The changes, made by the federal government to help the public purse cope with the increasing costs of an ageing population, came into effect on July 1.

Solicitor Bill Thompson said the changes gave aged care residents options on how to pay their entry fee costs, but how the fees and ongoing care costs would be funded were a major concern for many Riverina families.

"Farming families who are asset rich, but with limited and varying income may have to sell part of the family farm to pay the refundable accommodation deposit," Mr Thompson said.

Mr Thompson said while the deposit was refundable, it did have cash flow implications, and not just for farming families.

"If people are not informed and don't plan they can get a real shock," Mr Thompson said.

"Planning is important."

The chief executive officer of The Forrest Centre in Wagga Neil Stubbs said the government was rolling out substantial changes in aged care accommodation.

"There are new rules in terms of both assets testing and means testing," Mr Stubbs said.

"It is certainly a complex issue and it may be that people need to speak with their financial advisor and look at their own circumstances to work out what is best for them."

The free seminar will be held in the Wagga Commercial Club on Thursday, August 7, between 10.30am and noon.

Speakers include Mr Thompson, financial planner Sharon Ferguson, Diana Lightfoot from the Forrest Centre and Cheryl Wilson from Home and Community Care.

Telephone 6938 4600 or 1800 643779 to RSVP for the seminar.

More information about changes to aged care can be obtained on the government website www.myagedcare.gov.au.