Latest news with #Accommodation
Barnama
23-05-2025
- General
- Barnama
TH Strengthens Sahabat Maktab Programme To Support Pilgrims During Masyair Operations
GENERAL From Nurliyana Farhah Ruslan MAKKAH, May 23 (Bernama) -- Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has enhanced its Sahabat Maktab (Pilgrim Companion) programme to ensure smoother management of Malaysian pilgrims during the critical Masyair phase of the haj pilgrimage. Head of the Malaysian Haj Delegation, Mohd Hisham Harun, said the move allows skilled and willing pilgrims to volunteer and assist TH's 610 haj personnel, particularly in supporting elderly pilgrims. 'Masyair is one of the most challenging phases of haj, involving bus transfers, tent assignments, and physical assistance such as pushing wheelchairs and escorting pilgrims to restrooms,' he said. 'The involvement of Sahabat Maktab is vital not only to help pilgrims perform their rituals comfortably but also to ease the burden on TH personnel.' he told reporters. A total of 385 pilgrims have been appointed as Sahabat Maktab this season, representing 11 maktab (pilgrim groups) across seven Pilgrim Accommodation Buildings (BPJH). At the recent launch ceremony, 57 pilgrims from Abraj Al Tayseer were officially introduced as part of the programme. According to Mohd Hisham, participants were selected based on several criteria, including good health, strong communication skills, leadership qualities, and high motivation. Young pilgrims and those accompanied by spouses were especially encouraged to take part. The Sahabat Maktab initiative is structured around three key roles. The first focuses on religious guidance, where companions assist fellow pilgrims in understanding and performing haj rituals in accordance with Islamic rulings. The second role involves medical support, with trained professionals such as doctors and nurses providing healthcare assistance when needed.
The Advertiser
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
The difference between aged care homes, retirement villages
Regardless of the final make up of both houses aged care is shaping up as a major battleground. Operators are struggling to stay afloat, while families trying to navigate the system find it a maze of red tape. And just to make it harder, major changes are about to hit in two months. Here's what you need to know. From 1 July, aged care homes will be allowed to charge an exit fee - up to 10 per cent over five years. It's another step towards making them look more like retirement villages. Ironically, over the past decade, many retirement villages have been trying to look more like aged care homes. Both offer accommodation and some level of support, but the similarities end there. Legally and financially, they are completely different - and it's crucial to understand the difference before you sign anything. Retirement villages are governed by state laws. Most people sign leasehold or licence agreements, often registered on title. The property might be a villa, duplex or apartment - usually with one to three bedrooms, a kitchen, living area, and laundry. What you pay, and what type of contract you sign, will determine whether Centrelink considers you a homeowner - and whether you qualify for rent assistance. Most people who pay more than $252,000 are considered homeowners. Your home's value is exempt, but you won't qualify for rent assistance. If you pay $252,000 or less, you're classed as a non-homeowner and could receive up to $212 a fortnight. On top of the entry cost, there's an ongoing service fee to cover village operating costs, and often an exit fee - usually a percentage of your entry or resale price. Some contracts deduct renovation costs, marketing fees, or a share of any capital gain. Always check whether the operator guarantees to buy back your unit if it doesn't sell within a certain period. Aged care homes are a different animal. Most people have a private room and ensuite, though some share rooms. Newer facilities may offer suites with a sitting area, kitchenette, and balcony. You can pay for aged care as a lump sum (Refundable Accommodation Deposit or RAD), a daily fee (Daily Accommodation Payment or DAP), or a mix of both. If you pay daily, it's based on the unpaid RAD at the government-set interest rate - currently a steep 8.17 per cent. RADs are government-guaranteed and must be refunded within 14 days of departure or after probate if you pass away. The real difference is care. Retirement villages generally provide only social amenities. If you need care, it comes via a Home Care Package or private provider. You're income-tested, with a capped annual contribution of $13,724. Some villages offer additional support - but offerings vary widely. If they promise an emergency call button, ask: who answers? Are carers on site 24/7? What services do they provide, and at what cost? Can you remain there if your health declines? In contrast, aged care homes include care as part of the package. Everyone pays the Basic Daily Fee - currently $23,294 annually - plus a means-tested care fee of up to $34,311, depending on your assets and income. Lifetime caps apply: you can't be charged more than $82,347 across home and residential care. The bottom line? Aged care homes and retirement villages might both provide housing and a sense of community - but in almost every other respect, they are poles apart. Don't assume one can replace the other. Always seek advice and understand the fine print before making a commitment. Question: My wife and I are self-funded retirees, relying on my Super Income account and other savings/investments. Her $600,000 super remains in an accumulation account, where we make occasional after-tax contributions of $10,000$12,000 per year, allowing it to grow. As we dont currently need income from her super, would it be more tax-effective to switch her to an income account, withdraw the required minimum monthly, and reinvest all/most back into accumulation? Shes turning 64 soon, giving her one year at a 4 per cent withdrawal rate before it increases to 5 per cent. Answer: The net earnings rate after fees and taxes on your super is the key factor in determining how long your money lasts. Earnings in accumulation mode is taxed at a flat 15%, while returns in retirement pension mode are tax-free. By moving from accumulation mode to pension mode, you should get a higher net return. As you note, the downside of switching to pension mode is the mandatory withdrawals each year, but she can simply reinvest these into a separate super account until she turns 75. Question: Im 61, still working full-time, earning a gross salary of $120,000 plus super. I have a $450,000 mortgage on my family home and a share in another property worth $700,000, which will be sold in 23 years and subject to CGT. My super balance is $340,000, but I wont be able to add more until the second property is sold. My preference is to pay off the mortgage in full and ideally reduce my hours to part-time. Any suggestions? Answer: If you are still working full time, you may not be able to withdraw your superannuation until age 65 unless you satisfy a condition of release earlier. However, you could withdraw the money progressively from your fund at any time up to 10 per cent annually using a transition to retirement pension. Just take advice before you sign a contract for the sale of the property. If you sell it after you retire and your superannuation balance is under $500,000, you may be able to make catch-up superannuation contributions which could really reduce your CGT. Question: I am 61, and my wife is 58. I earn $165,000, while she works part-time, earning just under $30,000 per year. Since paying off our mortgage, weve been directing extra funds into my super, contributing $4,000 per year to hers. This year, I will have fully used my carry-forward concessional contributions, and my fund now exceeds $500,000. Since any tax my wife pays is reclaimed through her tax assessment, is there any advantage to using her concessional contributions, or is it effectively the same as making an after-tax contribution? Answer: Due to your wifes low salary theres not much to gain by her making tax deductible concessional contributions. Given you are in the 37 per cent marginal tax bracket it would make sense to put as much money as you can from her income as non-concessional contributions. The only drawback is that she is three years younger than you and therefore may not access her super as quickly as you could. Regardless of the final make up of both houses aged care is shaping up as a major battleground. Operators are struggling to stay afloat, while families trying to navigate the system find it a maze of red tape. And just to make it harder, major changes are about to hit in two months. Here's what you need to know. From 1 July, aged care homes will be allowed to charge an exit fee - up to 10 per cent over five years. It's another step towards making them look more like retirement villages. Ironically, over the past decade, many retirement villages have been trying to look more like aged care homes. Both offer accommodation and some level of support, but the similarities end there. Legally and financially, they are completely different - and it's crucial to understand the difference before you sign anything. Retirement villages are governed by state laws. Most people sign leasehold or licence agreements, often registered on title. The property might be a villa, duplex or apartment - usually with one to three bedrooms, a kitchen, living area, and laundry. What you pay, and what type of contract you sign, will determine whether Centrelink considers you a homeowner - and whether you qualify for rent assistance. Most people who pay more than $252,000 are considered homeowners. Your home's value is exempt, but you won't qualify for rent assistance. If you pay $252,000 or less, you're classed as a non-homeowner and could receive up to $212 a fortnight. On top of the entry cost, there's an ongoing service fee to cover village operating costs, and often an exit fee - usually a percentage of your entry or resale price. Some contracts deduct renovation costs, marketing fees, or a share of any capital gain. Always check whether the operator guarantees to buy back your unit if it doesn't sell within a certain period. Aged care homes are a different animal. Most people have a private room and ensuite, though some share rooms. Newer facilities may offer suites with a sitting area, kitchenette, and balcony. You can pay for aged care as a lump sum (Refundable Accommodation Deposit or RAD), a daily fee (Daily Accommodation Payment or DAP), or a mix of both. If you pay daily, it's based on the unpaid RAD at the government-set interest rate - currently a steep 8.17 per cent. RADs are government-guaranteed and must be refunded within 14 days of departure or after probate if you pass away. The real difference is care. Retirement villages generally provide only social amenities. If you need care, it comes via a Home Care Package or private provider. You're income-tested, with a capped annual contribution of $13,724. Some villages offer additional support - but offerings vary widely. If they promise an emergency call button, ask: who answers? Are carers on site 24/7? What services do they provide, and at what cost? Can you remain there if your health declines? In contrast, aged care homes include care as part of the package. Everyone pays the Basic Daily Fee - currently $23,294 annually - plus a means-tested care fee of up to $34,311, depending on your assets and income. Lifetime caps apply: you can't be charged more than $82,347 across home and residential care. The bottom line? Aged care homes and retirement villages might both provide housing and a sense of community - but in almost every other respect, they are poles apart. Don't assume one can replace the other. Always seek advice and understand the fine print before making a commitment. Question: My wife and I are self-funded retirees, relying on my Super Income account and other savings/investments. Her $600,000 super remains in an accumulation account, where we make occasional after-tax contributions of $10,000$12,000 per year, allowing it to grow. As we dont currently need income from her super, would it be more tax-effective to switch her to an income account, withdraw the required minimum monthly, and reinvest all/most back into accumulation? Shes turning 64 soon, giving her one year at a 4 per cent withdrawal rate before it increases to 5 per cent. Answer: The net earnings rate after fees and taxes on your super is the key factor in determining how long your money lasts. Earnings in accumulation mode is taxed at a flat 15%, while returns in retirement pension mode are tax-free. By moving from accumulation mode to pension mode, you should get a higher net return. As you note, the downside of switching to pension mode is the mandatory withdrawals each year, but she can simply reinvest these into a separate super account until she turns 75. Question: Im 61, still working full-time, earning a gross salary of $120,000 plus super. I have a $450,000 mortgage on my family home and a share in another property worth $700,000, which will be sold in 23 years and subject to CGT. My super balance is $340,000, but I wont be able to add more until the second property is sold. My preference is to pay off the mortgage in full and ideally reduce my hours to part-time. Any suggestions? Answer: If you are still working full time, you may not be able to withdraw your superannuation until age 65 unless you satisfy a condition of release earlier. However, you could withdraw the money progressively from your fund at any time up to 10 per cent annually using a transition to retirement pension. Just take advice before you sign a contract for the sale of the property. If you sell it after you retire and your superannuation balance is under $500,000, you may be able to make catch-up superannuation contributions which could really reduce your CGT. Question: I am 61, and my wife is 58. I earn $165,000, while she works part-time, earning just under $30,000 per year. Since paying off our mortgage, weve been directing extra funds into my super, contributing $4,000 per year to hers. This year, I will have fully used my carry-forward concessional contributions, and my fund now exceeds $500,000. Since any tax my wife pays is reclaimed through her tax assessment, is there any advantage to using her concessional contributions, or is it effectively the same as making an after-tax contribution? Answer: Due to your wifes low salary theres not much to gain by her making tax deductible concessional contributions. Given you are in the 37 per cent marginal tax bracket it would make sense to put as much money as you can from her income as non-concessional contributions. The only drawback is that she is three years younger than you and therefore may not access her super as quickly as you could. Regardless of the final make up of both houses aged care is shaping up as a major battleground. Operators are struggling to stay afloat, while families trying to navigate the system find it a maze of red tape. And just to make it harder, major changes are about to hit in two months. Here's what you need to know. From 1 July, aged care homes will be allowed to charge an exit fee - up to 10 per cent over five years. It's another step towards making them look more like retirement villages. Ironically, over the past decade, many retirement villages have been trying to look more like aged care homes. Both offer accommodation and some level of support, but the similarities end there. Legally and financially, they are completely different - and it's crucial to understand the difference before you sign anything. Retirement villages are governed by state laws. Most people sign leasehold or licence agreements, often registered on title. The property might be a villa, duplex or apartment - usually with one to three bedrooms, a kitchen, living area, and laundry. What you pay, and what type of contract you sign, will determine whether Centrelink considers you a homeowner - and whether you qualify for rent assistance. Most people who pay more than $252,000 are considered homeowners. Your home's value is exempt, but you won't qualify for rent assistance. If you pay $252,000 or less, you're classed as a non-homeowner and could receive up to $212 a fortnight. On top of the entry cost, there's an ongoing service fee to cover village operating costs, and often an exit fee - usually a percentage of your entry or resale price. Some contracts deduct renovation costs, marketing fees, or a share of any capital gain. Always check whether the operator guarantees to buy back your unit if it doesn't sell within a certain period. Aged care homes are a different animal. Most people have a private room and ensuite, though some share rooms. Newer facilities may offer suites with a sitting area, kitchenette, and balcony. You can pay for aged care as a lump sum (Refundable Accommodation Deposit or RAD), a daily fee (Daily Accommodation Payment or DAP), or a mix of both. If you pay daily, it's based on the unpaid RAD at the government-set interest rate - currently a steep 8.17 per cent. RADs are government-guaranteed and must be refunded within 14 days of departure or after probate if you pass away. The real difference is care. Retirement villages generally provide only social amenities. If you need care, it comes via a Home Care Package or private provider. You're income-tested, with a capped annual contribution of $13,724. Some villages offer additional support - but offerings vary widely. If they promise an emergency call button, ask: who answers? Are carers on site 24/7? What services do they provide, and at what cost? Can you remain there if your health declines? In contrast, aged care homes include care as part of the package. Everyone pays the Basic Daily Fee - currently $23,294 annually - plus a means-tested care fee of up to $34,311, depending on your assets and income. Lifetime caps apply: you can't be charged more than $82,347 across home and residential care. The bottom line? Aged care homes and retirement villages might both provide housing and a sense of community - but in almost every other respect, they are poles apart. Don't assume one can replace the other. Always seek advice and understand the fine print before making a commitment. Question: My wife and I are self-funded retirees, relying on my Super Income account and other savings/investments. Her $600,000 super remains in an accumulation account, where we make occasional after-tax contributions of $10,000$12,000 per year, allowing it to grow. As we dont currently need income from her super, would it be more tax-effective to switch her to an income account, withdraw the required minimum monthly, and reinvest all/most back into accumulation? Shes turning 64 soon, giving her one year at a 4 per cent withdrawal rate before it increases to 5 per cent. Answer: The net earnings rate after fees and taxes on your super is the key factor in determining how long your money lasts. Earnings in accumulation mode is taxed at a flat 15%, while returns in retirement pension mode are tax-free. By moving from accumulation mode to pension mode, you should get a higher net return. As you note, the downside of switching to pension mode is the mandatory withdrawals each year, but she can simply reinvest these into a separate super account until she turns 75. Question: Im 61, still working full-time, earning a gross salary of $120,000 plus super. I have a $450,000 mortgage on my family home and a share in another property worth $700,000, which will be sold in 23 years and subject to CGT. My super balance is $340,000, but I wont be able to add more until the second property is sold. My preference is to pay off the mortgage in full and ideally reduce my hours to part-time. Any suggestions? Answer: If you are still working full time, you may not be able to withdraw your superannuation until age 65 unless you satisfy a condition of release earlier. However, you could withdraw the money progressively from your fund at any time up to 10 per cent annually using a transition to retirement pension. Just take advice before you sign a contract for the sale of the property. If you sell it after you retire and your superannuation balance is under $500,000, you may be able to make catch-up superannuation contributions which could really reduce your CGT. Question: I am 61, and my wife is 58. I earn $165,000, while she works part-time, earning just under $30,000 per year. Since paying off our mortgage, weve been directing extra funds into my super, contributing $4,000 per year to hers. This year, I will have fully used my carry-forward concessional contributions, and my fund now exceeds $500,000. Since any tax my wife pays is reclaimed through her tax assessment, is there any advantage to using her concessional contributions, or is it effectively the same as making an after-tax contribution? Answer: Due to your wifes low salary theres not much to gain by her making tax deductible concessional contributions. Given you are in the 37 per cent marginal tax bracket it would make sense to put as much money as you can from her income as non-concessional contributions. The only drawback is that she is three years younger than you and therefore may not access her super as quickly as you could. Regardless of the final make up of both houses aged care is shaping up as a major battleground. Operators are struggling to stay afloat, while families trying to navigate the system find it a maze of red tape. And just to make it harder, major changes are about to hit in two months. Here's what you need to know. From 1 July, aged care homes will be allowed to charge an exit fee - up to 10 per cent over five years. It's another step towards making them look more like retirement villages. Ironically, over the past decade, many retirement villages have been trying to look more like aged care homes. Both offer accommodation and some level of support, but the similarities end there. Legally and financially, they are completely different - and it's crucial to understand the difference before you sign anything. Retirement villages are governed by state laws. Most people sign leasehold or licence agreements, often registered on title. The property might be a villa, duplex or apartment - usually with one to three bedrooms, a kitchen, living area, and laundry. What you pay, and what type of contract you sign, will determine whether Centrelink considers you a homeowner - and whether you qualify for rent assistance. Most people who pay more than $252,000 are considered homeowners. Your home's value is exempt, but you won't qualify for rent assistance. If you pay $252,000 or less, you're classed as a non-homeowner and could receive up to $212 a fortnight. On top of the entry cost, there's an ongoing service fee to cover village operating costs, and often an exit fee - usually a percentage of your entry or resale price. Some contracts deduct renovation costs, marketing fees, or a share of any capital gain. Always check whether the operator guarantees to buy back your unit if it doesn't sell within a certain period. Aged care homes are a different animal. Most people have a private room and ensuite, though some share rooms. Newer facilities may offer suites with a sitting area, kitchenette, and balcony. You can pay for aged care as a lump sum (Refundable Accommodation Deposit or RAD), a daily fee (Daily Accommodation Payment or DAP), or a mix of both. If you pay daily, it's based on the unpaid RAD at the government-set interest rate - currently a steep 8.17 per cent. RADs are government-guaranteed and must be refunded within 14 days of departure or after probate if you pass away. The real difference is care. Retirement villages generally provide only social amenities. If you need care, it comes via a Home Care Package or private provider. You're income-tested, with a capped annual contribution of $13,724. Some villages offer additional support - but offerings vary widely. If they promise an emergency call button, ask: who answers? Are carers on site 24/7? What services do they provide, and at what cost? Can you remain there if your health declines? In contrast, aged care homes include care as part of the package. Everyone pays the Basic Daily Fee - currently $23,294 annually - plus a means-tested care fee of up to $34,311, depending on your assets and income. Lifetime caps apply: you can't be charged more than $82,347 across home and residential care. The bottom line? Aged care homes and retirement villages might both provide housing and a sense of community - but in almost every other respect, they are poles apart. Don't assume one can replace the other. Always seek advice and understand the fine print before making a commitment. Question: My wife and I are self-funded retirees, relying on my Super Income account and other savings/investments. Her $600,000 super remains in an accumulation account, where we make occasional after-tax contributions of $10,000$12,000 per year, allowing it to grow. As we dont currently need income from her super, would it be more tax-effective to switch her to an income account, withdraw the required minimum monthly, and reinvest all/most back into accumulation? Shes turning 64 soon, giving her one year at a 4 per cent withdrawal rate before it increases to 5 per cent. Answer: The net earnings rate after fees and taxes on your super is the key factor in determining how long your money lasts. Earnings in accumulation mode is taxed at a flat 15%, while returns in retirement pension mode are tax-free. By moving from accumulation mode to pension mode, you should get a higher net return. As you note, the downside of switching to pension mode is the mandatory withdrawals each year, but she can simply reinvest these into a separate super account until she turns 75. Question: Im 61, still working full-time, earning a gross salary of $120,000 plus super. I have a $450,000 mortgage on my family home and a share in another property worth $700,000, which will be sold in 23 years and subject to CGT. My super balance is $340,000, but I wont be able to add more until the second property is sold. My preference is to pay off the mortgage in full and ideally reduce my hours to part-time. Any suggestions? Answer: If you are still working full time, you may not be able to withdraw your superannuation until age 65 unless you satisfy a condition of release earlier. However, you could withdraw the money progressively from your fund at any time up to 10 per cent annually using a transition to retirement pension. Just take advice before you sign a contract for the sale of the property. If you sell it after you retire and your superannuation balance is under $500,000, you may be able to make catch-up superannuation contributions which could really reduce your CGT. Question: I am 61, and my wife is 58. I earn $165,000, while she works part-time, earning just under $30,000 per year. Since paying off our mortgage, weve been directing extra funds into my super, contributing $4,000 per year to hers. This year, I will have fully used my carry-forward concessional contributions, and my fund now exceeds $500,000. Since any tax my wife pays is reclaimed through her tax assessment, is there any advantage to using her concessional contributions, or is it effectively the same as making an after-tax contribution? Answer: Due to your wifes low salary theres not much to gain by her making tax deductible concessional contributions. Given you are in the 37 per cent marginal tax bracket it would make sense to put as much money as you can from her income as non-concessional contributions. The only drawback is that she is three years younger than you and therefore may not access her super as quickly as you could.
