A new 60 Minutes investigation will examine claims vulnerable aged care residents are being charged excessive fees for basic comforts, sparking fresh debate about the cost of growing old in Australia.

A confronting must-watch new 60 Minutes investigation is set to shine a spotlight on Australia’s aged care sector tonight, with families claiming elderly residents are being hit with questionable charges for services they believe should be part of basic care.

The segment, titled The Aged Care Rip-Off, examines allegations some providers are charging vulnerable residents millions of dollars through additional service packages.

In a teaser released ahead of the program, one family member describes the fees as “immoral”, claiming their loved one was taken advantage of.

“They were taking advantage of my mum,” she says.

One of the charges highlighted in the investigation is a reported $37-a-day fee linked to extra choices at meal time.

“Imagine paying $37 a day to get a choice of meal. Pork chop, lamb chop,” the teaser says.

The investigation raises questions about so-called “signature” or additional service packages offered in some aged care facilities and whether families are always getting value for the extra money they pay.

For many older Australians and their loved ones, navigating aged care costs can already be confusing, with accommodation payments, care fees and optional extras creating a complicated system at an emotional time.

The program also features families speaking about the challenges of advocating for loved ones inside residential care.

“If you weren’t there to fight for him, he wouldn’t be here with us today,” one person says in the preview.

The teaser ends with a direct confrontation over the alleged practices, asking: “How do you sleep at night?”

The investigation comes as aged care remains under intense scrutiny following years of reform after the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety exposed widespread failures across the system.

While many aged care workers and providers continue to deliver compassionate care every day, advocates say transparency around fees and services is critical.

As one person featured in the 60 Minutes preview says: “They’re not a profit centre. They are mums and dads.”