

The HELF isn't an additional charge designed to catch families off guard. It's a transparent fee that covers the enhanced services, amenities, and lifestyle experiences that distinguish Extra Service accommodation from standard residential aged care. Understanding exactly what this fee includes helps families make informed decisions about the level of care and comfort they want for their loved one.

UNDERSTANDING THE HIGHER EVERYDAY LIVING FEE

The HELF is an Australian Government-approved fee charged by aged care residences that offer Extra Service places. These places provide a higher standard of accommodation, services, and amenities than standard aged care rooms.

At Regents Garden, the HELF covers the additional costs of delivering premium services that go beyond what's included in the Basic Daily Fee. Whilst all aged care residences must meet the same quality and safety standards, Extra Service places offer enhanced comfort, dining experiences, and lifestyle programs.

The fee is capped by the Australian Government and reviewed regularly. The Government caps HELF and reviews it. Ask Fees and charges for the current figure. Do not treat an old daily rate as a quote.

It's important to note that the HELF is not means-tested. Every resident in an Extra Service place pays the same HELF amount, regardless of their financial situation. This differs from accommodation payments and means-tested care fees, which vary based on individual assessments.

WHAT HELF COVERS AT REGENTS GARDEN

The HELF at Regents Garden funds a range of premium services and amenities designed to elevate daily living. These aren't superficial additions - they're meaningful enhancements that improve quality of life and comfort.

Superior Accommodation Standards

Your loved one's room is more than just a place to sleep. Extra Service rooms at Regents Garden feature:

• Spacious private suites with generous living areas that accommodate personal furniture and belongings
• Premium furnishings and fittings including quality window treatments, flooring, and built-in wardrobes
• Enhanced ensuite bathrooms with superior fixtures, finishes, and accessibility features
• Individual climate control allowing residents to adjust room temperature to their preference
• Thoughtful design details such as improved lighting, soundproofing, and elegant décor

These accommodation features create a genuine home environment rather than an institutional feel. Residents can personalise their space whilst enjoying the comfort of premium finishes throughout. Aged care residences should be able to show that in person.

Elevated Dining Experiences

Food brings joy, connection, and comfort to daily life. The HELF at Regents Garden supports exceptional dining that goes well beyond meeting nutritional requirements. Fees and charges sit beside that, in writing.

The Regents Garden 5-Star Service includes:

• Restaurant-style dining with table service in elegant dining rooms
• Gourmet menus prepared by experienced chefs using quality ingredients
• Extensive menu choices at every meal, including seasonal specials
• Complimentary wine service with lunch and dinner for those who enjoy it
• Flexible dining times to suit individual routines and preferences
• Private dining options for family celebrations and special occasions
• Dietary customisation that accommodates preferences alongside medical requirements

Meals become social occasions where residents gather with friends, enjoy beautifully presented food, and maintain the dining rituals that matter to them. 5-star services still have to name what is included.

Enhanced Lifestyle and Wellness Programs

Staying active, engaged, and connected contributes enormously to wellbeing. The HELF funds comprehensive lifestyle programs that keep minds stimulated and bodies moving. Our team should name who owns that answer.

Residents enjoy:

• Daily activity programs designed around individual interests and abilities
• Wellness classes including gentle exercise, yoga, and tai chi
• Cultural outings to galleries, concerts, and Perth attractions
• On-site entertainment featuring live music, performances, and special events
• Therapy gardens and outdoor spaces designed for peaceful reflection
• Technology support helping residents stay connected with family through video calls and social media
• Hobby and craft programs with quality materials and expert instruction

These programs aren't scheduled to fill time - they're thoughtfully designed to bring joy, purpose, and connection to each day.

Premium Personal Care Services

Whilst clinical care standards remain consistent across all aged care places, Extra Service residents benefit from enhanced personal care approaches.

The HELF supports:

• Lower staff-to-resident ratios allowing more personalised attention
• Dedicated lifestyle coordinators who get to know each resident's preferences deeply
• Premium personal care products including quality toiletries and skincare
• Enhanced grooming services such as regular hairdressing and beauty treatments
• Personalised care routines that respect individual preferences and schedules
• Concierge-style assistance with appointments, errands, and special requests

This level of attention means your loved one receives care that feels truly personal rather than routine.

Additional Amenities and Services

The HELF also covers numerous amenities that add comfort and convenience to daily life:

• Premium common areas including elegant lounges, libraries, and entertainment spaces
• Enhanced outdoor areas with comfortable seating, shade structures, and landscaping
• Complimentary newspapers and magazines delivered daily
• Quality linen and towels with regular replacement
• Superior cleaning standards maintaining immaculate environments
• Guest facilities allowing family members to stay overnight when needed
• Technology amenities including Wi-Fi access and entertainment systems

These details might seem small individually, but together they create an environment where your loved one feels valued and comfortable.

HOW HELF DIFFERS FROM OTHER AGED CARE FEES

Understanding the HELF requires knowing how it fits within the broader aged care fee structure. Several fees apply when moving into residential aged care, each covering different aspects of care and accommodation. Making your choice is easier after you have seen it.

The Basic Daily Fee

Every aged care resident pays a Basic Daily Fee, currently 85% of the single Age Pension rate. This fee contributes towards everyday living costs like meals, cleaning, laundry, heating, and cooling. Regents Garden Club can sit beside that extra.

The HELF sits on top of this Basic Daily Fee for residents choosing Extra Service places. It covers the enhanced versions of these services plus additional amenities not included in standard care. Regents Garden keeps that with the homes we already run. Aged care residences should be able to show that in person.

Means-tested Care Fee

Some residents pay a Means-Tested Care Fee based on their income and assets assessment. This fee helps cover the cost of personal and clinical care services. Fees and charges sit beside that, in writing.

The HELF is separate from this care fee. It relates specifically to accommodation and lifestyle services, not clinical care provision.

Accommodation Payments

Residents may pay for their accommodation through a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD), Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP), or combination of both. These payments cover the capital cost of the resident's room. 5-star services still have to name what is included.

The HELF doesn't replace accommodation payments - it covers the ongoing enhanced services delivered in Extra Service places.

Who Should Consider Extra Service Places with Help?

Extra Service places suit families seeking a premium aged care experience where comfort, choice, and lifestyle quality are priorities.

Consider Extra Service if:

• Your loved one values refined surroundings and attention to detail
• Restaurant-quality dining and menu variety matter
• An active lifestyle program with diverse activities is important
• You want lower staff ratios and more personalised attention
• Premium accommodation features would enhance daily comfort
• The additional cost fits within your family's budget

Extra Service places aren't necessary for quality care - all aged care residences must meet the same care standards. The choice comes down to lifestyle preferences and budget considerations. Our team should name who owns that answer.

Some families find that the enhanced amenities justify the additional cost, particularly if their loved one has always enjoyed premium services and surroundings. Others prefer to allocate their resources differently whilst still receiving excellent care in standard accommodation. Making your choice is easier after you have seen it.

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CONSIDERING HELF

When making your aged care choice, ask specific questions about what the HELF covers at each residence you consider:

• What specific features distinguish Extra Service rooms from standard rooms?
• Can you show me examples of both room types?
• What furnishings and fittings are included?
• How many menu choices are offered at each meal?
• Can I see a sample weekly menu?
• How are dietary preferences and requirements accommodated?
• What activities and outings are included?
• How often do programs run?
• Can residents suggest activities they'd enjoy?
• What are the staff-to-resident ratios in Extra Service areas?
• How does this compare to standard accommodation?
• What is the current HELF amount?
• How often is it reviewed?
• What happens if the HELF increases?

These questions help you understand exactly what you're paying for and whether the enhanced services align with your loved one's preferences. Regents Garden Club can sit beside that extra.

FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR HELF

The HELF represents an ongoing cost that families need to budget for alongside other aged care fees. Ask Fees and charges for the current HELF daily rate before you annualise it. Regents Garden keeps that with the homes we already run.

• The Basic Daily Fee (the Government sets this as a share of the Age Pension)
• Any Means-Tested Care Fee (varies by individual assessment)
• Accommodation payments (RAD, DAP, or combination)

When planning financially, consider:

Sustainability: Can your loved one afford the HELF long-term, recognising that aged care stays often extend several years?

Priority: Does the enhanced lifestyle justify the cost compared to other ways those funds could be used?

Alternatives: Would standard accommodation with selective upgrades (like private hairdressing or additional outings) provide similar satisfaction at lower cost?

Government support: The HELF isn't covered by government subsidies, so families bear the full cost.

Financial counsellors and aged care specialists can help you model different scenarios and understand the total cost of care under various options. Contact us to discuss how the HELF fits within your overall aged care budget. Bateman and Lake Joondalup will not look the same.

THE VALUE BEYOND THE FEE

Numbers tell only part of the story. The real value of Extra Service places lies in how enhanced amenities and services affect daily life and wellbeing.

Residents in Extra Service places at Regents Garden often experience:

Greater dignity and autonomy through personalised routines, menu choices, and activity options that honour individual preferences.

Enhanced social connection in elegant dining rooms and common areas where friendships flourish over shared meals and activities.

Maintained identity through environments that feel refined and familiar rather than institutional, allowing residents to feel like themselves.

Family reassurance knowing their loved one enjoys comfort, choice, and quality in their daily life.

Continued pleasure through gourmet dining, cultural outings, and premium amenities that bring genuine joy.

These outcomes are harder to quantify than fees, but they matter enormously to quality of life. Many families find that seeing their loved one settled, content, and engaged makes the HELF worthwhile.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR FAMILY

The decision about Extra Service places and the HELF is deeply personal. There's no universally right answer - only what works for your loved one's preferences and your family's circumstances.

Some families prioritise premium amenities and are comfortable with the additional cost. Others prefer to allocate resources differently whilst still ensuring excellent care. Both choices are valid.

What matters most is making an informed decision based on:

• Your loved one's lifestyle preferences and values
• Your family's financial situation and priorities
• Clear understanding of what the HELF includes
• Realistic expectations about how enhanced services improve daily life

Take time to visit both standard and Extra Service areas at Regents Garden residences across Perth. See the differences firsthand. Talk with current residents and families about their experiences. Ask detailed questions about services, staffing, and daily routines.

The right choice becomes clearer when you've gathered comprehensive information and considered what truly matters to your loved one's wellbeing and happiness.

CONCLUSION

The Higher Everyday Living Fee at Regents Garden funds meaningful enhancements that elevate daily life beyond standard aged care. From spacious private suites and gourmet dining to comprehensive lifestyle programs and personalised attention, the HELF covers services designed to honour your loved one's dignity whilst providing genuine comfort and choice.

Understanding exactly what this fee includes helps families make confident decisions about the level of care and amenities that best suit their loved one. Extra Service places aren't necessary for quality care, but they offer a refined lifestyle experience that many families value.

Choosing HELF means trusting what that extra actually buys in the room you toured. Want to see a standard room and an extra living room side by side? Walk one of our homes and ask. Get in touch to arrange a visit. Our team can explain the HELF in detail, show you the enhanced amenities it supports, and help you determine whether Extra Service aligns with your family's priorities and budget. Contact us to arrange a tour and discuss how we can support your loved one's comfort, dignity, and quality of life.