Can't afford a shower: fears over aged care reforms

Regular showers could become unaffordable for some older Australians under contentious changes aimed at making the nation's aged care sector more financially sustainable, advocates warn.

Two key advocacy groups are urging the federal government to change its planned rules, so all aged care residents can get help showering for free.

From November, sweeping reforms to the sector will see wealthier residents forced to pay more for some parts of their care.

The cost of clinical care like nursing and physiotherapy will be covered by the government, but residents will have to pick up some of the bill for so-called "independence supports" like bathing and transport.

Council on the Ageing Chief Executive Patricia Sparrow said showers were essential for older Australians, but the changes could see some people going without.

"We would really hate to see that people would make decisions not to have a shower because they don't think they can afford them," she told AAP.

"I want them to be able to confidently have help with that shower because it's really critical to their health and wellbeing."

Mobility issues are one of a number of reasons older people may need help having a shower.

Under the government's planned changes, which kick in from November, aged care residents would have to pay between five and 50 per cent of the cost of independence supports.

Labor says the overhaul is aimed at making the sector more financially sustainable over the long term.

Ms Sparrow is calling for showering help to be classified as clinical care so residents can access it for free, a push also supported by the Older Persons Advocacy Network.

"The shower should be considered clinical in all cases... it's usually because of someone's physical decline that they're needing that assistance," OPAN chief executive Craig Gear told AAP.

The two advocacy groups have been meeting with aged care residents around the country to hear their concerns about the landmark reforms.

They're promising to closely monitor the affordability of care when the new laws take effect in November.

Aged Care Minister Sam Rae said the government's reforms responded to the recommendations of the Aged Care Taskforce, which proposed that older people make a means-tested contribution to the cost of their care.

"We've built in a range of protections to ensure older Australians, regardless of their means can afford the care they need, including hardship provisions for those who need them," he said in a statement.

"As we continue down the path of aged care reform, the government will monitor the impact and equity of the system closely to ensure our aged care system is one that every older Australian, every family and every aged care worker can be truly proud of."