Aged Care Home Ends $15 Fee for Volunteer Music Performances

Volunteers at Blue Haven Bonaira in Kiama had performed without pay for years. Staff later offered residents an optional Higher Everyday Living Fee package that included the performances, or a one-off $15 charge for those outside the package.

Background on the Fee The facility is operated by Hall & Prior.

The company said the fee was introduced after aged care changes took effect in November and was meant to cover costs such as supervision and venue cleaning. Federal rules allow providers to charge an optional fee for extra services, but existing residents cannot be charged for activities previously included at no cost.

After two months of letters from volunteers, management emailed residents on Tuesday morning stating it would return to a single program open to all residents. Federal Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae said charging for volunteer performances falls short of expectations and referred the matter to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Katrina Evans, whose 98-year-old mother lives at the home, said music should remain free. Dr Christa Wood, who leads a local choir that performs at aged care homes, said the fee created unequal access.