WHAT IS EXTRA SERVICE AGED CARE? HIGHER EVERYDAY LIVING EXPLAINED

Perth families searching "extra service aged care" often find themselves confused. The term still appears everywhere online - in aged care guides, family forums, facility websites. Yet since November 2025, the official name changed to "Higher Everyday Living" under the New Aged Care Act. Don't worry though - it's the same thing, just new packaging from Canberra bureaucrats trying to sound more transparent.

Here's what matters: whether you call it Extra Service or Higher Everyday Living, you're looking at the difference between a standard nursing home room and what feels more like a boutique hotel suite. Standard residential care gets you safe, comfortable accommodation with excellent clinical support. The premium tier gets you spacious private suites, restaurant meals with actual wine service, and amenities that let Mum or Dad maintain the lifestyle they enjoyed before care became necessary.

The 2026 reforms actually helped families in one important way. The new law forces facilities to be crystal clear about what you're paying for. Premium fees now fund lifestyle and environment only - never clinical care. Nursing quality stays identical whether you pay $500,000 or $1 million for accommodation. The government covers all clinical costs equally. Your premium investment buys superior accommodation, better food, comprehensive activities, and dignified surroundings that feel like home rather than hospital.

Premium aged care Perth facilities like Regents Garden deliver this through the Regents Garden Club - an exclusive membership model where tiered benefits match your chosen accommodation level. Think of it as a private club within aged care. Members access restaurant-style dining, comprehensive lifestyle programming, and premium amenities creating environments where residents genuinely enjoy this life chapter rather than merely tolerating institutional living.

THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE CHANGE

From Extra Service to Higher Everyday Living

The terminology shift from "Extra Service" to "Higher Everyday Living" reflects legislative modernisation. The New Aged Care Act introduced consistent naming across the sector. The underlying concept remains unchanged - premium lifestyle accommodation beyond standard care.

Extra service aged care historically defined facilities offering hotel-style luxury. The 1 November 2025 reforms rebranded this tier as Higher Everyday Living. Legal naming changed while the fundamental distinction between standard and premium care persists.

Families researching aged care encounter both terms. Understanding they describe identical concepts prevents confusion. The premium tier delivers enhanced lifestyle regardless of terminology used historically or currently.

Why the Change Occurred

The 2026 reforms aimed for transparency across aged care. Consistent terminology helps families understand options clearly. "Higher Everyday Living" better describes what premium fees actually fund - elevated daily experiences.

The previous "Extra Service" term created ambiguity. Families questioned whether it meant extra clinical care. The new terminology clarifies it funds lifestyle and environment specifically.

The Regents Garden Club Model

At Regents Garden, Higher Everyday Living operates through the exclusive Regents Garden Club. This membership model provides clear structure around premium offerings. Members access tiered benefits based on selected accommodation and service levels.

The Club framework offers transparency about premium investment. Families understand exactly which amenities their membership includes. This clarity prevents unexpected charges while ensuring residents receive promised lifestyle enhancements throughout their care journey.

LIFESTYLE VERSUS CLINICAL CARE DISTINCTION

Understanding What You're Paying For

The most critical distinction involves understanding where your money goes. Premium fees fund lifestyle and environment. They don't purchase superior clinical care. This difference shapes financial planning fundamentally.

Clinical care remains standardised across all accommodation types. Whether you choose standard rooms or premium suites, nursing quality stays identical. The 2026 regulations mandate equal clinical outcomes regardless of room category.

Lifestyle represents the premium tier difference. Enhanced accommodation size, superior furnishings, elevated dining experiences, and exclusive amenity access comprise what premium investment delivers beyond standard care provision.

Clinical Care Is Government-Funded

Big change for 2026: The government now pays for all clinical care. 100% of it. Rich or poor, doesn't matter. You no longer pay for nurses, wound care, or medications through your fees.

This proves huge for families. Previously, wealthier residents contributed toward nursing costs through means-tested fees. The 2026 Act eliminated this completely. Clinical care funding separates entirely from accommodation choices.

What this means practically: Nursing support quality, medication management, and medical attention remain identical whether you pay $500,000 or $1,000,000 for your room. Premium investment enhances lifestyle only - never clinical care quality.

Lifestyle Quality Reflects Personal Choice

Premium fees fund the "hotel" experience. Room size, linen quality, wine with dinner, and concierge-style support distinguish Higher Everyday Living. These lifestyle elements reflect personal preferences about comfort and dignity.

Some residents prioritise spacious accommodation with premium finishes. Others value culinary experiences and flexible dining timing. Many appreciate comprehensive social programming and cultural activities. Premium aged care Perth facilities deliver these lifestyle choices systematically.

KEY BENEFITS OF HIGHER EVERYDAY LIVING

Superior Accommodation Standards

Standard rooms meet strict government requirements for safety and comfort. Premium suites exceed minimums substantially. Facilities offering luxury aged care accommodation design spaces for genuine living rather than basic sleeping and clinical care only.

Space differences prove significant. Premium suites typically measure 30-50% larger than standard rooms. This additional space accommodates personal furniture, creates genuine living areas, and maintains privacy for intimate family conversations.

Superior accommodation includes several key features:

• Private ensuites with premium fittings and walk-in showers
• Individual climate control for personalised comfort year-round
• Superior joinery and built-in storage maintaining organisation
• Space for personal furniture bringing familiar belongings
• Large windows with natural light and pleasant outlooks
• Hotel-quality linens and soft furnishings

The additional space matters profoundly. Residents spend considerable time in rooms. Extra square metres allow personal expression, comfortable visitor entertaining, and maintaining home-like atmosphere rather than institutional accommodation that merely meets minimum standards.

Restaurant-Quality Dining Experiences

For many older Australians, meals represent daily highlights. Premium facilities providing restaurant-style dining with executive chefs elevate food from institutional nutrition to culinary experiences that maintain enjoyment, dignity, and social connection throughout residential aged care.

Enhanced dining typically includes these features:

• À la carte menu selections prepared fresh daily by qualified chefs
• High-quality ingredients sourced locally when possible
• Complimentary wine or beer with meals for those who enjoy it
• Elegant dining rooms with linen tablecloths and proper settings
• Flexible meal timing accommodating individual preferences and routines
• Special dietary requirements met without compromising presentation quality

The dining experience transcends nutrition. Shared meals create social occasions. Elevated presentation respects residents' dignity. Menu choice honours individual preferences. These elements combine transforming meals from institutional necessity into genuine pleasure that enriches daily life.

Comprehensive Lifestyle Programs

Higher Everyday Living funds lifestyle programs extending far beyond token activities. Quality facilities invest in professionally coordinated programming that respects residents' backgrounds, interests, and capabilities while creating genuine engagement opportunities rather than time-filling exercises.

Enhanced lifestyle offerings often include:

• Professionally coordinated activities with qualified lifestyle coordinators
• Cultural outings to Perth theatres, galleries, and restaurants
• On-site entertainment including live music performances and guest speakers
• Wellness programs such as yoga, tai chi, and gentle exercise classes
• Creative pursuits including art studios, gardening, and craft workshops
• Technology support for video calls with family and digital entertainment
• Libraries, cinemas, and dedicated spaces for personal hobbies

These programs recognise that residential care doesn't mean abandoning lifelong interests. Quality of life depends on maintaining purpose, social connection, and opportunities for continued growth and enjoyment throughout later life stages.

Exclusive Premium Amenities

Beyond accommodation and dining, premium facilities provide amenities considered luxury in standard residential care. These services support residents in maintaining appearance, hosting family celebrations, and enjoying daily comforts contributing to wellbeing and self-esteem.

Premium amenities typically include:

• Professional hairdressing and beauty salons with regular services
• Landscaped gardens and outdoor entertaining areas
• Private dining rooms for family gatherings and special occasions
• Concierge services arranging appointments and managing administration
• Premium laundry services including dry cleaning
• High-speed personal Wi-Fi and digital entertainment platforms
• Well-appointed common areas designed for comfort and socialising

These amenities combine creating environments where residents maintain dignity, comfort, and enjoyment. The investment funds tangible lifestyle improvements impacting daily satisfaction beyond basic care provision.

UNDERSTANDING 2026 COST STRUCTURE

The RAD Accommodation Payment

The Refundable Accommodation Deposit pays for the room itself. This lump sum amount gets held by the facility. It's refunded when care ends minus any applicable retention amounts.

Premium suites in Perth typically range $550,000 to over $1,000,000. Location, facility quality, and room features affect pricing. Desirable suburbs and modern facilities command higher RAD amounts reflecting property values and construction costs.

The 2026 Rule introduced significant change: 2% annual retention now applies to RAD amounts. This retention gets capped at 5 years maximum. Example: $600,000 RAD incurs $12,000 retention annually. Over 5 years, total retention reaches $60,000 (10% of original RAD).

Understanding aged care costs in Perth requires grasping this retention mechanism. It represents a contribution toward capital upkeep. The remaining RAD balance gets refunded when residents leave or pass away.

The HELF Daily Fee

The Higher Everyday Living Fee represents the daily charge funding premium services. This ongoing fee covers enhanced dining, lifestyle programs, and exclusive amenities distinguishing premium from standard accommodation.

HELF costs typically range $60-$120 daily depending on suite category and included services. An $80 daily HELF totals $29,200 annually. A $120 daily HELF reaches $43,800 per year. This investment should align with financial capacity and personal priorities.

Critical transparency: Under 2026 Act provisions, HELF charges are optional and itemised. Facilities must clearly document which services the fee covers. It cannot be mandatory for non-premium rooms. Families know exactly what premium investment provides.

Basic Daily Fee

All aged care residents pay the Basic Daily Fee regardless of room type. This government-set charge covers basic living costs including utilities, laundry, and meals. Currently set at $65.55 daily, the fee adjusts quarterly based on pension indexation.

This fee applies equally whether you choose standard or premium accommodation. Service level doesn't affect this standardised charge. Everyone pays it.

NCCC and HSC Contributions

The 2026 Act replaced the previous Means Tested Care Fee with two separate charges: the Non-Clinical Care Contribution (NCCC) and the Hotelling Supplement Contribution (HSC). Understanding this split proves essential for financial planning.

NCCC funds daily living support - assistance with showering, dressing, meals, and personal care. This contribution gets capped at approximately $135,000 lifetime OR 4 years of payments, whichever occurs first. Once capped, no further NCCC charges apply.

HSC covers basic hotel-style services - cleaning, facilities maintenance, and building operations. This contribution has no lifetime cap. It continues indefinitely based on means testing assessment. Both charges depend on assets and income evaluated through Services Australia.

Total Cost Comparison

Consider realistic annual cost comparison between standard and Higher Everyday Living in Perth:

Standard Residential Care Annual Costs:

• Basic Daily Fee: $23,926
• NCCC + HSC: $0-$40,000 (means-tested, if applicable)
• RAD: $400,000 with 2% retention ($8,000/year)
• Total annual cost: $31,926-$71,926

Higher Everyday Living Annual Costs:

• Basic Daily Fee: $23,926
• NCCC + HSC: $0-$40,000 (means-tested, if applicable)
• RAD: $700,000 with 2% retention ($14,000/year)
• HELF: $80 daily ($29,200/year)
• Total annual cost: $67,126-$107,126

The difference of approximately $35,000-$45,000 annually represents premium investment. This funds superior accommodation, restaurant-quality dining, comprehensive lifestyle programs, and exclusive amenities creating dignified, enjoyable residential living.

WHO BENEFITS FROM HIGHER EVERYDAY LIVING

The Socially Active Individual

Higher Everyday Living particularly suits socially engaged individuals. Comprehensive lifestyle programs prevent isolation. High-quality events and cultural outings maintain social connections essential for emotional wellbeing.

These residents value variety and engagement. They participate actively in organised activities. They appreciate opportunities for theatre visits, gallery tours, and group dining experiences. Premium facilities delivering enhanced aged care services through structured programming support continued social participation throughout residential care.

The Food Lover

For residents who appreciate culinary experiences, enhanced dining proves invaluable. The simple pleasure of a good meal shared with friends maintains quality of life. Restaurant-quality preparation, menu choice, and elegant presentation preserve enjoyment central to many people's daily satisfaction.

These residents value food beyond nutrition. They appreciate fresh ingredients and skilled preparation. They enjoy wine with meals and flexible dining timing. Premium facilities honour these preferences systematically rather than treating meals as institutional necessity only.

Families Seeking Peace of Mind

Adult children often choose Higher Everyday Living for parents. The investment provides reassurance that Mum or Dad isn't just "being cared for" but actively enjoying this life chapter. Surroundings reflecting dignity matter profoundly to families.

These families prioritise quality of life over cost minimisation. They value knowing their loved one maintains comfort and enjoyment. They appreciate facilities where parents thrive socially rather than merely receiving adequate clinical support.

Those with Financial Capacity

Higher Everyday Living requires substantial financial resources. The additional $35,000-$50,000 annually demands careful assessment. Available funds must support sustainable long-term costs without compromising financial security.

Families should honestly evaluate financial implications. The investment shouldn't deplete intended inheritances unexpectedly. It shouldn't compromise remaining spouses' financial stability. Financial comfort matters as much as physical comfort throughout potentially many years of residential care.

MAKING YOUR DECISION

Financial Planning Considerations

Work with financial advisers familiar with aged care to understand long-term implications. Families seeking to make informed aged care decisions should evaluate available assets, income sustainability, Age Pension impacts, and estate planning considerations before committing to premium investment levels.

Consider these financial aspects systematically:

• Available liquid assets for RAD payment or ongoing DAP capacity
• Sustainability of HELF charges over potentially 5-10 years
• Impact on Age Pension entitlements and income testing
• Financial needs of remaining spouses living independently
• Estate planning goals and intended inheritances

The investment should feel financially comfortable. It shouldn't create ongoing stress or compromise other financial security needs. Sustainable funding matters more than premium accommodation if the investment strains family resources.

Evaluating Personal Priorities

Consider what matters most to the person entering care. Individual preferences vary significantly. Some residents prioritise basic comfort and quality clinical care over lifestyle amenities. Others find enhanced environments essential for maintaining wellbeing and dignity.

Key questions include:

• How important are spacious accommodation and premium finishes?
• Does the resident actively enjoy social activities and cultural outings?
• Will restaurant-quality dining contribute meaningfully to daily satisfaction?
• Are exclusive amenities like salons and concierge services valued or unnecessary?

Neither preference proves inherently superior. They simply reflect different values. Matching investment to actual priorities ensures satisfaction with chosen accommodation level.

Experiencing the Difference Firsthand

Descriptions convey only limited understanding. The true value of Higher Everyday Living appears in atmosphere - fresh coffee scents, natural light in private suites, and dining room vibrancy. Touring facilities provides tangible experience that brochures cannot replicate.

Schedule tours comparing standard and premium offerings. Notice accommodation size differences. Experience dining atmosphere. Observe resident engagement levels. Speak with current residents and families about satisfaction with lifestyle quality and amenity value.

Premium facilities welcome families to explore residences firsthand. Experience how superior accommodation, enhanced dining, and comprehensive programming create environments where residents thrive rather than merely receive adequate clinical support throughout residential aged care.

CONCLUSION

Extra service aged care evolved into Higher Everyday Living under 2026 legislative reforms. The terminology changed while the fundamental concept persists - premium lifestyle accommodation beyond standard clinical care provision. Understanding this distinction helps Perth families navigate aged care decisions with clarity about what premium investment actually delivers.

The additional investment - typically $35,000-$50,000 annually through HELF charges and higher RAD retention - funds tangible lifestyle improvements. Superior accommodation, restaurant-quality dining, comprehensive activity programs, and exclusive amenities create environments supporting dignity and enjoyment throughout residential aged care rather than merely providing adequate clinical support.

This enhanced standard particularly suits individuals valuing quality of life, social engagement, and maintaining dignity through comfortable surroundings. However, significant additional costs require careful financial assessment. Sustainability throughout potentially many years demands honest evaluation of available resources and personal priorities before committing to premium investment levels.

For families considering premium aged care that prioritises lifestyle quality, facilities providing restaurant-style dining and luxury aged care accommodation through exclusive membership models create dignified residential living. Get in touch at (08) 6117 8178 to arrange facility tours and experience the Regents Garden Club difference. Regents Garden operates aged care residences in Bateman, Lake Joondalup, Booragoon, Aubin Grove, and Scarborough, with retirement villages at Lake Joondalup and Aubin Grove.

Disclaimer: General information only. Seek independent financial advice. Fees and caps are subject to change and individual assessment.