Aged Care Guide NSW/ACT 2023/24

South

Quality support you can trust

Providing excellence in person-centred support is at the core of Anglicare’s range of services. As a Christian not-for-profit organisation Anglicare has been serving the community, it’s residents and clients for over 160 years.

Anglicare can support you in many ways:

Residential care

Designed to feel like home, our beautiful care homes provide person-centred quality care, personalised to meet your individual needs.

Home care

From help around the home to personal assistance and care, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing your health and support needs are in caring, professional hands.

Respite

Whether it’s emergency or planned short term respite you will receive the same quality care and services as permanent residents and be able to join in on resident social activities.

Retirement living

From recently renovated villas to brand new luxury apartments our villages offer community, safety and support when you need it most.

Other aged care services

Dementia and mental healthcare, palliative care, nutrition, falls prevention, clinical research, and lifestyle support.

Community services

Supporting those who need a helping hand with food and financial assistance, mental health support, counselling, Op Shops, foster care and more.

Pastoral care

Spiritual and emotional support.

Uniting Aged Care supports you at every stage.

As one of the largest and most trusted aged care providers in NSW and the ACT, we offer a full range of services for older people.

Home care

Our wide range of flexible and personalised services help you to stay independent, in your own home and community.

Retirement and independent living

When you’re ready to downsize, we’ll take care of your home maintenance while you enjoy the comfort, community and security of a Uniting retirement village.

Residential aged care

Our aged care homes help you to live your day, your way, with customised 24/7 support, allied health and respite care.

From the Editor

From the Managing Editor

Welcome to the 23rd edition of the Aged Care Guide New South Wales & ACT

For more than 20 years, the Aged Care Guide, previously known as the DPS Guide to Aged Care, has provided seniors and their families with essential information about aged care in Australia.

Our print and online publications are an essential tool to help you understand and access aged care services – from home and community care through to residential care accommodation and retirement living options.

To help you understand the aged care process even better we have created easy to follow flow charts which visualise your options and the steps to take for home care and residential aged care.

The articles in the front half of the book give detailed descriptions of the various aged care services available and discuss any financial and legal issues you need to be aware of, as well as who can assist with expert advice around advocacy and placement.

The directory section at the back provides a comprehensive list of all Australian Government subsidised residential accommodation and approved home care package providers.

An extensive list of retirement living operators and private providers of homes and services are also included.

You can use the printed Aged Care Guide in conjunction with our website – AgedCareGuide.com.au –which provides greater detail on the services offered by individual aged care homes, home care providers, retirement villages, as well as professional services and products.

Simply type in the associated ‘DPS Web ID’ number from this book in the space provided on the website to link directly to a chosen home, service or product.

Current bed vacancies, as well as home care availability and retirement units for sale or lease, are also listed on the website.

Alternatively you may wish to use our Compare & Connect tool to help you find and compare aged care providers that best meet your needs and search criteria in your preferred area to help with the decision making process.

We are also promoting transparency in the sector and opening up dialogue between consumers and providers through Ratings and Reviews on AgedCareGuide.com.au, which gives you the opportunity to share positive or negative stories about your aged care experience with a service and for providers to respond to this feedback and address any potential concerns.

We would like to wish you all the best as you embark on your journey in locating the home or services to suit your needs. When engaging a service, please advise the aged care home, retirement village, community care provider, or product and service provider that you found their details in the Aged Care Guide.

We welcome any suggestions on information we can provide in the next edition of the Aged Care Guide or on AgedCareGuide.com.au to further assist in your journey. Simply email margot.white@dps.com.au

I look forward to hearing from you.

Margot White – Managing Editor

RRP $66, inc GST

Managing Editor

Margot White margot.white@dps.com.au

Chief Executive Officer

Michelle Beech

The factual material contained in this publication has been obtained from information supplied by government departments, industry and organisations, by personal interview and by telephone and correspondence. At the time of going to press the publisher believed that all information submitted for publication was accurate and complete. However, the publisher can take no responsibility for inaccuracies or incomplete information that may have been supplied to them in the course of their enquiries detailed above. The facts published indicate the result of those enquiries and no warranty as to their accuracy can be given. The information in this publication is general in nature and does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice. Readers should consider whether the information is appropriate to their needs and seek professional advice tailored to their personal circumstances. Images within this publication may have been altered from their original format.

© Copyright. No part of this publication can be used or reproduced in any format without express permission in writing from The Publisher.

® Aged Care Guide is a registered trademark.

Aged care that’s personal

Everyone has something that brings them joy, for Ann it is cooking. With Anglicare residential aged care, Ann can indulge her passion because person-centred care is what we’re all about.

Talk to us about caring for the one you love.

anglicare.org.au or call 1300 111 278

How to use the Aged Care Guide

How to use the Aged Care Guide

The information featured in this 23rd edition of the Aged Care Guide New South Wales & ACT will inform you on a number of considerations when choosing accommodation and care options.

The articles up to page 143 will help you become better informed about aged care, community care and retirement living.

The Aged Care Guide also includes a comprehensive directory of residential aged care homes (see pages 156 –203); retirement accommodation (see pages 206 –210); home care packages (see pages 211 –227); and facilities or services specific to your cultural background (see pages 228 –235).

How do I find what I’m looking for?

There are a number of ways you can use the Aged Care Guide in order to find aged care homes, retirement accommodation, home care packages, products or services.

The index on page 256 can help you to find the main information topics in the book and can direct you to the different directory tables for aged care homes, retirement villages, in home care options or products/services in the back of the Guide.

Each Council District (also known as a Local Government Area or LGA) on the referenced page includes a list of suburbs with homes or villages in each suburb listed in alphabetical order.

You will find some retirement accommodation listed within the residential directory where they are co-located on the same geographical site as the aged care home.

Locality search: If you know the Council District, suburb or town, then use the cross reference index on pages 151 –153. Each of these lists are in alphabetical order and you can then refer to the page referenced.

Cultural search: If you are of non-English speaking background, or prefer to find a home or service specific to your cultural needs, refer to the multicultural listings on pages 228 –235

Searching for other services

If you are looking for In Home Care Services, Day Therapy Centres, Centre Based Care, or other Products and Services, you can find this in grid form in the directory section from page 236 onwards.

Visit AgedCareGuide.com.au for a complete list of services available near you

Aged care explained

Aged care explained

Whether you need support to remain living independently at home, or are looking for alternative accommodation, it is important to know what options are available to you.

What is aged care?

Aged care is a term used to describe a range of services to support older people. This could be home care or nursing homes but it may also refer to community services, specific health care services delivered in a day centre setting, assisted living options as well as products and equipment available to assist anyone over 65 years old.

Below you will find a brief description of what care options might be available to you, which will direct you to the different sections of the Aged Care Guide for more detail.

Support at home

If you want to stay in your own home but need assistance to continue living independently, there are numerous services available, to help you manage better at home.

You can choose to pay for help at home yourself or you can get support through Government funded programs such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or the Home Care Packages (HCPs) program.

We know it’s important to our aged care clients to have regular and familiar support workers. And that’s why we will provide a team you know you can rely on. Home care packages – Care for you, designed by you.

To tailor a home care package, call 1800 792 359 or email agedcareenquiries@lwb.org.au

‘That’s Jess. She helps me with cleaning and odd jobs around the house.’

Home care products and services range from assistance with daily chores and personal care to providing meals, transport assistance, and home maintenance.

Basic assistance is offered through the CHSP. See page 20 for information about how the CHSP may be able to assist you.

If your needs exceed the level of support offered though this program, then a Home Care Package can offer higher intensity support to help you stay at home. To find out more about Home Care Packages, go to page 25

A comprehensive list of Government funded services, as well as a range of private services, is included in this Aged Care Guide, starting on page 145

Respite care

Respite care offers the opportunity for both you and your carer to take a break for a few hours, a day, a night or a few weeks.

Respite care is provided by residential aged care homes and community care services in your own home, under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

See page 45 for more information about home and community respite care or page 96 for respite in a residential aged care facility.

You’ll find homes and services offering respite in the directory section starting on page 145.

Residential aged care

If you are no longer able to remain living independently at home, moving into residential aged care can ensure quality of life and comfort.

Other names for residential aged care include aged care home, nursing home and aged care facility.

Entry into a Government funded residential aged care home requires an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).

See page 63 for information about residential aged care, how to access it and what you may need to pay.

There are also a number of non Government funded residential aged care homes, often referred to as supported and assisted living complexes. See page 107 for more information.

In the directory section of this Aged Care Guide, starting on page 145, you’ll find a comprehensive list of Government funded aged care homes as well as some private providers.

Retirement living

Retirement villages are different from nursing homes. They are clusters of villas, units or apartments, and you will need a reasonable level of independence to move into a retirement setting.

Generally, the land is owned by an operator and residents enter into a lease type arrangement so they can live there for as long as they wish.

Daily care is generally not included but some providers may offer support services at an additional charge or this can be accessed separately through Government funded home support options.

See page 109 for advice on retirement accommodation or page xx for a list of retirement villages in NSW and ACT.

Aged care explained

Useful phone numbers and websites

Useful phone numbers and websites

Advocacy

ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS)

02 6242 5060 adacas.org.au

CarerHelp 1800 242 636 carerhelp.com.au

Carers Australia 1800 422 737 carersaustralia.com.au

COTA ACT 02 6282 3777 cotaact.org.au

COTA NSW 02 9286 3860 cotansw.com.au

NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline 1800 628 221

ageingdisabilitycommission.nsw.gov.au

Older Person’s Advocacy Network (OPAN) 1800 700 600 opan.org.au

Seniors Rights Service (NSW) 1800 424 079 seniorsrightsservice.org.au

Cultural

Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW 02 9319 0288 eccnsw.org.au

Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra 02 4229 7566 eccnsw.org.au

Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) 02 4229 7566 picacalliance.org

Translating and Interpreting Service

13 14 50 tisnational.gov.au

Government

Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission

1800 951 822 agedcarequality.gov.au

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

1800 838 372 dva.gov.au

My Aged Care

1800 200 422

Service New South Wales

Health

Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS)

1800 699 799 dementia.com.au

Dementia Support Australia (DSA)

1800 699 799 dementia.com.au

National Continence Helpline

1800 330 066 continence.org.au

National Dementia Helpline

1800 100 500 dementia.org.au

Seniors Health Card

13 23 00 serviceaustralia.gov.au

Legal LawAccess NSW

1300 888 529 lawaccess.nsw.gov.au

Legal Aid ACT

1300 654 314 legalaidact.org.au

NSW Trustee and Guardian

1300 364 103 tag.nsw.gov.au

Older Person’s ACT Legal Service (OPALS)

02 6205 3535 legalaidact.org.au/opals

Public Advocate

- ACT Human Rights Commission

02 6205 2222 hrc.act.gov.au/public-advocate

Public Trustee and Guardian (ACT)

02 6207 9800 ptg.act.gov.au

Other

Assistive Technology Australia

02 9912 5800 at-aust.org.au

Carer Gateway

1800 422 737 carergateway.gov.au

National Relay Service

1800 555 660 infrastructure.gov.au

Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling

myagedcare.gov.au

13 77 88 service.nsw.gov.au

Services Australia - Aged Care Line

1800 227 475 serviceaustralia.gov.au

Services Australia - Carers & Disability 13 27 17 servicesaustralia.gov.au

Services Australia - Medicare

13 20 11 servicesaustralia.gov.au

Services Australia - Older Australians

13 23 00 servicesaustralia.gov.au

1800 011 046 openarms.gov.au

Seniors Card (ACT)

02 6282 3777 actseniorscard.org.au

Seniors Card Service (NSW)

13 77 88 www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au

Seniors Information Service (NSW)

13 77 88 service.nsw.gov.au

SUMMITCARE

WARMTH WORTH WELLBEING

Healthy Ageing &

SummitCare Baulkham Hills 2020 Winner for Outstanding Specialised Business And multiple finalists for: Specialised BusinessProfessional ServicesHealth Improvement Services -

SummitCare Baulkham Hills

P: (02) 8865 3600

SummitCare Baulkham Hills

E: baulkhamhills@summitcare.com.au

P: (02) 8865 3600

E: baulkhamhills@summitcare.com.au

SummitCare Smithfield

P: (02) 9755 7333

SummitCare Smithfield

E: smithfield@summitcare.com.au

P: (02) 9755 7333

E: smithfield@summitcare.com.au

SummitCare St Marys

P: (02) 9673 6999

SummitCare St Marys

E: stmarys@summitcare.com.au

P: (02) 9673 6999

E: stmarys@summitcare.com.au

SummitCare Canley Vale

P: (02) 9728 1200

SummitCare Liverpool

P: (02) 9602 9044

SummitCare Liverpool

E: liverpool@summitcare.com.au

P: (02) 9602 9044

E: liverpool@summitcare.com.au

SummitCare Wallsend

P: (02) 4944 1500

SummitCare Penrith

P: (02) 4721 2512

E: penrith@summitcare.com.au

SummitCare Penrith

P: (02) 4721 2512

E: penrith@summitcare.com.au

SummitCare Canley Vale

SummitCare Wallsend

E: canleyvale@summitcare.com.au

P: (02) 9728 1200

E: canleyvale@summitcare.com.au

SummitCare Randwick

P: (02) 9398 4511

E: wallsend@summitcare.com.au

P: (02) 4944 1500

E: wallsend@summitcare.com.au

SummitCare Waverley

P: (02) 9387 3872

SummitCare Randwick

E: randwick@summitcare.com.au

P: (02) 9398 4511

E: randwick@summitcare.com.au

Our highly qualified staff provide 24/7 care and specialise in palliative and dementia care - SummitCare accepts high care respite and offers residential care to our growing communities across Sydney and Newcastle.

SummitCare has been providing excellence in care to our residents for over fifty years. Our highly qualified staff provide 24/7 care on both a permanent and respite basis.

Our highly qualified staff provide 24/7 care and specialise in palliative and dementia care - SummitCare accepts high care respite and offers residential care to our growing communities across Sydney and Newcastle.

Our homes are designed to offer spacious living areas, external and internal courtyards with beautifully landscaped gardens for our residents to enjoy. SummitCare achieved high commendations for our approach to palliative care through the Future of Ageing Awards 2020.

We are proud to announce that our teams and facilities across Sydney and Newcastle have achieved 100% Accreditation results from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for our outstanding services and facilities. Our homes are designed to offer spacious living areas, external and internal courtyards with beautifully landscaped gardens for our residents to enjoy.

Our homes are designed to offer spacious living areas, external and internal courtyards with beautifully landscaped gardens for our residents to enjoy. SummitCare achieved high commendations for our approach to palliative care through the Future of Ageing Awards 2020.

SummitCare Waverley

E: waverley@summitcare.com.au

P: (02) 9387 3872

E: waverley@summitcare.com.au

Family-owned business with a focus on care and services to the ageing community. We also offer:

•Couples suites

Family-owned business with a focus on care and services to the ageing community. We also offer:

Family-owned business with a focus on care and services to the ageing community. We also offer:

•Freshly prepared nutritious meals, cooked on-site

• Pet friendly

•Couples suites

•Resident-focused leisure and lifestyle activities

•Freshly prepared nutritious meals, cooked on-site

• Freshly prepared nutritious meals, cooked on-site

•Concessional and DVA welcome.

•Resident-focused leisure and lifestyle activities

• Resident-focused leisure and lifestyle activities

www.summitcare.com.au

•Concessional and DVA welcome.

• Concessional and DVA welcome.

www.summitcare.com.au

www.summitcare.com.au

90 years of care

Relationship-based

We can assist with

My Aged Care

My Aged Care is a Government operated website and contact centre for people who would like Government funded support to access in home support, community or residential care.

The service can help you find information about subsidised aged care options including the different types of Government funded services available, eligibility for those services, and the associated costs.

You, a family member, carer or client representative can register your details with My Aged Care so that you can be assessed to access any Government subsidised services.

My Aged Care then assigns you with an Aged Care user ID and keeps a central client record which includes your assessed needs and the Government funded care services being provided. Visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 for more information.

Referral code

Once you’ve been assessed and found eligible for services, whether they’re for a Home Care Package, Transition Care or to get a place in a nursing home, you should be given a referral code.

The service provider of your choice will need this referral code to access your information and manage the referral. They’ll be also able to claim the funding allocated to you.

The referral code is linked to the type of service you are eligible to access. If you need the support of multiple services, you will need multiple referral codes, one for each service.

If you are not given a referral code make sure you ask for one so you can discuss your needs with your preferred service provider.

A provider won’t be able to start charging you fees until they begin delivering services to you or you have accepted a place in an aged care home.

If you have been found eligible for a Home Care Package there may be a wait time before a suitable package becomes available.

In the meantime, you may be allocated an interim package at a lower level or choose to self-fund your supports.

You will receive a letter from My Aged Care to advise you when you have been allocated an available package.

To assist you in your search, an independent information source like the Aged Care Guide publications and the linked AgedCareGuide.com.au website can help. These resources give a comprehensive overview of all care options and care providers available.

My Aged Care

Assessment Service (RAS)

Regional Assessment Service (RAS)

To access basic Government funded in home support under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) you need to be assessed by a RAS.

The aim of the RAS is to ensure the services respond to you and your carers’ needs and support you in retaining or regaining skills that enable you to continue living independently in the community.

What services does RAS provide?

The RAS helps to identify you and your carers’ needs for support and your goals for greater independence and wellbeing. It provides in home, face to face assessments of new and existing clients/carers.

RAS allows assessments to be conducted independently from service provision and ensures assessors consider the full range of options when responding to you and your carers’ needs and goals.

Some of these needs may include assistive technology, therapeutic interventions, community care services or other support organisations. They liaise with other service providers, GPs/specialists and community support networks to make sure desired outcomes are achieved.

RAS plans and coordinates exit from the CHSP and transfer to other appropriate service systems including Home Care Packages and/or residential care if required.

The service also provides care coordination if you have multiple providers or more complex needs.

How the assessment works

An assessor from your local RAS will visit you for the assessment. They will ask you questions about your personal situation, health, and if you’re already receiving some support. The RAS assessment is a free service. You might like to have some support, a partner, relative or friend, present during the assessment. An interpreter can also be arranged. Together with the assessor you will work out a Home Support Plan detailing your needs and goals, and what services are needed to achieve those.

Referrals

The RAS team ensures your diverse needs are addressed through appropriate assessment, or can identify the need for other relevant assessments.

After an assessment has been completed you should be given a referral code/s which you need to access services. Alternatively, RAS can make a referral to a CHSP provider following a discussion about the availability of appropriate services and a discussion with you about your preferences. Find out more about CHSP on page 20 or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request a RAS assessment.

Regional

Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)

If you are no longer able to manage at home without basic assistance, the ACAT helps you, and your carers, determine what kind of care will best meet your needs.

This may be a Home Care Package (see page 25) provided to you in your own home or residential care in an aged care home (see page 63).

The ACAT is staffed by doctors, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and other health professionals.

How the assessment works

A member of your local ACAT will visit you in your home or in hospital to assess your needs.

You will be asked a series of questions to work out how much and what sort of help you require with daily and personal activities, to determine the best care option for your situation.

With your approval, the ACAT will also contact your local doctor to gain more information on your medical history to assist with the assessment process.

There is no charge for the assessment as the ACAT is Government funded. Carers, relatives or close friends are encouraged to be involved in the discussion of your needs

The ACAT will discuss the result of its assessment with you and the options that would be most suitable, as well as what is available in your area.

If there is no package of the assessed level immediately available, you may be offered a package at a lower level or CHSP services to help you while you wait.

While an ACAT cannot make recommendations about individual homes or community services, they can provide you with information to assist you to make decisions.

If you are of non-English speaking background and require an interpreter, please advise the ACAT when making your appointment.

Referral code

If the ACAT considers you eligible for services, you will be given a referral code. The service provider of your choice will need this referral code to access your client record on My Aged Care and manage the referral. Make sure you ask for the referral code if you haven’t been given one.

Not satisfied with the ACAT?

If you have a complaint or are not satisfied with the assessment or recommendations, you should advise the person in charge of the ACAT. If you cannot reach an agreement, you can appeal the decision. You will be sent a letter by the ACAT explaining how you, or someone acting on your behalf, can appeal.

Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 if you would like to organise an ACAT assessment.

Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)

Making every day the best it can be

www.allity.com.au

Welcome to Allity Aged Care

Allity is part of Bolton Clarke Group, Australia’s largest independent, not-for-profit provider of home care, retirement living and residential aged care.

As a network of 70 Homes located across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, the collective experience of our local and national teams makes us one of the most respected and established providers within the Australian aged care industry.

Our New South Wales Network

With 13 purposefully designed Homes located across New South Wales, the choice is always yours. Be it affordability, convenience, luxury or a combination, we are here to provide the support and services that are important to you.

Proud to be called Home – Every Allity Home is exactly what the name implies – a place where our residents can continue to share everyday experiences with their families, make it their own and maintain active and rewarding lifestyles in a meaningful way.

When life’s day-to-day tasks become increasingly challenging, we have the expertise to help you or a family member make informed choices that best suit each individual’s circumstances.

Whether the need is short-term assistance or long-term care, we look forward to providing you with the guidance and forward planning to make the transition to care with confidence.

Bass Hill Aged Care

119 Robertson Road, Bass Hill (02) 9644 6122

Nestled in peaceful surrounds in Sydney’s South West, Bass Hill is designed on one level and offers single and companion rooms. The Home has a variety of social areas where residents can enjoy activities, relax or catch up with family and friends.

Bayside NSW Aged Care

136 Marconi Road, Bonnells Bay (02) 4973 6799

Bayside offers bright and spacious single and companion rooms, many with outlooks to landscaped gardens. The Home features a dedicated Memory Support neighbourhood providing a secure place for residents living with dementia.

Beechwood Aged Care

3-17 Albert Street, Revesby (02) 8774 5400

Beechwood is well-established in the local community, with spacious single and companion rooms and a Memory Support neighbourhood, for residents living with dementia. A café, sunny internal courtyards and gardens provide space to enjoy privacy or the company of friends and family.

Brentwood Aged Care

28 Glebe Street, Parramatta (02) 9635 1114

Brentwood has a welcoming family-orientated atmosphere and long-standing, multilingual staff to support the culturally diverse resident community. The Home offers a selection of single and shared rooms and has a secure Memory Support neighbourhood for residents living with dementia.

Calare Aged Care

124 March Street, Orange (02) 6362 2311

Calare is an established Home, well known in the Orange community for its expertise in supporting people living with dementia. Residents have the choice of bright and spacious single or companion rooms, all with an aspect to external gardens.

Coastal Waters Aged Care

100 The Wool Road, Worrowing Heights (02) 4443 0077

Situated near Jervis Bay on the NSW South Coast, Coastal Waters reflects the relaxing environment of the coastal lifestyle. Offering single and companion rooms, the Home also has a dedicated Memory Support neighbourhood for residents living with dementia.

Greenwood Aged Care

9-17 Hinemoa Avenue, Normanhurst (02) 9372 3400

Located in Sydney’s leafy Upper North Shore, this Signature Home exudes sophistication yet projects the warmth of an elegant home. Greenwood offers a variety of spacious single rooms and suites across 5 neighbourhoods with a barista café, extensive outdoor areas and manicured gardens.

Gosling Creek Aged Care

1503 Forest Road, Orange (02) 6369 9800

Gosling Creek is positioned on spacious grounds and its design was inspired by the traditional Australian country homestead. The Home offers spacious single bedrooms with private ensuites, most with a veranda and direct access to courtyards or landscaped gardens.

Pemulwuy Aged Care

11 Pastoral Circuit, Pemulwuy (02) 8863 9000

Located in Sydney’s West near Greystanes, Pemulwuy is a purpose-built Premium Home. The private single rooms were designed with views to landscaped gardens or courtyards. The wide range of garden areas, lounges and the café are perfect for entertaining family and friends.

Pendle Hill Aged Care

2 Wyena Road, Pendle Hill (02) 9631 1066

Located in Sydney’s Western Suburbs, Pendle Hill has an unrivalled reputation for services to the community spanning 30 years. The Home offers all levels of permanent and respite care with a selection of single, double or companion rooms with courtyard views.

Redleaf Manor Aged Care

16 Flavelle Street, Concord (02) 8762 6000

Redleaf Manor is an Extra service Home that provides comfort and luxury. You can enjoy a pampering session at our hair salon or catch up with family and friends at the barista café. It offers single and companion rooms with a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Rosemore Aged Care

18 Kingsgrove Road, Belmore (02) 9718 6156

Rosemore offers a variety of single and companion rooms all with an abundance of natural light. Residents can also enjoy the comfort and tranquillity of the sun-lit courtyard, ideal for entertaining or relaxing with friends and family.

Willandra Aged Care

19-21 George Street, Marrickville (02) 9569 4117

Centred around a sunny and charming courtyard, residents can enjoy their activities in a warm and tranquil atmosphere. Willandra offers bright and airy single and companion rooms. Multilingual staff are on-hand to assist with the needs of the culturally diverse residents.

At anytime!

You can find someone to help you:

Placement consultant

Aged care advisor

Social worker

Case manager Hospital discharge planner

These professionals know the system really well and their help can make your search much easier.

Other useful people:

Financial advisor

Health fund

Veterans' Affairs Local council

Support at home

To help you live independently in your own home and community for as long as possible, there are many home care products and services available.

Depending on your personal situation and the level of assistance you require, you may be entitled to some basic in home support or more intensive support through a Home Care Package.

After a hospital stay, the Transition Care Program might be able to assist in your recovery and to return home. Or you may need to access respite care to give your carer a short break from the caring role.

In home support

To assist with your care needs is a Government priority, so you can continue living in the comfort of your own home where possible.

Home care products and services range from assistance with daily chores to personal care, providing meals, transport assistance, as well as equipment such as a ramp, walking frame or shower rail to help you live independently in your own home.

The Government continues to significantly increase support for home and community based aged care with particular integrated packages available. Private businesses also offer home care services.

Consumer Directed Care

Consumer Directed Care (CDC) gives you and your carers greater say about the types of care services you receive and the delivery of those services.

All Home Care Packages are delivered on a CDC basis and the funding for a package is allocated directly to you instead of to the provider.

Support at home

Commonwealth Home Support Programme

Providers are required to work in partnership with you to create a package of services that meets your goals and needs, and gives you the information you require.

This information should assist in choosing the best provider for you, as well as changing providers if you need.

CDC allows you to determine how much involvement you wish to have when managing your package. It also allows for more transparency around how your package is funded and spent.

All home care services you receive should include ongoing monitoring and reviews from the provider to make sure your package is meeting your needs.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

If you want to stay in your own home, but need some help with daily tasks or require entry level care, the CHSP may be able to help.

The CHSP combines four Government funded home support programs into one streamlined and simplified program. They are:

Home and Community Care (HACC) program; National Respite for Carer Program (NRCP); Day Therapy Centres (DTC) program; and the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) program.

To determine if the CHSP is the right program for you, you will need to be assessed by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS). See page 14 for more information.

If you have more complex needs, a Home Care Package may be a better option.

You can access similar services to the CHSP, coordinated and tailored to meet your specific needs (see page 20 for more details).

Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to find out how you can arrange a home support assessment.

What is CHSP?

Subsidised by the Australian Government, CHSP is an entry level home help program if you are mostly – but not completely – able to live and cope on your own, and don’t yet need higher levels of support at home.

The program can also help your carer. If your carer needs to attend to everyday activities, the CHSP can arrange for someone to help you while they are away.

NSW

21

Since 1911, we have been true to our purpose –to enrich veterans and seniors lives and create connected, supportive and vibrant communities.

Throughout our 27 Retirement Living Villages, 29 Residential Aged Care homes and Home Care services across NSW, ACT and South East QLD, we empower you to stay independent and safe in your own home or in one of ours.

Services we offer include: H om e Care Re sidential Ag e d Care Re tirem ent Living

Home Care

Retirement Living

Residential Aged Care

En

oy

Trusted for over 75 years, we’ve supported older people with compassionate and specialised home care.

You can access our services across Greater Sydney, Illawarra, New England and the South Coast.

Anglicare Social and Wellness Centres

Our centres provide fun days of planned activities for older people, and a respite break for carers. We have 14 centres located across Greater Sydney, Illawarra and New England:

• Frenchs Forest

• Glenhaven • Jannali

Longueville

Call 1300 111 278

anglicare.org.au/at-home

• Sadleir

• Tamworth

• Mt Ousley

• Winmalee

• Wollongong

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peace of mind, knowing you’re in caring, professional hands.

What types of services are provided?

CHSP services provided in the community may include:

Social support – social activities in a community-based group setting

Transport – help to get out and about for shopping or appointments

Services provided at home may include:

Domestic assistance – household jobs such as cleaning, clothes

washing and ironing

Personal care – help with bathing, showering, dressing, or toileting

Home maintenance – minor general repair and care of your house or yard, for example, changing light bulbs or replacing tap washers

Home modification – minor installation of safety aids such as alarms, ramps and support rails in your home

Nursing care – a qualified nurse comes to your home and may, for example, dress a wound or provide continence advice

Some CHSP services can be provided either at a community centre or in your home, such as:

Food services – If you are finding it difficult to prepare meals, services may include providing meals at a community centre, help with shopping for food, preparing and storing food in your home, and delivering meals to your home.

Allied health support services – If you have particular health problems, for example with speech or walking, or need help with ongoing problems resulting from an accident or illness, you may be able to access allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, speech therapy, occupational therapy and advice from a dietitian.

Who is CHSP for?

You can apply for home help services under the CHSP if you are 65 years or older, or 50 years or older and identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, are still living at home and need help to continue living independently.

You or your carer should contact the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to apply.

Am I eligible?

To determine exactly what help you need at home, you will need a home support assessment.

The assessment will be done by a representative of the Regional Assessment Service (RAS).

A local RAS assessor will look at your ability to cope with various activities in your daily living.

Together you will be able to work out what sort of help and how much you need, and what it might cost. Go to page 14 to read more about RAS assessments.

CHSP

Urgent needs

If you’re in a situation where you have an urgent need for home support services and your safety would be at risk if those needs are not immediately met, it may be possible to receive CHSP services before you have been assessed by a RAS.

This only happens in exceptional circumstances and is only for a limited time until an assessment can be organised to determine long term care options.

Services generally considered to relieve an urgent need for care include nursing, personal care, meals and transport.

It will depend on your personal circumstances whether you’ll be able to receive interim services before an assessment. Call the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422 to find out more.

Who pays for CHSP services?

Supports delivered under CHSP are subsidised by the Government, however, there generally is still a fee for each service.

You are encouraged to contribute towards the cost of your care if you are able to do so.

The amount you contribute depends on the type and number of services you require and can differ from one service provider to the next.

ADS CARE (Aged & Disability Services) provides care support services to elderly, adults living with a disability or illness and families requiring a helping hand.

ADS CARE is family-orientated and takes a strong person- centred approach and are committed to helping people live independently in their own homes with dignity and comfort.

Some organisations may charge a set fee for their services, while others may ask for a voluntary donation, charge a membership or subscription fee.

How much you pay is discussed and agreed upon between you and your service provider. The rate is set before you begin receiving the relevant services.

If you are receiving multiple services from one or more service providers and these services overlap, it may be possible to ‘bundle’ the cost for these services.

To find out specific costs you should contact your service provider.

Pre-1 July 2015 HACC, NRCP, DTC and ACHA clients

If you accessed Home And Community Care (HACC), National Respite for Carers Programme (NRCP), Day Therapy Centres (DTC) or Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) prior to 1 July 2015, you may retain access to these services or equivalent CHSP services until other suitable services become available, or until the service is no longer required. You can find CHSP funded services starting on page 236 of the directory section or online on AgedCareGuide.com.au.

Home Care Packages

There are four different levels of packages to support people with varying care needs, ranging from Level 1 support, if you have basic care needs, to Level 4, which can support you if you have high level care needs.

The HCP is allocated to you personally, which gives you more control over the services you receive and who delivers those services.

Once you have been allocated a HCP you can contact any preferred approved service provider to give you the care you need.

Types of packages available

There are four types of packages delivering different levels of care:

1 Level 1 supports people with basic care needs

2 Level 2 supports people with low level care needs

3 Level 3 supports people with intermediate care needs

4 Level 4 supports people with high level care needs

The same type of care and services are provided under each HCP level, however, the amount of funding is different depending on what package is allocated to you.

The hours of care are increased at each level of care; more hours of care and services are delivered under Home Care Package Level 4 compared to Level 1.

Home Care Packages

A Home Care Package (HCP) provides services that will help you to remain at home for as long as possible, as well as giving you choice and flexibility in the way that the care and support is provided.

Home Care Packages

The ACAT assesses the types of care needs you may require. Someone eligible for Levels 3 and 4 HCPs would be eligible for higher levels of residential care if they were to apply for it.

If you are receiving care services through the previous Community Aged Care Package, Extended Aged Care at Home or Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia packages, you will continue to receive these services, but they will have a different name.

Package supplements

Package supplements are available with any of the four levels of Home Care Packages to help with the cost of meeting specific care needs. For example the Z Dementia Supplement is for people with dementia and the R Veterans’ Supplement for veterans with an accepted mental health condition.

Some packages can be specifically for people who are e financially or socially disadvantaged, people with Y housing needs or at risk of homelessness, or for people who live in t rural, remote or isolated areas. Some providers might cater for people with a certain g cultural background or have staff that speak a foreign language.

Your care provider will apply for these subsidies and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

For a list of HCP providers, see pages 211–227

What services are provided?

Home Care Package services are based on your individual needs.

Your provider coordinates the care and services to support you at home and these are agreed between you and your provider. Services may include:

Personal assistance with bathing or showering, personal hygiene and grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility

Assistance with communication, including assistance to address difficulties arising from impaired hearing, sight or speech, or lack of common language. This can also include assistance with the fitting of sensory communication aids, checking hearing aid batteries and assistance in using the telephone

Domestic assistance for household jobs like cleaning, clothes washing and ironing

Food services such as preparing meals or having meals delivered, assistance with using eating utensils and assistance with actual feeding, and providing enteral feeding formula

Nursing services, including dressing wounds by providing bandages, dressings and skin emollients, as well as continence management and assistance in using continence aids and appliances

Assistance in taking your medications

Providing mobility equipment such as crutches, walking frames, wheelchairs and mechanical devices for lifting, bed rails, slide sheets and pressure relieving mattresses, and assistance in using those aids

Home maintenance for care of your house or garden

Care as individual as you

As one of Australia’s leading aged care specialists, Montefiore provides care through all stages of ageing, supplying a range of services to help you or your loved ones enjoy personalised and superior care.

Living with choice, dignity, & wellbeing

Our Residential Care campuses across Sydney embody the idea of living with real care, providing residents with:

24-hour nursing cover

Quality accommodation & dining

Varied allied health & leisure programs

Care in the comfort of your home

Help at Home by Montefiore provides a wide range of social, emotional, domestic and clinical health services, so you can receive care your way with:

Flexible home care, enabling you to continue living independently

Highly experienced & professional staff who provide tailored care

Affordable CDC subsidised, NDIS & private financial aid

Modifications to the home, and installing safety aids such as alarms, ramps and support rails as well as advising on areas of the home that pose safety risks and suggesting solutions to mitigate those risks

Transport and assistance for appointments or social activities

Encouragement to take part in social and community activities that promote and protect your lifestyle, interests and wellbeing

Services / items not provided?

The following services or items are not included in a package in any of the four levels of home care:

Using the package money as a source of income for the consumer

Purchase of food, except for enteral feeding requirements

Paying for accommodation such as assistance with home purchase, mortgage payments or rent

Payment of fees or charges for other types of care funded, or jointly funded, by the Australian Government

Home modifications or capital items that are not related to the consumer’s care needs

Travel and accommodation for holidays

Cost of entertainment activities, such as club memberships and tickets to sporting events

Payment for services and items covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

Gambling activities

Are you eligible?

To receive a Home Care Package you will need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).

The ACAT helps you, and your carer, determine what kind of care will best meet your needs when you are no longer able to manage on your own.

A member of the service, which may include a doctor, nurse, social worker, and/or other health professional, will meet with you to assess your care needs and how well you are managing at home.

They will identify the right services for your needs and the level of care you require.

The ACAT will give you a letter stating the types of subsidised services you have been approved for and might also put you in contact with organisations in your area that can deliver these services.

For more details about ACAT go to page 15 or call 1800 200 422 to organise an assessment.

Priority

Access to Home Care Packages is managed through a national pool of all available packages. After approval for a HCP you will be placed in a ‘queue’ until a suitable package becomes available. This may take a number of weeks or even months.

Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages

Your place in the queue will be determined by your personal needs and circumstances and the time you have been waiting for care since your assessment.

When you reach the front of the queue and a package is assigned to you, you can begin to receive care from the provider of your choice.

You have 56 days from the date you were assigned a package to find a provider and commence services.

You can request an extension, for example if you have trouble finding a service provider, but if you haven’t started receiving care within 84 days, the package will return to the queue and be assigned to the next person in line.

Approved providers

An organisation that has been approved by the Government to provide aged care services is called an approved provider.

The Government will pay your approved provider your allocated funding so they can pay the carers and any other bills.

An approved provider can manage your care, liaise with you about your preferences, requirements and care plan but it doesn’t have to be the provider delivering your care.

It is important to know that even though a HCP can only be managed by an approved provider, the care can be delivered by any provider, even one that is not supported by the Government. This gives you more choice as to who delivers your care.

Home Care Agreement

This agreement is made between you and your provider and covers information such as the care and services you will receive and how much they will cost.

Your provider will work with you to develop a care or service plan that is based on your needs.

The care plan you agree to should include:

The exact types of services you will receive

Who will provide which services

How much involvement the service provider will have in managing and coordinating your services

When your services are delivered

Any exit amount the provider will charge to cover administrative cost if you decide to take your package elsewhere or cease care

How much will it cost?

The Government covers most of the cost of care but your provider may ask you to contribute towards the cost of delivering your services, if you can afford to do so.

Depending on the Home Care Package level you are eligible for, the Government pays your approved provider a subsidy toward the cost of your care. This amount is calculated daily and paid monthly to the provider.

Home Care Packages

Dream team

Each of our residents’ have spent a lifetime developing unique and special charactaristics. To make them feel right at home, our incredible carers tailor their activities to ensure each resident’s individual needs are catered for, no matter what time of the day it is.

This is all part of our own Relationship-First Approach, that celebrates friendship and trust.

Book a private tour

Call 1300 ARCARE or visit arcare.com.au

Circle of trust

When you join an Arcare community, you’ll experience our unique Relationship-First Approach, that is centred around the needs of the resident, and is driven by valuable inputs from the resident, their family and a dedicated group of carers. This commitment to continuity of care fosters great communication, friendships and trust.

Book a private tour

Call 1300 ARCARE or visit arcare.com.au

33 Jersey Avenue, Mortdale NSW 2223

In the Heart of the St George Area

Ferndale Gardens has been designed to provide lifestyle assistance and care in a comfortable and well appointed environment.

Our emphasis is to maintain the dignity and independence of each individual within a personal and homelike atmosphere. Professional qualified staff ensure the best nursing and personal care 24 hours a day.

Design features

• Café and Gift Store

• Hairdressing salon

• Gymnasium

• Cinema/kiosk

• Function room

• Consultants room

• Chapel

• Library

• Laundry

• LOW CARE

• HIGH CARE

• Luxury mini bus

• Mini bowling green

• Mini golf

• Quality on site chefs preparing nutritious meals

• Physiotherapy, speech therapy, diversional therapy and podiatry

• Tai chi

• Social activities

• Religious services

• Bus and shopping outings

• Generous single or twin suites are fully air conditioned and have a private ensuite

• Kitchenette and bar fridge

• Wall mounted televisions

• Electric beds

• Private telephone and internet access

• DEMENTIA CARE

FERNDALE GARDENS

Director of Nursing: 02 9570 5555

33 Jersey Avenue, Mortdale 2223

E admin@ferndalegardens.com.au

Proudly Managed by Trinity Management Services P/L

• RESPITE CARE

• EXTRA SERVICES

Huntingdon Gardens Aged Care

Huntingdon Gardens has been providing lifestyle assistance and care in a warm, open and friendly environment for over 45 years. Our facility offers Assisted Living Residential Care and Assisted Living Dementia Specific Care and Extra Services in compliance with the highest standards. Beyond just being a place of residence, we pride ourselves on creating and providing a personal and home-like environment. We offer not only physical assistance but also fulfilling your EMOTIONAL and SPIRITUAL NEEDS.

At Huntingdon Gardens, you can continue to enjoy life to the fullest:

• Our residents have the freedom to enjoy a variety of leisure activities, such as weekly sports day, music therapy and chore Thursdays, as well as access to services like a Café with a beautiful alfresco dining area

• State-of-the-art gymnasium with a range of fitness and wellness equipment

• In-house cinema featuring a 130 inch screen powered by the latest in projection technology –movie sessions will run daily

• In-house theatre equipped with premium acoustic and surround sound technology for special events and entertainment

• Pain and wellness clinic staffed by a registered physiotherapist and exercise physiologist

• Convenient on-site pathologist and pathology collection equipment

• Private dining room (function room) which residents and visiting friends and families can book for private functions like birthday celebrations

• Beautifully designed gardens and courtyards with resting areas throughout the facility

• Reflection room or chapel to provide all residents the freedom to practice their religious beliefs

• Innovative German designer porcelain tableware (Schönwald Donna Senior range) specifically designed for seniors to aid dining mobility, coordination and enjoyment

• Luxury mini Coach for regular outings

Home Care Packages

The Government contributes the following amounts to each person receiving a Home Care Package (October 2022 rates):

This amount may be supplemented with an additional payment for people with higher care and specialised support needs such as a Dementia, Veterans’ or Housing supplement.

Rates are reviewed generally in March and September each year in line with changes to the Age Pension. This applies to each person receiving a Home Care Package, even if you are part of a couple.

Any Government funding you receive will be paid directly to the provider who can spend the funds on the items you both agreed to in the Home Care Agreement.

After commencement of your package, you will receive a monthly statement of income, expenditure and the balance of funds enabling you to see how the money is being spent.

How much you will pay

A provider may charge the maximum basic daily fee for a Home Care Package depending on what level you have been given. Maximum fees for each level currently are (January 2023 rates):

There may be additional benefits available depending on your personal circumstances, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for more details.

If your income is higher than the Age Pension you may be required to pay extra for your care.

How much extra depends on your income and unavoidable expenses, such as pharmaceutical bills, rent, utilities and other living expenses. However, the maximum amount you can be asked to pay over the maximum basic daily fee for a HCP, is up to 50 percent of your income exceeding the maximum base rate of the Age Pension.

The current Age Pension amount is $936.80 per fortnight for a single person or $1,026.50 with the included Maximum Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement.

Home Care Packages

Your approved

For a low 15% admin fee only

Are you a Home Care Package recipient? Start your journey into self-management with HomeMade. We will design a support plan that suits you with support workers you choose.

To find out more, scan this QR code or visit homemadesupport.com.au Alternatively, you can call one of our friendly team on 1300 655 688.

Home Care Packages

You can negotiate with your provider on the costs of the services and care you receive.

These costs will be agreed upon and fixed in your agreement before you receive any aged care services. This is your legal agreement with your service provider.

No full pensioner will pay an income tested care fee and no part pensioner will pay an income tested care fee greater than $6,114.83 per annum (1 January 2023 rates).

If you have an income of more than $58,318.00 per year, you will pay an income tested care fee on a sliding scale up to a total of $12,229.70 per annum.

However, no one will pay more than $73,378.49 in an income tested care fee over their lifetime (January 2023 rates).

You will only pay an income tested care fee if you can afford to do so. Your income assessment will determine if you can afford to contribute towards the cost of your care.

Your assets, including the family home, are excluded from the means testing arrangements for home care.

Exit fees

HCPs are portable which means that if you are moving to a different area or if you’re not happy with a provider’s services, you can simply take your package and any remaining funds with you to a new provider.

If you decide to change providers, the provider may charge you an exit fee to cover any administrative cost, which will be deducted from any unspent funds.

This is the amount that is ‘left over’ in your HCP budget and it will move with you to a new provider.

If you no longer require your HCP, these unspent funds will be returned to the Government.

Exit fees may vary between providers and the amount should be clearly stated in the Home Care Agreement between you and the provider.

Quality and complaints

The Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is responsible for the review of aged care services including Government subsidised home care services.

As an independent body, the Commission manages the accreditation of residential aged care services and the quality review of home care services across Australia.

It evaluates these services against the set Aged Care Quality Standards. The Commission is committed to promoting continuous improvement of aged care and ensures that quality and other reporting by service providers is streamlined while supporting accountability information and confidence for consumers.

If you are concerned about the care or services you are receiving, it is recommended that you first try to resolve any issues with your service provider.

Home Care Packages

If you feel you are not being heard or need help to address the issue, you can contact an aged care advocacy service to help you.

If the matter is not resolved you can make a complaint to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822 or visit agedcarequality.gov.au

Your rights

No matter who you are, where you live, or the types of care you need, you have rights related to your home care that should be respected by providers.

You have a right to: be treated and accepted as an individual, and to have your individual preferences respected be treated with dignity, with your privacy respected receive care that is respectful of you, and your family and home receive care without being obliged to feel grateful to those providing the care full and effective use of all human, legal and consumer rights, including the right to freedom of speech regarding your care have access to advocates and other avenues of redress be treated without exploitation, abuse, discrimination, harassment or neglect.

Under the Consumer Directed Care principles you also have the right to: set your own goals for your supports determine the ongoing level of involvement and control you have over your home care make decisions in relation to your care

maintain your independence as much as possible choose the care and services that best meet your goals and assessed needs, within the limits of the resources available have choice and flexibility in the way the care and services are provided in your home participate in making decisions that affect you have your representative - family member or close friendparticipate in decisions relating to your care if you request it or need support to make decisions

These rights mean you can live the life you want to live for as long as possible.

If you think your rights are not being respected you should talk to your provider about your concerns. If this does not solve the issue you can contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Self-managing your HCP

The person who knows best about you and your needs, is you. After making decisions for yourself throughout your adult life, it makes sense that you would want to maintain that control by self-managing your Home Care Package (HCP).

You may decide to organise and manage the coordination of your own supports in your package rather than utilise a case manager that would commonly deal with your package on your behalf and direct the care and support you receive.

As a consumer, you have every right to exercise that freedom to self-manage your package.

Some people who self-manage their own package find they have more choice and control over their HCP than before. Additionally, people who self-manage their care can cut down on the administration costs and case management fees that they would normally have to pay. This means more of your package funding can go towards the care and services you require.

Self-managing your HCP

Do you have a Home Care Package?

By choosing to self-manage, you can join the many thousands of older Aussies using the Mable website to connect directly with independent support workers. Better still, you could get more hours of care by self-managing.

When you self-manage your HCP, you get to choose an approved provider, pick and manage your support workers, decide when you want to receive these services and negotiate how much you pay for the provided services.

Working in partnership

Choosing to self-manage your own package doesn’t mean you are doing this all by yourself either. The provider you choose will assist you in receiving the correct care and services.

Your provider has an obligation to provide you with all the information you need to successfully self-manage your HCP and support you through the self-managing process.

You will work in partnership with your provider to decide how involved you want to be when it comes to managing your care.

This means you can set boundaries and expectations with your provider on what they should be covering and what tasks you will be organising. When considering self-management of your package, you need to consider whether you have the time and energy to undertake this role. For instance, if you have been diagnosed with dementia, it may not be the best option for you. However, you can ask your partner or loved one to self-manage your package on your behalf.

It is important to keep in mind that some providers may have policies around self-management, so you should definitely shop around and enquire with providers about how they support clients who wish to self-manage their package.

Private home care

Maybe this is more cost effective for you or there is a waitlist for the Government service you are trying to access.

Private home care services are arranged directly between you and the service provider. You pay for all the services provided and there is no Government subsidy.

Private home care organisations provide a wide variety of services including Registered Nurses for complex care needs and carers for companionship, personal care, housekeeping, cooking, and outings. They may also provide other types of staff, such as advisors, assistants, dietitians, drivers, personal trainers, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.

There is no limit to the number of hours of care provided each week and you can generally increase or decrease the time as your requirements change. With an agreed notice period, you are not required to pay for shifts you do not require.

Rather than a Government funded service, you may choose a private home care provider and pay for services out of your own pocket.

Private home care

While private home care may seem expensive, you may find that it is more cost effective than other institutional alternatives. There is a wide variety in the level of quality and cost of home care companies.

When looking into home care services, here are some things to investigate and ask the provider you are considering:

Do they service your area?

Is the company Australian owned?

Is it independent or part of a franchise?

Do the owners / operators have experience in home care?

Does the company have appropriate insurance?

Does the company comply with Australian Tax Law, for example does it charge GST appropriately?

Do they provide documents about financial arrangements before service begins?

Do they have a Service Agreement? It is important so that there’s no misunderstanding about the service and cost to be provided.

Are they flexible? After all, it is all about you.

What are their recruitment processes?

Is there a criminal background check performed prior to employment with an agency?

Does the company provide worker’s compensation for employees? This is important so that you are not responsible for any injuries that occur on the job.

How do they determine appropriate staff for your needs? If a company asks where you live then offers you staff before even hearing about your needs, you can be reasonably assured they allocate based on location as a priority.

Is it possible to interview potential carers and make a selection after those interviews?

Do you get to decide what times and days suit your needs?

What is the minimum shift length?

Do they have male/female workers and can they cater for specific cultural backgrounds?

Who will be working in the home? Will there be regular staff providing continuity of care or do they change shifts around?

Is there a professional staff member, such as a Registered Nurse, who liaises with you to create a plan that meets your needs?

Who is the organisation’s main contact for you?

Do you meet a Manager / Owner and then never hear from them again? What additional support is offered within the cost of your care? For example, are they available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

You’ll find a list of In Home Care service providers from page 236 in this Guide or visit AgedCareGuide.com.au to find providers servicing your location.

A well earned rest

Taking some time off from caring is crucial and known as ‘respite’. Respite can be provided in your own home, a community setting or an aged care home.

Respite care offers the opportunity for both you and your carer to take a break. This may be for a few hours, a day, a night or a few weeks.

Respite care is provided by residential aged care homes and by community care services under the Carer Gateway.

Accommodation and services include:

day care centres that provide respite for a half or full day; in home respite services, including overnight, home and personal care services; activity programs;

a break away from home with a support worker; respite for carers of people with dementia and challenging behaviours; respite in an aged care home or overnight in a community setting; and

respite for employed carers and for carers seeking to return to work.

Access to respite care is based on priority and need. For respite care in your home or in a day care centre, the respite service provider or the Carer Gateway will assess whether you and your carer are eligible.

The amount of care you receive will depend on your needs and the availability of respite care services.

Centre Based Respite Care

Centre Based Respite Care (CBRC) can provide respite services to carers, offering individualised social and recreational activities. Through CBRC, you can also attend day programs which may include excursions, outdoor/indoor activities, or holiday programs.

Trained respite workers often undertake client assessments. Need based programs are then developed with you and your carer to help enhance your quality of life.

Cost

There is no charge for assistance provided by Carer Gateway, however, individual service fees may apply.

Community based respite services charge fees according to the type of service being used and your ability to pay.

For more information contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737. Your call will automatically be directed to your nearest State or Territory provider.

Read more about accessing respite in an aged care home on page 96.

Respite at home

Flexible restorative care

To help regain your independence if you have not been admitted to hospital, the Government has introduced a flexible care option.

You may benefit from the Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) program if you have been sick or had a fall and your mobility is temporarily impaired. The program focuses on regaining wellbeing over a short period of time, with a maximum of eight weeks.

Federal Government created the program to reverse or slow functional decline in older people and help improve their health and wellbeing through the time-limited service.

The ultimate aim is to avoid you having to access ongoing in home care services or residential care.

Tailored to your needs

The program is designed around improving your capabilities at performing everyday tasks you may be having difficulties with.

A team of professionals would provide the service to help you adjust to the differences in your abilities.

This could involve activities and exercises that will benefit your mobility or could result in home modifications to make everyday tasks more manageable.

You will be able to choose the services you want to be provided so the assistance you receive will be tailored to your specific needs.

Services can be delivered at your home, in a nursing home or a combination of both.

Cost and access

You may need to pay a small fee, although you won’t have to pay an accommodation payment if you receive STRC in a nursing home setting.

The maximum amount you’ll be asked to pay to access STRC for services in your own home is currently $11.71 per day, or $56.87 per day in a residential care setting (20 September 2022 rates).

The STRC program is not linked to any other Government funded home support and you will be able to access the program even if you’re already receiving support through the CHSP.

You will not be eligible to receive the STRC program if you are currently:

Receiving a Government funded Home Care Package

Have received transition care in the last six months

Live in residential aged care

You do need an assessment to access the program.

This assessment is done by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and is only valid for six months. You can access the STRC program twice over a 12 month period.

Read more about ACAT on page 15 or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for more information about STRC.

We’ll support you to live life well.

When living in your own home is no longer an option, you’re most welcome to make our home yours and live in safety and comfort. Residential care is a natural next step in life for thousands of Australians every year. With us, your life continues on your terms – you decide when to get up, eat, socialise and relax.

We will arrange the services important to you

Every resident is unique. We’ll work with you to create a personal care plan for your exact needs. Those needs will be met by our team of carers, lifestyle officers, spiritual and wellbeing coordinators, registered nurses, and any specialists needed.

Dedicated to quality care

The Aged Care Quality Standards provide reassurance that you’ll be treated with kindness, dignity and respect. We continually evaluate our training, systems and processes and strive to exceed these standards.

We are for people, not for profit

Southern Cross Care has supported older people in NSW and the ACT for over 50 years. As a not-for-profit organisation, we’re solely focused on providing the best care we can.

Experience our service with respite care

We have 30 homes, so there could be one close by in your community. You can arrange a short stay in a home before making any decision. We’ll be happy to arrange this for you, please ask when you call.

Regaining your independence

To help improve your independence and confidence at the end of a hospital stay, the Transition Care Program provides short term support and assistance.

The Transition Care Program is goal oriented, time-limited and therapy focused care which can be delivered in your own home or in a home-like ‘live-in’ setting, which may be an aged care home.

To be eligible for transition care, you must be an in-patient of a hospital and have been assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).

Transition care can be provided for a period of up to 12 weeks, with a possibility to extend to 18 weeks if assessed as requiring an extra period of therapeutic care. Seven weeks is the expected average period of support.

Services

Transition care is delivered by approved providers who will offer a package of services including a range of low intensity therapy services and nursing support and/or personal care services.

Low intensity therapy services may include:

counselling and social work

dietetics

occupational therapy

Personal care services may include: help with showering and dressing assistance with eating and eating aids

managing incontinence

Fees

physiotherapy

podiatry

speech therapy

transport to appointments help with mobility and communication

You may be charged a contribution fee to cover the cost of your transition care. Talk to your provider about what fees apply and how much you need to pay.

For transition care received in your own home, the maximum amount is currently $11.71 per day (20 September 2022 rates), which is 17.5 percent of the single Age Pension.

For care delivered in a ‘live-in’ setting, such as a residential aged care facility, the maximum amount you can be asked to pay is $56.87 per day, or 85 percent of the single Age Pension (20 September 2022 rates).

Access to transition care is offered on a needs basis and not on your ability to pay fees. Talk to your hospital social worker or discharge planner to find out more about how to access the transition care program.

Aged care homes offering transition care beds are listed in the residential aged care tables from page 156.

Centre Based Care services

Centre Based Care (CBC) offers care in a ‘centre’ setting and may include structured group activities designed to develop, maintain or support the capacity for independent living and social interaction.

CBC provides the perfect setting to meet new people, and feel connected and engaged with your local community. There are various, individualised CBC services offered to you, as well as your carers.

Some of the types of CBC services offered may include:

Social support provided in a group setting through structured and diversionary activities

Group excursions/outings conducted by centre staff but held away from the centre

Light refreshments as well as meals

Transport associated with getting to and from the centre as well as for outings/excursions/day trips

Respite for carers

Overnight care

Allied health services

What can I expect from CBC?

The programs organised by CBC service providers aim to provide you with companionship and entertainment, while enhancing your quality of life and stimulating you emotionally, mentally and physically.

The centres may also focus on health and wellbeing by providing daily exercise programs and access to allied health needs such as diversional therapy, occupational therapy, access to podiatry, and physiotherapy.

Some centres may provide meals and a range of other services such as hairdressing, social support or continence and toileting support.

Interactive activities at these centres may include arts and craft, cooking, history, gardening, self help, and mutual problem solving.

Types of CBC services available include day care, dementia day care, overnight respite, dementia group, social group, and respite care.

CBC fees and charges may vary from centre-to-centre, with some CBCs charging a daily fee to cover everything from transport to group excursions/outings, and meals or light refreshments.

Ensure you enquire about the fees and charges involved before using CBC services.

For a list of CBC services, see pages 246 –252.

Centre Based Care

Day Therapy Centres

Day Therapy Centres

Day Therapy Centres (DTC) offer services to older people living in the community and residents of Government funded aged care homes.

There are more than 140 Day Therapy Centres Australia-wide offering: physiotherapy social work

Veterans’ support

occupational therapy

preventative and/or personal therapies speech therapy transport to and from the DTC podiatry food at the DTC diversional therapy and many other services

DTC can assist to either recover or maintain a level of independence. Generally, the DTC will develop an agreed care plan for you and this may include recommendations for therapy and referrals to other service providers where necessary.

You may be required to pay a small negotiated fee for services, however, if you are unable to pay you may not be refused access to DTC services.

If you find yourself in need of therapy services like those listed, you will need to find out if you’re eligible via a RAS assessment.

Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for an assessment, ask for a referral code, and then choose the DTC you want.

You’ll find a list of DTC on pages 252 –253 of this Guide.

Veterans’ support

If you are a veteran, war widow or widower, you may be in line to receive extra help in your home from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

If you are having a hard time doing the regular household chores, struggling to get in and out of the shower or bath safely, or if you just can’t manage the gardening or household maintenance, then the Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) program could organise people to help you.

The VHC program offers a range of services including domestic assistance, personal care, safety related home and garden maintenance, or respite care in your own home or residential care facility.

If you have specific medical care needs or need more intensive assistance, a nurse from the Community Nursing program may be able to help you stay in your own home for longer. Services may include medication management, wound care or hygiene assistance.

To receive these services, you need to be referred for an assessment by an appropriate health professional. This could be your GP, a treating doctor in hospital, a hospital discharge planner or a VHC assessment agency.

Call the Veterans’ Home Care Assessment Agency on 1300 550 450 to find out what support services are available to you and how you can access them.

Community Visitors Scheme

Older Australians experience high rates of loneliness and social isolation but there are different initiatives to improve social connectedness and encourage interaction in the community.

One example is the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS), which targets loneliness and isolation amongst aged care service recipients through companionship.

The initiative from the Department of Health uses volunteer visitors to meet with people through the CVS on a regular basis to provide friendship and social inclusion.

The service focuses purely on companionship, and the volunteer will not provide personal assistance like cleaning, personal care, or nursing.

The CVS improves quality of life to all involved with the program and has been proven to combat loneliness and isolation occurring in residential aged care or at home.

Older people who would benefit from the CVS include people who have little contact with family or friends, are isolated from their own culture or heritage, have issues with their mobility which prevents them from participating in social activities, or other personal issues that might make it difficult to engage socially.

What service is provided?

A volunteer will visit at least once a week for an hour. The CVS tries to connect like-minded individuals and recipients with similar hobbies, interests and likes to facilitate a good friendship.

There are a number of different types of volunteer visits under CVS:

A residential volunteer visits a participant for a one-on-one visit at a residential aged care facility.

Group residential volunteers visit a small group of residents at a residential aged care facility who have similar interests, like gardening or knitting.

A home care volunteer visits a CVS recipient with an approved Home Care Package at their home once a week for one-on-one interaction.

Volunteers are not visiting to monitor your standards of care from your aged care service provider, be involved in any of your financial affairs, or provide any form of nursing or personal care.

Think of your volunteer visitor as a dear friend that has come over for a cup of coffee and a chat.

In NSW and ACT, the scheme is coordinated by the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC). For further information, visit their website, smrc.org.au/community-visitors-scheme, or call 03 9767 1900.

The importance of nutrition

Good nutrition is important at any age but it becomes even more important as you get older.

Food is such an important part of the human experience, but it can be harder to continue enjoying food when your body doesn’t process what you enjoy the same way it did when you were younger.

Maintaining a healthy body is all about making good choices such as being active and eating healthy, which also assists with living independently for longer.

Making the right food choices doesn’t mean you can’t still indulge and enjoy your favourite treats. It’s all about balance.

Good nutrients can reduce the risk of developing a lot of diseases and illnesses, like weakening muscles and bones, or chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or osteoporosis.

Poor nutrition can result in weight loss or weight gain, and impact the security of your immune system making the likelihood of catching illnesses, like the flu, more common.

Since your immune system already weakens as you age, it’s important to put as many preventative measures in place as possible.

Food and your body

Food is a huge source of fuel for the body to keep it moving and energised, it’s important to “fill the tank” with what your body needs.

As you age, your calorie intake will decrease. This can be a bit difficult because you still need to maintain the same amount of nutrients, if not increase them.

Taste and smell can also decrease as you age, so to counterbalance that you need more flavourful food or pleasant smelling food to increase your appetite.

Changes in your diet for optimum nutrients

If you aren’t getting enough vitamins from your food, it may be worth talking to your doctor about adding specific supplements into your diet to help you get to the levels you need.

However, never substitute supplements for food, they should only be used to assist.

Eating nutrient-rich foods could include vegetables and fruits, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy, and lean meat.

These types of foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fats that are vital to an ageing body.

Fibre is another essential for older people in maintaining a healthy digestive system, which is also beneficial to good cholesterol levels. Minimising salt intake and reducing processed food is also important. Junk food generally has a lot of calories but no nutritional value.

Keeping hydrated is also very important and vital to a healthy body. The best option for reaching optimum nutrition goals is to create an action plan for healthy eating. Consult your doctor or dietitian to organise the best fit for you.

The secret to ageing well is simple, eat well.

Developed by dietitians and prepared by chefs, Lite n’ Easy offers more than just a weight loss solution. We also offer great tasting meals, designed to promote healthy eating and well-being.

• Plenty of variety and choice with over 235 meals.

• My Choice range of dinners, soups and desserts designed for older people with smaller appetites.

• Flexible options, home delivered.

• No lock in contracts or subscriptions.

• On a Home Care Package? Approved HCP recipients could pay as little as 30% for their Lite n’ Easy meals. Call your provider for more information.

Save 30% on your first delivery

Order online using promo code ACGNSW30 or, if you are a HCP recipient, call us on 13 15 12 and mention this offer.

Offer valid for new customers only on their first delivery. Cannot be used with any other offer.

Understanding and managing continence problems

With one in four Australians experiencing bladder and/or bowel control problems, incontinence is nothing to be ashamed of.

Common problems include leakage from the bladder and/or bowel, urgency, waking frequently at night to pass urine, and constipation. Whilst incontinence affects people of all ages and genders, it is more common in women, with studies showing 80 percent of people with urinary incontinence are women, and problems become more common as you age.

The good news about incontinence is that, in most cases, it can be either cured or better managed so it doesn’t disrupt your everyday life.

What is incontinence?

There are two types of continence problems: Urinary incontinence, which can appear in different levels of severity, for instance, it could involve ‘leaking’ when you laugh, sneeze, or cough, or it could mean complete loss of control over your bladder Faecal incontinence, referring to bowel leakage or involuntary bowel movements but may also include excessive wind or straining

If you have either, you should talk to your doctor for professional advice on how to manage the condition.

While incontinence can appear at any stage of your life, the risk of developing incontinence is more increased in older people. Generally, incontinence is linked to other health conditions, such as dementia, diabetes, heart conditions, or prostate problems.

Create good habits

It’s important to keep good bladder and bowel habits to reduce the risk of incontinence. The Continence Foundation of Australia recommends making changes to your diet and lifestyle that can make all the difference in managing your incontinence.

Drink six to eight glasses of fluid a day, as shying away from drinking to try to stop bladder control issues can actually exacerbate the problem. Make sure there’s enough fibre in your diet and limit tea, coffee and alcohol.

Take your time to empty your bladder properly, don’t strain or go to the toilet ‘just in case’.

Incorporating exercise in your daily routine can have a good effect on your bowel movements and strengthen your pelvic floor.

The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and bowel and play an important role in bladder and bowel control.

Where to get help?

If you’re experiencing bladder or bowel control issues it’s important to have a continence assessment to rule out any underlying medical problems.

Speak to your GP or call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 330 066 for more information.

They can provide information and advice, connect you to a wide range of professionals who can help with continence management and help you understand what different continence aids and subsidies may be available to you.

Products for incontinence

There are a lot of products available these days that can help with managing your incontinence, no matter the severity. These products include disposable or reusable pads and pants, mattress and chair protectors, catheters, and more. Most of these incontinence aids can be found in supermarkets and pharmacies for purchase.

If you need extra assistance, you can engage the help of a continence nurse advisor, who can discuss your needs and help you find products that will best manage your incontinence.

If you receive support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), you can access continence advisory services, or if you have a Home Care Package (HCP), you may be able to receive funding from the Government for incontinence aids.

Additionally, the Government’s Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) is available to people with permanent or severe incontinence. You cannot access CAPS if you receive a Home Care Package. Visit the Department of Health website at health.gov.au for more information.

Assistive technology

Assistive technology options

The changes that occur with ageing can lead to problems with mobility, such as unsteadiness while walking, difficulty getting in and out of a chair, or falls.

These are reportedly the top mobility problems experienced by older people and a major cause of injury and death.

Muscle weakness, joint problems, pain, disease and neurological difficulties can also contribute to mobility problems.

Keeping mobile can give you the opportunity to maintain independence in order to fulfil daily tasks and live happily in your own home.

Although light physical activity can help improve your mobility and remain independent, some people also find comfort and assistance in mobility equipment or aids which aim to help them live more satisfying and productive lives.

Improve access and safety at home

Creating a safe living space is critical to keeping your independence and preventing injuries.

You can improve the safety of your home by making some basic changes.

Examples of some easy changes you can make at home include:

Remove clutter around the home to reduce the risk of tripping over

Install grab bars and hand rails to help you get down the stairs safely or step in and out of the shower or bathtub without injuring yourself

Repair or remove tripping hazards such as loose carpet, slippery throw rugs or floorboards that stick up

Inadequate lighting can also contribute to falls or injury so install brighter light bulbs where needed and make sure stairways and narrow hallways are properly lit

Even with grab rails, stairs can present a significant falling hazard. Non-slip strips can help make stairs safer to go up and down or consider having a stair lift installed

Personal alarms that can detect falls, call for help in an emergency or have a GPS tracker can be used to help you feel safe and secure

Mobility aids can assist you

There are several different types of mobility aids available which can help you maintain independence and safety, assist in walking and moving about, help you with personal care, and make it easier for you to remain socially active, maintaining your quality of life.

Some of the equipment available includes:

Mobility aids – Aids which can help to prevent falls including walking sticks or frames, wheelie walkers, manual and motorised wheelchairs and scooters

Personal care – Including shower stools or chairs, shower hoses, bath seats and boards, over-toilet frames, commodes, urinals, continence pads and supplies, aids to assist with dressing or to manage medications

Home safety – Some of the aids which can assist you around the house during day-to-day living may include handrails, ramps, tap turners, non-slip mats, easy-grip utensils, and easy-pour kettles

Technology

There are a number of gadgets, devices and technologies that can help older Australians keep their independence and make life much simpler around the home.

These might include safety devices or personal alert systems, these devices allow you to call for help by alerting family or emergency services if you fall or become unwell and are especially handy for people who live alone or go long periods without social interaction.

Smartwatches can also offer similar safety functions, having the potential to help in your daily life in a variety of different ways, from instant calls and messaging, to an abundance of applications that can help with things such as medication reminders and GPS tracking.

Other gadgets that have hit the market that may be beneficial are assistive technologies and voice and activated functions to control devices around the home as well as being able to monitor daily routines.

Assistive technology

Assistive technology solutions

To remain independent and in good health, it’s important that you can look after yourself, move, eat and drink well, stay connected, and have fun. Fortunately, there are a range of assistive technology solutions that can support you to achieve all of this.

Assistive technology can help you prepare your own meals independently, communicate and stay connected, move around your home and community, manage your personal care, use technology, participate in sport and recreational activities, and undertake daily tasks safely.

With over 11,000 assistive technology products on the market, it can be difficult to know what the best solutions for your needs are.

Independent Living Centres (ILCs) are information resource centres, located in every State and Territory, that display a range of products and equipment to assist with daily-living activities.

They can support your assistive technology choices through information and advice, allied health support as well as help with grants to get access to a range of technology items including emergency call systems, wheelchairs and scooters, kitchen and bathroom equipment, hoists and transfer aids, vehicle modifications, smart home technology, and much more.

Through an online National Equipment Database (NED), you can search over 11,000 assistive technology products Australia-wide, including supplier details and product specifications. Find out more at askned.com.au.

For further information, visit ilcaustralia.org.au or call 1300 885 886.

Transport services

There may be times when friends, family and neighbours are unable to help out. While transport can be part of Government funded supports, there is also a range of free or subsidised transport options available through a variety of outlets.

Community organisations

In New South Wales (NSW) and ACT, there are many volunteer groups, such as local churches, clubs or Rotary groups, that support frail elderly people over 65 years of age in many ways, including through transport services. These community volunteer transport services provide either direct transport or assist older people in accessing public transport. They can take you to appointments, out and about in your community, visit friends and family, or go to the shops.

Most of these community schemes or groups are staffed by volunteer drivers. Depending on the organisation the services may be free or you may have to pay a small contribution towards the organisation.

St John’s Ambulance Australia provides a community transport service and patient transport service in most States or Territories. These services can support older people who need to attend medical appointments or hospital, visit loved ones, attend events or family gatherings, or for grocery shopping.

Local Councils

New South Wales and ACT’s local councils frequently offer transport in two forms – community buses and personal transport.

Some council’s operate community buses on a weekly basis with many offering the convenience of door to door pickup and drop-off. There is usually a nominal minimal charge for using the community bus which may vary depending on where it is going and whether you require a return journey.

Additionally, some councils offer personal transport for medical, wellbeing and other essential appointments, and are usually provided by council volunteers.

Contact your local council for information about transport in your area.

Other transport options for seniors

You may be eligible for free or cheaper public transport in NSW and the ACT if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Seniors Card, Veterans’ Gold Card or Health Care Card, or are an ACT senior over the age of 70.

NSW and ACT Governments both operate a Taxi Subside Scheme that assists people who are unable to use public and community transport due to disability or significant mobility restriction.

Contact Transport NSW on 13 15 00 or online at transportnsw.info . In ACT call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or visit accesscanberra.act.gov.au

Transport services

Getting to appointments, the shops or social events can be challenging if you don’t have a car, and even more challenging if you have mobility issues.

NSW Aged Care

Regis Elermore Vale 156 Cardiff Road, Elermore Vale

Regis Hornsby 245-247 Peats Ferry Road, Hornsby

Regis Hurstville

53-59 Gloucester Road, Hurstville

Regis Port Macquarie 10 Sherwood Road, Port Macquarie

Regis Port Stephens 40 Bagnall Beach Road, Corlette

Regis Rose Bay 84 Newcastle Street, Rose Bay

SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT REGIS

These professionals know the system really well and their help can make your search much easier.

Other useful people:

Aged care homes

If you are unable to continue living independently at home, you may choose to move into an aged care home.

The Australian Government regulates and funds the provision of much of the aged care in Australia.

‘Aged care home’ is the term most commonly used, but you may also find this type of accommodation referred to as nursing home, aged care facility, residential aged care, or high and low care facility. All of these terms can be used interchangeably to describe the same type of living arrangement.

Entry into a Government funded aged care home requires approval by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).

There are also non Government funded aged care homes which are called supported or assisted living complexes. These do not require ACAT or Government approval.

Where do I start?

If you, or someone close to you, feel you are in need of some form of residential care, you can speak with your doctor, who can make initial contact with My Aged Care.

You can also contact My Aged Care direct or a representative, like a family member or friend, can do this on your behalf. Call 1800 200 422 to organise an ACAT assessment. See page 15 for information about ACAT.

Aged care homes

Set amongst landscaped grounds, Adria Village is a warm and welcoming community of people from all around the world.

We pride ourselves on cultural diversity and celebration, and offer a wide range of activities to cater for all interests. Adria Village fosters individuality and independence, providing support and assistance to enable residents to live in a comfortable and secure environment.

Adria Village is located in the Canberra suburb of Stirling and offers residential care for 42 residents, incorporating 2 respite rooms, and Special Care.

The Village also contains 36 independent living villas. All villas have 2 bedrooms, a courtyard and a garden, and residents enjoy a peaceful and welcoming community lifestyle.

Our aim is to provide a caring, safe, home-like atmosphere, reflecting your rights to dignity, respect, privacy, safety and the best quality of life. Contact us today to arrange a personal tour.

Our services

Nursing Care, Meals, Cleaning, Laundry, Activities and Spiritual needs.

89 Fremantle Drive, Stirling ACT

Aged care homes

The next step

After being approved by an ACAT for Government funded residential care, you may begin looking for your future home. You can do this yourself or you can hire a placement consultant who can make the job much easier for you.

It is important to know and understand the types of homes available in your area as this may affect the cost and services you receive.

It is also recommended that you visit as many homes as possible, just as you would when buying or renting a house. This will enable you to gauge the feel and culture of the home.

Homes and their services

Aged care homes provide accommodation ranging from single rooms with ensuites to rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

They must provide specified care and services to all residents at no additional cost.

Services that must be provided at no additional charge for all residents who need them, irrespective of their level of care needs, include:

basic accommodation related services such as beds, mattresses, linen, bedside lockers and chairs general laundry and cleaning services maintenance of buildings and grounds utilities such as electricity and water the provision of staff continuously on call to provide emergency assistance assistance with personal care such as bathing, going to the toilet, eating and dressing assistance with mobility and communication assistance in obtaining specialised therapy services, or a health practitioner service meals, including special diets

toiletry goods such as towels, washers, soap and toilet paper support for people with cognitive impairment like dementia

social and recreational activities

rehabilitation support

Additional services as appropriate to individual care needs where a fee may apply include:

goods to assist with toileting and continence aids therapy services such as speech therapy, podiatry, occupational, recreational and physiotherapy registered nurses to assess, plan and manage care, including complex pain or wound management, palliative care program, special feeding, dialysis and oxygen therapy

For people with dementia, it is important to ask a home whether it offers separate or secure dementia specific units or wings.

Considering aged care for a loved one?

At Bupa Aged Care, whether for respite short-stay care or as a new home, our experienced registered nurses and carers aim to provide the care each resident needs, in the way they prefer.

Care is first and foremost

We embrace and support residents to live their day their way, with teams dedicated to their wellbeing.

People rarely expect to need aged care, but if your family does, we’ll guide you through the steps.

To book a visit with one of our 24 homes throughout Sydney and regional New South Wales, call us on 1800 718 357 or visit bupaagedcare.com.au/region/NSW

Some nursing homes may have a secure garden area specifically designed for people with dementia, which is generally attached to the secure dementia unit.

There are homes that cater to a specific cultural and linguistic group or may offer culturally appropriate services. See pages 228 –235 for a list of culturally appropriate care homes and services g.

Pets can help lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation, and some homes are happy to accommodate you and your pet.

Some nursing homes even have live-in pets. You’ll find these C listed in the directory section of this guide, starting on page 156.

Accreditation and certification

All Government funded care homes must meet required accreditation standards and demonstrate continuous improvement with regard to the quality of care and services provided to residents.

The standards that must be met cover areas such as management, staffing, health and personal care, resident lifestyle, living environment, catering, cleaning, continuous improvement, and safety and security.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is responsible for the review of aged care homes.

It monitors residential aged care services to ensure their compliance with the accreditation standards.

You can ask the provider for the accreditation status of the home or access reports and find information about the process on the Commission’s website – agedcarequality.gov.au .

Quality standards

The Aged Care Quality Standards were introduced in 2019 as a new measure of quality in aged care.

The eight new standards have a much stronger focus on consumers to help them make informed decisions about aged care services.

It gives consumers confidence that aged care providers will work in partnership with them and their families to deliver care that supports their health, wellbeing and quality of life.

The new Quality Standards include the following focus areas:

Consumer dignity and choice

Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers

Personal care and clinical care

Services and supports for daily living

Organisation’s service environment

Feedback and complaints

Human resources

Organisational governance

Each of the standards looks at three key aspects: What is the outcome for the consumer

Aged care homes

Aged care homes

What are the expectations of the organisation

What are the organisational requirements to show that the standard has been met

The new standards revolve around consumers, their families and the staff providing care.

This partnership between the provider and consumer needs to work in order for the eight areas to succeed.

All Government funded aged care homes and home care services are measured against the new standards, and organisations must be able to provide evidence of their compliance and performance with the Quality Standards.

Charter of Rights

Supporting the Aged Care Quality Standards is a single Charter of Aged Care Rights, protecting the rights of consumers receiving aged care services and their right to be properly looked after, treated well and given high quality care and services.

All aged care providers have to provide a personally signed copy of the Charter of Rights to every one of their residents or care recipients.

The Charter covers 14 fundamental protections stating all older Australians receiving any type of Government funded aged care supports have the right to:

1. Safe and high quality care and services;

2. be treated with dignity and respect;

3. have your identity, culture and diversity valued and supported;

4. live without abuse and neglect;

5. be informed about your care and services in a way you understand;

6. access all information about yourself, including information about your rights, care and services;

7. have control over and make choice about your care and personal and social life, including where the choices involve personal risk;

8. have control over, and make decisions about, the personal aspects of your daily life, financial affairs and possessions;

9. your independence;

10. be listened to and understood;

11. have a person of your choice, including an aged care advocate, support you or speak on your behalf;

12. complain free from reprisal and to have your complaints dealt with fairly and promptly;

13. personal privacy and to have your personal information protected;

14. exercise your rights without it adversely affecting the way you are treated.

You should receive a copy of the Charter signed by your provider, and you or your representative will be asked to sign the Charter to acknowledge

Aged care homes

that your provider has given you information about your rights in relation to the aged care service under the Charter.

As a consumer, you have the option of signing the Charter of Aged Care Rights, however, even if you choose not to sign the document you can still access care and services.

Call the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822 or visit agedcarequality.gov.au for more information.

Complaints

If you have concerns or are unhappy about the standard of care you are receiving, you or your representatives are strongly encouraged to firstly take all complaints to the facility management for resolution.

It’s always best to address concerns rather than leaving it to escalate. If you don’t feel comfortable to deal with it yourself, you can ask an advocacy service to help you.

If the matter is not resolved, you can then make complaints to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822 or visit agedcarequality.gov.au .

Anyone can make a complaint about anything that may constitute a breach of the service provider’s responsibilities to past or present residents.

Costs for residential care

Aged care homes charge a range of fees to cover the cost of care, accommodation and living expenses, and these can vary enormously between facilities, and from resident to resident.

Understanding the rules and seeking specialist advice from an aged care financial advisor to minimise costs is recommended. See page 121 for more information on financial advice.

Both your income and financial assets affect your entitlements. The income and asset tests are combined, to ensure a consistent fees policy. This will address the issue of asset rich, income poor residents paying for all of their accommodation and nothing for care, and the income rich, asset poor residents paying for their care but not for accommodation.

The cost of care is divided into three parts:

Daily care fees

Accommodation payments

Means tested care fee

On the following pages we explain each of these in more detail.

Discover a new concept in aged care

Our care

Our One Move Promise®

Aspire Aged Care by LDK, co-located in Greenway Views, is a first-of-its-kind alternative to traditional aged care. While we offer the same level of care as a nursing home, the built form and lifestyle of our villages differ vastly. We’re building places our residents can call home.

Our residents can access all levels of care, including dementia and palliative care, delivered 24/7 in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Our ethos of Love, Decency & Kindness underpins our care offering, and we will support your loved one to live with independence and purpose throughout their ageing journey. The cost of care can be privately or government funded (where eligible) and we have dedicated staff to help residents secure and maximise their funding wherever possible.

Your home

The standard of our spacious, selfcontained apartments is second to none. It’s a place our residents can make their own home, and we treat it as such. LDK delivers lifestyle for life through our Supported Lifestyle Program, so our residents can live their lives to the fullest. You can be assured your loved one will be supported to enjoy all the activities they love and more in our vibrant and engaged village community.

Experience Aspire Aged Care for yourself. Call us on 1300 535 000 and book your personalised tour today.

Our One Move Promise® means once residents move into an LDK village, they will be cared for - for life, and never have to move again. With LDK care staff, onsite, around the clock you always have peace of mind. We’re also committed to bringing couples back together and have done so on multiple occasions, where one partner initially moved into a nursing home and was separated from their loved one.

Experience our care for yourself

Aspire Respite Care by LDK is our privately funded respite program. Respite stays range from two to six weeks, providing you with the flexibility you need. It gives carers reassurance to have a break knowing their loved one is safe, well cared for and supported by LDK, 24/7 with Love, Decency & Kindness. Our respite program is also a great opportunity to experience our village lifestyle. We are proud to say many have loved their respite stay experience so much that they’ve decided to make LDK their home.

Please contact our Relationship Manager to organise a tour of one of our centres.

Phone (02) 9764 7800 or email relationship.manager@cnh.com.au

To learn more, visit columbiaagedcare.com.au

We believe that a residential aged care home should be as much like a resident’s own home as possible. In all areas of daily life, we respect dignity and right of choice.

All our centres offer exceptional clinical and pastoral care. We encourage independence, partnering with residents individually – or, if they choose, with their loved ones – to ensure that all needs are met.

Personalised delivery and continuity of care is supported by our best-in-class technology. A holistic view of daily care, assessments, medications, and activities is available for residents, family, GPs, and authorised supporting services on demand. Our centres offer respite care, including emergency or holiday respite care and permanent aged care. Each facility offers a mix of single and shared rooms.

Columbia is committed to recognising and respecting the diversity of our residents. We provide the best care possible, taking into consideration everyone’s cultural and linguistic needs.

We have a wide range of activities available for residents, from in-house individual activities and events to taking residents out into the community.

Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a high standard of care, including therapy and recreational services, at a Columbia Aged Care Centre.

Daily care fee

As a resident in an aged care home you are asked to pay a daily fee as a contribution towards the cost of care and living expenses, such as meals and refreshments, cleaning, laundry, heating and cooling, as well as social activities.

In addition, the daily fee contributes to the costs for personal care, including assistance with daily living such as bathing, dressing and toileting, assistance with mobility aids, therapy, and certain medical and pharmaceutical services.

The maximum Basic Daily Fee for all permanent residents who enter an aged care home is 85 percent of the maximum base rate of the Age Pension for a single person.

This is the same amount you will be charged if you’re staying in a nursing home for a temporary stay as a respite resident. It is generally adjusted each March and September at the same time as the Age Pension.

As of 1 January 2023, the maximum Basic Daily Fee is $56.87 per day for all full pensioners and some part pensioners.

Depending on your income and level of care, you may also be asked to pay an income tested fee as part of the daily fees. However, this does not apply to respite residents in aged care.

If you do receive income other than your pension, you will be assessed by Centrelink, or Veterans’ Affairs if you are a veteran, to determine how much extra you can be asked to pay as an income tested fee.

If you were a permanent resident in an aged care home, prior to 20 March 2008, you will continue to be subject to the pre 20 March 2008 rules governing the Basic Daily Fee unless you are discharged from permanent aged care for a continuous 28 days.

Aged care costs

Exceptional Aged Care by Exceptional People

IBIS CARE ~ Providing aged care with integrity, safety and choice to the St George & Sutherland Shire

With two beautiful homes located at Blakehurst and Miranda, Ibis Care provide exceptional aged care where residents are supported with dedicated 24 hour care, engaging lifestyle activities and nutritious home-style meals.

safety and choice to the St George & Sutherland Shire

With two beautiful homes located at Blakehurst and Miranda, Ibis Care provide exceptional aged care where residents are supported with dedicated 24 hour care, engaging lifestyle activities and nutritious home-style meals.

Our team of expert and compassionate staff focus on each individual and what’s important to them in their daily lives. Maintaining local connections and remaining active in the community is encouraged at Ibis Care, even during Covid restricted times.

Call now to book a tour or visit our website for more information.

Call now to book a tour or visit our website for more information.

20-24 Cheddar St

BLAKEHURST 02 9546 2159

Our team of expert and compassionate staff focus on each individual and what’s important to them in their daily lives. Maintaining local connections and remaining active in the community is encouraged at ibis Care, even during Covid restricted times. www.ibiscare.com.au

Blakehurst NSW 2221

20-24 Cheddar St

20-24 Cheddar St

Blakehurst NSW 2221

BLAKEHURST 02 9546 2159

BLAKEHURST 02 9546 2159

Blakehurst NSW 2221

Accommodation payments

Accommodation payments are different from daily care fees. It’s a payment for the bed or room you will occupy in the aged care home, separately from any care you receive.

These payments can be made as a lump sum or spread out over regular payments and are used by the aged care home as capital funding to improve the quality of the buildings and services they provide.

Not everyone pays an accommodation payment. It depends on the value of your assets and income at the time of entry into care.

If you have more than $55,000 in assets and income, you can be asked to pay an accommodation payment, but you must be left with at least $55,000 in assets after your payment (Rates as at 1 January 2023).

Means tested care fee

The means tested care fee is an extra contribution on top of the other residential aged care payments, and the amount can differ from person to person.

The means tested care fee will incorporate your financial assets and your income, and then determine how much you will be contributing to the cost of your personal and clinical care services.

This contribution amount can fluctuate depending on if your income or assets change.

There are annual and lifetime caps on the means tested care fee. There is an annual cap of $30,574.33 that will apply to your means tested contribution to your care costs, together with a lifetime cap of $73,378.49 (January 2023 rates).

Depending on your personal financial situation, you may not have to pay this contribution towards the cost of your care.

How much will I pay?

If you can afford to, you will pay a basic fee of up to 85 percent of the maximum base rate of the Age Pension for a single person, a means tested (your income and assets combined) contribution to your accommodation, and a means tested contribution to your care.

The maximum means tested contribution will be allocated toward your accommodation payment until the full cost is paid and then toward your care fee.

The family home will continue to be exempt from the aged care assets test if occupied by a spouse or other protected person.

Any income tested contributions you may have made as a recipient of Home Care Packages will be taken into account in calculating lifetime care expenditure.

The treatment of the family home will not change from the current arrangements, for example if it is occupied by a spouse or protected person.

Even when the value of your former home is included as an assessable asset, its value will be capped at $186,331.20 (January 2023 prices). It is only counted in determining your ability to pay for your accommodation.

Aged care costs

RAD and DAP explained

Choose how you pay

When moving into an aged care home, if you have the capacity to contribute to the cost of your accommodation, you can now choose how you pay for it.

You have a choice of three options, however, if you start with one option and change your mind, you have up to 28 days from the date you move into the care home to decide how you wish to pay.

Payment Option 1:

Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)

This is a single payment made to the care home and works similar to an interest-free loan.

The balance of the deposit is guaranteed to be refunded when you leave the home, but only after any amounts which have been used to pay for agreed services have been deducted.

Payment Option 2: Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)

In this option, you pay a periodic payment (usually on a monthly basis) for your accommodation; it is calculated based on the daily rate of the RAD. To calculate the daily payment equivalent of the refundable deposit, the RAD is multiplied by the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR) and divided by 365 days.

The MPIR is set by the Government and is updated every three months –as of 1 January 2023, it is 7.06 percent.

The daily payment amount must be equivalent to the refundable deposit amount and is the maximum you can be charged per day for the room. These periodical payments are not refunded when you leave the home.

Payment Option 3: Combination payment of RAD and DAP

If you wish you can also choose to pay a combination of both a RAD and a DAP. For example, let’s assume the RAD is $400,000 but you want to only pay half of a deposit ($200,000) and the other as a DAP.

Use this formula to calculate the DAP: (Balance of price x MPIR) / 365 = ($400,000 - $200,000) x 7.06% / 365 = $38.68 per day (MPIR from 1 January 2023).

Or use our easy to use fee estimator calculator on agedcareguide.com.au/nursing-home-fee-estimator

For further information, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or Centrelink on 13 23 00, or discuss with a placement consultant or financial advisor.

Disclaimer - This information is a summary of the main provisions relating to aged care costs and while care has been taken to ensure that it is current on date of publication, it should not be taken as an authoritative source. Please phone 1800 200 422 for more complete, up-to-date information.

Where Enjoying Life Matters

J u s t b e c a u s e y o u r l o v e d o n e n e e d s a l i t t l e e x t r a s u p p o r t w i t h d a i l y a c t i v i t i e s , i t s h o u l d n ' t m e a n t h e i r q u a l i t y o f l i f e d e c l i n e s i n t h e p r o c e s s A t H a r d i , w e b e l i e v e t h a t e n j o y i n g l i f e m a t t e r s r e g a r d l e s s o f a g e . W h e t h e r i t ' s h a v i n g a h o t b r e a k f a s t e v e r y d a y , o r r e g u l a r o u t i n g s o n t h e H a r d i b u s - o u r t e a m s t r y t h e i r b e s t t o m a k e s u r e t h a t l i f e i s e n j o y e d e a c h a n d e v e r y d a y

Retire on your own terms

Live life to the fullest in our Wellbeing Communities

We believe that growing older shouldn’t have to mean sitting on the sidelines. People who join our Wellbeing Communities want to live life to the fullest. That’s why we can help you take care of the everyday things, like home maintenance and security, so that you can focus on the big things.

Plan ahead with confidence, knowing that if your needs change in the future, we can meet them in the one community. You’ll enjoy priority access to onsite health care, support and personalised advice from our team.

Find your nearest Australian Unity Wellbeing Community

Our wellbeing communities are open for COVID-safe inspections.

Retirement communities: A range of retirement living options, architecturally-designed for healthy ageing: from three-bedroom villas, to luxury units or serviced apartments –all with services and support available, whether you need it now or in the future.

All-inclusive Wellbeing Communities: A range of retirement living options, care apartments and small-scale aged care in one location, so that you don’t need to move if your needs change.

1300 160 170

Applying to a home

As soon as you have been approved by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for Government funded residential care, you can begin looking for your future home.

You can do this yourself or you can hire a placement consultant to do this for you.

When searching for nursing homes, decide what features are important to you. Are you looking for an extra service facility, a specific cultural environment or a facility with pets?

It is important to know and understand the types of homes that are available in your area because this may affect the cost and services you receive.

It is recommended that you visit as many homes as possible, just as you would when buying or renting a house. This will allow you to get a feel for the culture of the home and its surroundings.

You can also use residential respite as a way of finding out about the quality of care at a nursing home before deciding if the home is a good place for you to move into.

When you have narrowed down which homes would suit your needs and wants, it is best to apply to a number of homes to increase your chances of finding a place quickly.

Waiting for residential care

Nursing homes don’t always have bed vacancies available, it is likely that you will have to wait for a period of time for a bed to be made available.

Some aged care homes may have waiting lists and the length of these varies between homes. If your situation is urgent, please inform the staff at the home.

Generally, bed places are offered to people on the wait list who have a health priority or have been waiting for a place and have risen to the top of the waiting list.

You can be on as many waiting lists for facilities as you would like, but once you accept a vacancy offer, you will be removed from all other nursing home waiting lists.

If you require a bed urgently, you may not have as much choice with the facility you move into. You may have to accept the first offer that is made to you, no matter if it is your first facility choice or not.

Aged care homes cannot predict or know when a vacancy will occur, so it is important to keep in regular contact with the aged care homes to ensure they are aware you are still interested in admission to their home.

If you’ve engaged the services of a placement consultant they will monitor vacancies for you.

Applying to a home

Waiting lists

Deciding on a home

It is ideal to plan ahead and take the time to choose the facilities that you want to live in. This means no matter who offers you a bed first, you will be satisfied with the placement.

What happens when a vacancy occurs?

The person in charge at the aged care home will either ring you, your carer or family directly, or phone the social worker if you are in hospital, to let you know they have a spot available for you.

You may be asked to make a decision within hours because there are usually other people also waiting.

You, or the relevant hospital worker, will need to arrange for your transfer to the home as soon as is practicable.

If you are unable to move into a home straight away, you will be given seven days after you have agreed to accept the place to move in. This is called pre-entry leave.

From the date of acceptance you may be charged for your care and be eligible to receive financial assistance from the Government.

Once your place in the aged care home has been confirmed, you will be provided with two or three important documents which will address all the information and details you need to know. This information should also include the Resident Agreement, the Accommodation Agreement, or an Extra Services Agreement if applicable.

It is not acceptable to be charged any fees, or be expected to make any donation, before you formally accept a place in an aged care home.

Deciding on a home

There are a number of things to consider when deciding which aged care home will best suit your needs.

Deciding to move into a home can be a really big decision, so you want to make sure you choose a nursing home that not only suits your needs, but also feels like home.

Making a list of your personal preferences and requirements can make it easier to shortlist aged care facilities. This list could include the care you require and lifestyle options.

One of the best ways to gauge the environment and atmosphere of a nursing home is by visiting it.

Contact the home you are considering to organise a tour of the facility, in most cases your family should be able to come with you.

By visiting the facility, you will be able to assess whether the nursing home meets your needs and if it is a place you would be happy to live.

Any questions you have can be answered by your tour guide from the aged care home.

Additionally, you can have a talk with the site manager to understand how the aged care facility runs and have all your questions answered.

At our 29 Residential Aged Care homes, we give you personalised care and attention - getting to know you and your individuals needs.

To nd out more information about our Residential Aged Care homes, contact us today.

Allied health services

Recreational spaces & activities

Personalised care

Tailored meals & services

Individual care plans

Deciding on a home

The following is a brief checklist of areas you should consider before deciding to move in:

Is the home clean, fresh and in good repair?

Are the staff warm and friendly? You want to be able to feel at ease and comfortable in communicating with the staff.

How many staff work at the home and what is the night time ratio of staff to residents?

Is the home secure, particularly at night?

Are there keypad locks on the doors or are CCTV cameras installed?

Does the home have the provision for you to age in place and remain as your care needs increase?

Do they offer single rooms with ensuite?

If you are looking to move into a home with your spouse, is this provision available?

Are clothes laundered on or off site?

Does the room have access to a private phone line, internet connection or NBN, or pay TV?

Are the floor coverings clean and fresh, or is there an odour throughout the home?

Is the room temperature comfortable for you, and are you able to control your own room temperature?

We’ll work in partnership with you, your family, GP and other allied health professionals to enable you to make the best of every moment.

We offer:

• personalised care, lifestyle and wellness programs

• professional clinical care with registered nurses on duty 24/7

• dementia support programs

• a homely environment where you’ll feel like you belong

• an onsite chef preparing fresh, nutritious meals daily

To find out more call us for a chat on 1300 544 944

What personal items and furnishings can you bring into the home, and what provisions are there for storage of personal items?

Inspect the kitchen if possible, and find out if meals are cooked on site or are delivered.

Are the meals flexible and will they meet your special requirements? Are there spaces for you to meet with family and friends and to celebrate special events?

If you like pets, find out if the home is pet friendly and whether they have pets at the home or a visiting pet program. Be sure to enquire about the range of activities available and entertainment programs. These are vital for your ongoing wellbeing. Any additional services or amenities that are provided by aged care homes can really enhance your experience living in a facility.

Beneficial services and amenities could include:

Outdoor areas or gardens, if relevant, check whether they are secure

A hairdressing salon or day spa

An on site café

A chapel or provision for church services

Gymnasium

Allied health services

It is important to have all your queries answered, as it can really help you gauge whether a facility is the right fit for you.

Deciding on a home

It’s a tough decision leaving your home and changing your lifestyle. So why choose Mareeba Aged Care?

Ten reasons to choose Mareeba:

• Registered nurses are on site 24 hours every day

• Award-winning, personalised care

• Professional, experienced and committed staff

• Private suites  in our  resort-style facility

• All meals cooked on site in our A-Rated kitchen

• Great social program

Situated in Maclean, just 600m from the sparkling Clarence River. Phone (02) 6645 2966 to find out more.

• Pastoral care

• Dementia specific care

• Palliative care

• More than 40 years  supporting our local community.

Moving into a home

Moving into a home

The process of moving in is often referred to as the ‘admission process’ and starts with an initial introduction, orientation and assessment.

During the assessment a staff member will gather information including medical conditions, family history, food preferences, social and recreational likes and dislikes, and interests.

This information will be used to create a care plan. The care plan is updated regularly and you can request to see a copy at any time.

The care plan will be an overview of your care needs, wishes, and outcomes you want to achieve while living in the facility.

Family members and carers are welcome to assist in identifying social and care needs.

What can you bring with you?

Your aged care home will already have most of the furniture and furnishings, such as beds, chairs, wardrobe, curtains, and floor coverings, so it may be helpful to directly ask the home what you can bring with you.

Below you’ll find an overview of some of the main things to consider when moving in.

Personal items

Having personal belongings around you may help you to feel at home in your new environment.

Some people may like to bring family photographs, their favourite films, books, music, or other treasured items.

Clothing

It is important to ensure that personal clothing is properly labelled.

Most nursing homes will launder your clothing either on site or through a laundry service.

Bring enough clothing to allow for items being washed as it might take a couple of days before clean laundry is returned to you.

Because of the large volume of washing, nursing home laundries often use commercial washing and drying machines so make sure your clothes are machine washable and labelled with your full name.

Continence aids

Residents with higher level care needs, who require products for the management of continence, will have these provided by the aged care home. Other residents may be required to purchase these items.

Radios, TVs, computers, digital clocks

Residents can bring with them their preferred electrical and electronic items. Each item will be checked, tested and tagged by the home prior to use.

Welcome to Nazareth Care Tamworth

When you enter a Nazareth House, you enter a unique world of warmth and belonging.

At Nazareth Care, we have been providing residential aged care to the community for over one hundred years. Driven by the mission of the Sisters of Nazareth, we understand the needs of the elderly – to be respected, treated with dignity and cared for with comfort and love.

Our sisters live on-site at every Nazareth House; they work together with our experienced team to deliver exceptional care for all our residents and support to their families. We provide consistency of care with a team focus to support care needs, lifestyle and wellbeing.

Our residential aged care homes offer:

● Permanent and respite care

● Individual care plans, unique to the needs of each resident

● Clinical, social, emotional & spiritual support

● Dedicated memory support unit

● Mass held daily & regular services for other denominations

● Our sisters are always available to assist with palliative care

Our Values: Love Compassion Patience Respect Justice Hospitality

Book your tour today!

Call 1800 749 123

admissions.aus@nazarethcare.com

Moving into a home

Furniture

It is quite common to have space available for some items like a favourite chair, small table, dresser and bedside light, but it’s best to check with the aged care home what and how many items you can bring.

Medication

It is important that you bring all prescription medication you’re currently taking with you on admission.

Care staff will manage and administer the medication to ensure safe and quality use of your medicines.

Topical creams, herbal remedies, vitamins, and elixirs, which are non-prescription items, should be declared to the staff.

Toiletries

The aged care home supplies the basic necessities such as toothpaste, soap and toilet tissue. Specific items or particular brands need to be purchased at your own expense.

Mobility and wheelchairs

Wheelchairs, scooters, walking frames, and other mobility aids will be assessed to ensure that these are appropriate to your current situation. The maintenance and upkeep of scooters and wheelchairs is your responsibility.

Making the transition

Once you have been offered a place in an aged care home, it is also important to organise your medical and financial matters, and who you will need to tell about your move.

If you have not done so already, this is a good time to talk to your loved ones about your wishes for your future medical care. Writing your wishes in a letter or statement can help guide health professionals and those close to you if you become seriously ill or injured and are unable to make decisions about your own care. This is called an Advance Care Directive and it should include clear and specific details about treatments you would accept or refuse. Keep your Advance Care Directive in a place that is easily accessible and share the document with your doctor and loved ones.

Who should you tell about your move?

It is recommended that you tell your family, carer, friends, neighbours, community centre or Council, and any health professionals, such as your doctor or pharmacist, that you’re leaving your home to enter an aged care home.

If you need to change doctors, you can ask to have your medical history sent to your new doctor.

It is also a good idea to keep track of any health professionals you see and make a note of your current medical treatments and medication so you can discuss this with your new aged care home as part of your care plan.

Our

Many people as they grow older want to stay living in their own home but may not be aware of the services available to enable them to remain independent. However, it is important to know that there is help available in the form of a Home Care Package.

A Home Care Package is a Government funded coordinated plan of services to help you live more independently. There are four package levels available ranked from basic care needs to high-level care needs. In the case of Jimmy Smith, having a Home Care Package has empowered him to remain independent whilst living in his own home.

Jimmy currently lives on his own in the Macarthur region of Greater Western Sydney. After he endured five small strokes and having arthritis, his balance and body function have been affected. Because of this, Jimmy is limited in his ability to complete some general duties around his home, including cleaning and gardening. Realising he needed extra help, Jimmy applied for a Home Care Package.

Acquiring funding for a Level 1 Home Care Package, Jimmy has been empowered with new independence.

“Because of my arthritis, I can’t grip properly, so I need help with my cleaning and gardening. Having a Meditech Support Worker come to my home every week has been amazing. They do a thorough job – my house is clean, and my garden is maintained. I am so happy with all my services.”

Whether you are currently living in your own home like Jimmy, in a retirement village, or residing in an independent living unit, a Home Care Package will support you to continue to live independently for as long as you are able.

Choosing the right care provider is crucial to maximising your Home Care Package funding and tailoring a plan of services to meet your care needs. Meditech Staffing is here to help.

As an experienced and widely respected approved home care provider, Meditech has an outstanding team of people whose commitment and dedication embody our distinctive client-focused service delivery.

“Anything I have needed, Meditech have gone above and beyond to assist me. I cannot speak highly enough of their staff. As I get older and require more services, I am very confident that I can rely on Meditech to support me and provide me with the help I will need.”

We currently provide services across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and Western Sydney. clients can receive services through government subsidies, self-funded private paid services, or a combination of both options.

Meditech will support you to live independently in your home, providing a range of services including:

•Professional case management and support coordination

•Well-trained, reliable staff

•Domestic assistance

•Meal preparation

•Personal care

•Clinical Nursing services

•Transport services

•Social support

•Community access

•Allied Health services - Physiotherapy

•Maintenance, cleaning, and gardening services

Our fees are very competitive and below the national average, with a 12% Package Management fee, 11% Care Management fee and we charge no exit fee, leaving more of your package available for your services.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, meaning someone is always available to take your call. A case manager will also be provided to help you manage your services and funding.

We promote enablement and independence for all our clients, making sure they are actively involved in their care plan.

To discuss how Meditech can help you please contact our friendly staff.

enquiries@meditechstaffing.com.au

www.meditechstaffing.com.au

02 9764 4488

Daily living

Daily living in a nursing home

Moving house is often stressful and it may take time to settle into your new environment. Here’s what you can expect from life in a nursing home.

If you are thinking about moving into a nursing home you’re likely to experience a massive range of emotions, varying from relief and excitement to uncertainty and apprehension.

Living in a nursing home will be different and it may take a little bit for you to settle into your new life.

Providing a caring and supportive environment, staff in a nursing home are there to make life easier for you, many residents have reported they actually enjoy an enhanced quality of life and improved social life, since they moved.

You will benefit from receiving help with some tasks you’ve found difficult to do and you will have peace of mind that should anything happen, you will receive immediate attention and the situation will be managed well.

It’s your home

There may be some ‘common’ areas that are shared with other residents, such as the dining room and lounge room, but your room is your own.

Nursing homes positively encourage you to bring personal items for your room, such as pictures, photos, ornaments, furniture throws and smaller pieces of furniture.

Find out prior to moving what extra personal belongings you can bring so you can still enjoy the things which have meaning to you.

Social aspects and routines

The chances are you’ve moved from living in a house on your own or with a partner, so you’ll need to get used to a few more people being around. However, the choice is yours as to how social you want to be.

You can choose to be social in the communal areas and spend time with other residents or simply find a quiet corner, or remain in your room to enjoy your own company.

Nursing home staff are generally friendly and outgoing, and they will respect your need for privacy.

Many nursing homes have strong links to the local community.

You can choose to get involved with activities such as meeting local school children or other people from other groups.

As well as adjusting to new people, there may be some changes to your daily routines, such as slightly different meal and shower times.

The important thing to remember is that by moving into a nursing home you’ll receive the help and support you need to improve your quality of life.

Daily living

DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE IN AGED CARE LIVING ON SYDNEY’S LOWER NORTH SHORE

Continuing Lansdowne Gardens’ tradition of providing excellence in care and services, our brand new Lansdowne Gardens on Wycombe Residence will offer:

• 24/7 registered nursing care with highly experienced and caring staff

• Extra services, dementia care, palliative care and respite care

• Luxurious private suites with ensuites, some with Sydney Harbour or City Skyline views

• Heritage restored building integrated into a state of the art architecturally designed residence

• Fresh à la carte meals prepared by our Executive Chef

• Life enriching activities

• Hotel-like interior design with intimate lounge and dining areas

• Café, Hair & Beauty Salon and Gym on-site

• Multi-award-winning aged care provider

We invite you and your family to call us on 02 9953 0000 for further information on how we deliver wellbeing, security and excellence.

lansdownegardens.com.au

Multiple activities

Nursing homes offer many social aspects and multiple activities such as exercise classes, religious services/classes, bingo, arts and craft, concerts and outings.

It doesn’t mean you have to take part – you still decide what you want to do.

You can continue to enjoy your usual activities outside the nursing home, such as attending any regular classes or meeting friends in your favourite coffee shop.

Whether it’s reading or watching TV in your room, chatting with other residents or going to the cinema with friends, the choice of how you spend your time is yours.

Partners

Some homes offer rooms for couples in the form of adjoining rooms, double rooms, or even a single unit for couples.

This means couples can continue living together even if they have different care and support needs.

Pets

While most homes do not allow residents to have their personal pets, a lot now have ‘live-in’ animals such as cats, rabbits, dogs and birds. Some nursing homes also arrange for a variety of animals to visit regularly.

Family and friends

Your family and friends are always encouraged to visit and depending on your health, you will be able to come and go as you please – visit friends, enjoy family celebrations, go shopping and even go on holiday. Many nursing homes also have special areas available for private functions. This means you can still hold special events for family and friends in your nursing home.

Going on a holiday

When you live in an aged care home you can still go on a holiday. You can leave the aged care home for up to 52 nights in a financial year. This is called ‘social leave’.

The Government will continue to pay subsidies on your behalf to the aged care home and you still have to pay your daily fees and income tested fees.

If you are away for longer than 52 nights the Government will stop paying subsidies and you may be asked to pay any owing amounts to the aged care home.

The 52 night rule can not be extended.

Resident Agreement

Resident Agreement

The Resident Agreement is a legal agreement between you and your aged care home.

Before you move in, an aged care home will offer you a Resident Agreement to sign, which may cover things like the services you will receive, the fees to be paid and the rights and responsibilities you have as a resident of the home.

Your Resident Agreement should include the following: the policies and practices used to set your fees and charges; the level of daily fee you’ll be asked to pay; any extra services you’ve agreed to receive, and their costs; any circumstances where you might be asked to leave and how the aged care home will help you find somewhere more appropriate; your rights and responsibilities as a resident in your new aged care home; your aged care home’s responsibilities to you as a resident; how the aged care home will deal with any complaints you, your carer, friends or family may make; and any other matters agreed between you and the aged care home’s manager, within the requirements of the Aged Care Act 1997

Signing the agreement

If you choose to enter into a Resident Agreement, you don’t have to sign it at the time it is offered. You may want to take time to ask your friends, family, carer, financial advisor or legal practitioner for help to go through the agreement, although you don’t have to.

While there is no time limit for signing the Resident Agreement, it is in your best interest to finalise the Resident Agreement as soon as you can, as it covers your rights and responsibilities.

Since the Resident Agreement is a legally binding document, it’s important you understand everything in the document before you sign it.

If you have any questions, you should ask your new aged care home. It’s their responsibility to make sure the agreement offered to you is clear.

If you understand your agreement and want to sign it, but are physically unable to, you can ask someone with the legal authority to sign on your behalf, such as someone who holds Power of Attorney for you.

Can I withdraw from the Resident Agreement?

Should you change your mind, you can withdraw from the Resident Agreement within 14 days of signing.

You will need to let your aged care home know straight away, in writing. You will still need to pay your care fees and charges for care you’ve received during the 14 days.

Changes can only be made to the agreement if both you and your aged care home agree.

Extra services

Some aged care homes provide ‘extra services’, such as a higher standard of accommodation, increased entertainment options, and more diverse food choices.

Extra service homes have approval from the Australian Government to offer these additional hotel type services and they come at an additional cost to the resident.

‘Extra service’ only refers to the standard of accommodation, meals, food, and entertainment, and not to the level of care which is legislated to be of a high standard across all aged care homes.

Services delivered and cost may vary between providers and they should be outlined in your Resident Agreement.

In some cases, the whole of the home is ‘extra service’, while in others, a distinct part of that home, such as a separate building, wing or unit, is dedicated to extra services.

Some of the extra services you might be offered include:

A bigger room internet

daily newspaper satellite TV

phone choice of meals

selection of beverages including wines, beer, and spirits special therapies such as massage or aromatherapy

leisure/entertainment facilities

Fees

Extra service fees are set by the provider and approved by the Australian Government. This is an additional charge on top of the basic daily care fee, accommodation payment, and any means tested fee.

Some providers may offer rooms with a non-optional extra service package. You can only take up the room if you agree to and pay for the extra services offered.

Other providers may offer extra services as an optional package that you can choose or cancel at any time.

In this case, switching from general residency to extra service residence within the same home, does not change the accommodation payment you have already agreed to when entering the home and the provider cannot charge a new or additional accommodation payment.

Additional services

All people in aged care homes have the option to purchase additional services, such as entertainment or lifestyle choices, for an extra fee. Providers can not charge additional service fees for anything that is part of the normal operation of the nursing home and you have to agree to these charges before they are delivered.

Aged care homes that offer extra services are listed in the residential table starting on page 156.

Extra services

Residential respite

Taking a break

Taking some time off from caring is crucial and known as ‘respite’. Respite care offers the opportunity for both you and your carer to take a break. This may be for a few hours, a day, a night or a few weeks.

Residential respite

To receive respite care in an aged care home, you require an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), except in emergencies. See page 15 for more information about ACAT. Usually, you may have up to 63 days of Government funded respite care in any financial year, and it may be possible to extend the care period by up to 21 days at a time, if deemed necessary by the ACAT.

When you have received approval by the ACAT, you may apply directly to the aged care facility for respite.

Access to respite care is based on eligibility and need.

Although residential aged care homes are allocated respite places, they are not required to keep these solely available for respite provision.

You will need to book this respite in advance, although in the case of emergencies, it can be organised quite quickly.

You can also use residential respite as a way of finding out about the quality of care at a nursing home before deciding if the home is a good place for you to permanently move into.

Cost

The cost for respite in a Government funded aged care home is the same Basic Daily Fee as for a permanent resident of the home. This amount is currently $56.87 per day (January 2023 rates), which is the equivalent of 85 percent of the single maximum base rate of the Age Pension, regardless of whether you are a pensioner or not. A booking fee may also be charged to assist in securing a place. This is a pre-payment of respite care fees, not an additional payment, and it cannot be more than a full week’s fee or 25 percent of the entire stay’s fee, whichever amount is the lowest.

There is no income and assets test or additional accommodation charge to access respite in an aged care home. This only applies to permanent residents of an aged care home. For respite in an ‘extra services’ home you may be asked to pay an extra fee to cover the cost of the higher standard of services.

For more information about respite options and how to access them, contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.

Go to page 45 to read about respite options in your own home or community.

Frequently asked questions about moving into an aged care home

Making the transition to residential aged care can be daunting and a life-changing experience.

It’s important you make the move confidently and know what to expect. Here we answer a few common questions about moving into an aged care facility.

How will I know when it’s time to move into a nursing home?

Making the decision to move into a nursing home comes at different times and for a variety of different reasons, all depending on the person, their care needs, their support network, or financial status. Common reasons for making the move from home to a nursing home can be:

Unsuitable personal care in your own home – this can mean that you require higher personal care support than you are able to access at home through either home care support services or the care of family and friends.

After a crisis – whether it be a fall or medical episode, a crisis of any kind can certainly play a part in making the decision to move into a nursing home to ensure you get the 24 hour support and care you need.

Temporary respite or short-term recovery – access respite in a nursing home when your carer is away for a period of time or while you recover from surgery before moving back into your own home after you have fully recovered.

Remember it is important to find the right nursing home for you so before you sign the dotted line, why not visit and inspect a few different options and make sure you talk to people at the nursing home you are considering.

Is there a trial period to see whether I like the home?

It is important to make sure you are happy with the nursing home you are moving into and be confident it will meet your needs because it is going to be your new home.

‘Trialing’ a nursing home by booking in for temporary residential respite will give you a taste of what life is like living in the nursing home and may help you in making that final decision of if it is the right home for you.

It may also be beneficial to visit the nursing home at different times and on different days to see what staffing levels are like, what activities are on, and to talk to different people about the place.

How will I know if the home is of good quality?

There are a number of ways that you can look into the quality of a nursing home, ranging from sourcing other people’s personal experiences right through to experiencing it for yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Some of the best ways that you can get an idea on the quality of a nursing home is by:

Speaking to people living in the home – if you are visiting or on a tour, take the time to talk to other residents and even staff about their thoughts and experiences of the nursing home. Register for respite – booking yourself in for some respite in a nursing home is a great way to get a feel for a place and the people within it. Look to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission – this governing body assesses and reviews all Australian nursing homes against set standards of care which are available online and accessible by you or a loved one.

Consumer ratings – on our website AgedCareGuide.com.au we have launched an online consumer ratings engine which allows you to view real people’s ratings and reviews of individual nursing homes and the nursing home responses, all in one place.

How long can I stay at an aged care facility?

You are able to stay at an aged care home for as long as you want or need. However, you may have to leave a facility sooner than expected if you require additional nursing support or if your current home cannot provide the services you need.

Am I free to ‘come and go’ as I please?

You are able to leave your aged care facility for up to 52 nights in a financial year. This is called ‘social leave’.

While you will still have to pay your daily fees and income tested fees, the Australian Government will continue to pay the appropriate subsidies to your aged care home on your behalf. This 52 day allocation period cannot be increased.

What if I need to go to hospital?

The time you spend in hospital will not count towards your social leave, but you’ll still have to pay your usual fees and payments.

The Government will continue to pay appropriate subsidies to your aged care home while you are in hospital.

Under what circumstances can I leave my current aged care home to move to another?

You may wish to leave your current aged care home to move to another if: you have been accepted to another aged care home which may better suit your health care needs; or if you have been asked to leave.

Can the aged care home ask me to leave?

An aged care home might ask you to leave, with 14 days notice, if: they are closing; they can’t provide the type of accommodation and care you need; you haven’t paid your fees within 42 days after they fall due for reasons within your control; or if you intentionally cause serious damage to the aged care home or to another resident or employees.

We’ll support you to live life well.

When living in your own home is no longer an option, you’re most welcome to make our home yours and live in safety and comfort. Residential care is a natural next step in life for thousands of Australians every year. With us, your life continues on your terms – you decide when to get up, eat, socialise and relax.

We will arrange the services important to you

Every resident is unique. We’ll work with you to create a personal care plan for your exact needs. Those needs will be met by our team of carers, lifestyle officers, spiritual and wellbeing coordinators, registered nurses, and any specialists needed.

Dedicated to quality care

The Aged Care Quality Standards provide reassurance that you’ll be treated with kindness, dignity and respect. We continually evaluate our training, systems and processes and strive to exceed these standards.

We are for people, not for profit

Southern Cross Care has supported older people in NSW and the ACT for over 50 years. As a not-for-profit organisation, we’re solely focused on providing the best care we can.

Experience our service with respite care

We have 30 homes, so there could be one close by in your community. You can arrange a short stay in a home before making any decision. We’ll be happy to arrange this for you, please ask when you call.

Aged care checklist

When trying to decide which aged care home or service best suits your needs, a checklist is an excellent evaluation method.

Take note of your first impressions when you first call the nursing home or service. Are staff friendly and accommodating to answering your questions? When considering a nursing home, ask to tour the facility and speak to people already living in the care home. You may know someone who lives there or has a loved one at the facility. Ask them about their experience. You may want to consider a short-term respite stay at the home. That way you can experience what it is like to live in the facility before you make the final decision as to whether it is a place you would like to move into permanently.

Below are a number of questions to ask the provider when assessing the suitability of an aged care home, supported living facility or other service, to assist you in making your decision.

The provider

Is the provider for-profit or not-for-profit, church or charity based? Do the owners/directors of the company have a health and/or aged care background?

When was the last time a complaint was made to the provider, what about, and how was it dealt with?

Are residents and their families encouraged to have input into services offered and the quality of care?

The facility

Does the home look and smell fresh and clean, and is it in good repair?

Are the carpets and floor coverings clean?

Is the inside temperature comfortable? Does the home meet safety regulations?

Is there good and clear signage throughout the facility?

Are there secure and interesting outdoor areas?

Are there spaces and activities to support people living with special needs, such as dementia?

Do the residents appear clean and neat?

Can you stay in the facility if your needs change?

The staff

Are the staff friendly and welcoming?

Do the staff provide clear answers to your questions?

What is the mood of interaction between staff and residents?

Do staff look like they take their time with residents to give them personal attention?

What is the ratio of nurses/care workers to residents on weekdays, weekends, and at night-time?

Aged care checklist

Aged care checklist

The room

Is it a single or shared room?

Is the room you’re shown the actual room you’ll be moving into or is it for display only?

Does the room have an ensuite or are the bathrooms shared?

Are there provisions for married couples?

How is the room allocation determined?

Is there access to a private phone line, internet connection, or pay TV?

How is the heating/cooling controlled?

What personal effects and furnishings can you bring to the home?

Are there provisions for safe storage of personal items?

Are there easily accessible alarm buttons in the room and how many?

Are staff respecting residents’ privacy – do they knock before entering a resident’s room?

Day to day living

Are there areas for families and friends to meet and celebrate special events?

Can family and friends take part in activities?

Are meals cooked on site or delivered?

Are menus flexible and able to meet special requirements?

What types of individual and group activities are offered and how often?

Are there activities that include cultural and spiritual preferences?

Are there any activities organised together with the local community?

What special events are celebrated?

Does the facility have pets on site or offer a pet visitation program?

Health and personal care

Is there a GP on site or can you continue to see a physician of your choice?

How do staff administer and monitor residents’ medicine intake?

How are medical emergencies handled?

What other services, such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, are available on site?

Is there a dietitian or nutritionist as part of the care team?

Does the facility have a wellness program?

How does the facility deal with end-of-life/palliative care?

Are any provisions, such as continence pads, rationed?

Financial

What are my payment options?

What is the breakdown of the payable fees?

Can you negotiate on the fees and how they are paid?

Special needs groups

There are a number of groups of people that are recognised by the Government as ‘special needs’ groups when it comes to aged care services.

Aged care providers are required to consider the needs of these groups in the provision of care. You will find more information on each group below.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI)

The care needs of older Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people can be quite specific and there is a cultural element that needs to be considered in the delivery of care.

All care homes should care for all people regardless of their background although some homes are specifically for ATSI clients. See pages 228 –235 for an overview of aged care homes and service providers that have indicated to cater for ATSI clients.

Care leavers

A care leaver is a person who, as a child or youth, spent time in institutional care or other types of out of home care like orphanages, children’s homes or foster care.

A large number of these care leavers are now reaching an age where they need to consider moving into aged care.

Because of their experiences in institutionalised care, aged care has been flagged as an area that can cause distress and anxiety.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people

Some aged care services are designed specifically for people who are culturally and linguistically diverse. They might have staff that speak a foreign language, specific cultural activities, or meet spiritual needs.

To support the needs of older people from CALD backgrounds, the Government has introduced the ‘National Ageing and Aged Care Strategy for People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Backgrounds’. This strategy helps aged care providers to deliver quality care and aims to make culturally appropriate aged care more accessible.

See pages 228 –235 for a list of culturally appropriate homes and services.

Disability

In Australia, one in five people live with some form of disability and this number increases with age.

There are many different types of disability including physical, intellectual, sensory, learning, psychiatric, or a combination of any of these. Some of these may be pre-existing disabilities, they can be disabilities due to health conditions like a stroke, or be part of the ageing process, such as dementia.

If you have a disability, are over 65 years of age and currently receive support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), visit ndis.gov.au or phone 1800 800 110 to find out what services are available to you.

Special needs groups

Special needs groups

Financially disadvantaged

If you have genuine difficulty paying aged care fees and charges, financial hardship provisions may apply. These allow for your fees and charges to be reduced or waived.

Financial hardship assistance applications will be considered on your overall financial circumstance including your total income and assets, your eligibility for a pension, and whether you have income or assets which you can use to pay your care fees.

Homeless

If you are currently homeless, or if you’re at risk of becoming homeless, there may be Government funded services available to you that can help solve your housing problems, or assist with financial or legal issues.

The Homeless Supplement aims to better support the viability of residential aged care homes providing care to people who have a history of, or are at risk of, homelessness.

LGBTIQ

Through the National LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Strategy, the Government aims to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning (LGBTIQ) people have access to the same opportunities and options in aged care that are available to all Australians. It is designed not only to raise awareness of the issues, but also improve the ageing and aged care experience of LGBTIQ people, and recognising and valuing the diversity of this group.

The Rainbow Tick Accreditation program recognises the commitment of aged and community care organisations that have implemented LGBTIQ inclusive service delivery.

Rainbow Tick Accreditation provides assurance to LGBTIQ consumers and staff that an organisation will be responsive to their needs.

On pages 228 –235 you’ll find a list of homes and services providing LGBTIQ appropriate services.

Rural & Regional clients

If you live in a rural or regional area it may be harder to access the aged care services that you need.

Services offered in rural and regional areas will depend on the needs of the whole community and sometimes aged care, health and community services are combined to meet local health needs.

Veterans

Veterans have a ‘special needs’ status to support complex medical requirements that include the need for high levels of emotional and cultural support in old age, as a result of a veterans’ wartime experience.

The Veterans’ Home Care program can help with in home support and the Veterans’ Supplement aims to improve access to residential aged care for veterans with mental health conditions.

For more information, contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 838 372 or visit www.dva.gov.au .

Meeting the needs of all cultures

For many older Australians, leaving their home to move into residential care is a lifestyle change that can lead to an emotionally challenging experience.

This transition can become more challenging for older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds requiring access to residential and community aged care services that are sensitive to meeting their specific cultural, spiritual, dietary and linguistic needs.

With an increasing ageing and migration population, it is essential that Australian aged care services and communities have the capacity to respond to the unique needs of people from CALD backgrounds. Meeting the needs of the nation’s older people from CALD backgrounds has been a growing focus of the Australian Government.

Providing suitable cultural care has been associated with huge health and wellbeing benefits for this growing group of older Australians, which has led to the Government’s introduction of a number of initiatives.

Cluster facilities

Facilities with clusters for CALD older people generally consist of three or more residents from a similar background and staff who speak their language.

Cluster facilities also make an extra effort to focus on meeting the cultural, spiritual, dietary and social needs of CALD residents.

The aim of clustering is to:

Enhance the quality of care provided to residents from CALD backgrounds in residential aged care facilities

Promote and facilitate access to residential aged care facilities for people from CALD backgrounds

Enable residents to observe religious, spiritual, cultural and personally significant events

Improve communication between staff and residents

Maintain dietary customs according to the CALD backgrounds of residents’ religious and cultural preferences

Provide social and activity programs that appropriately cater for the needs and interests of CALD residents

There are also culturally specific aged care facilities that have formally entered into a contract with the Australian Government to, wherever possible, meet the needs of a specific cultural group.

Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care

Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) is a national initiative, funded by the Australian Government, designed to improve aged care service delivery for older people from CALD communities.

The PICAC initiative has resulted in:

More aged care service providers delivering culturally appropriate care to older CALD people

Better access for older CALD people to culturally appropriate residential and community care services

Older CALD people having a greater capacity to make informed decisions about residential and community based aged care

To find out more about PICAC across South Australia, contact Multicultural Aged Care on 08 8241 9900, or for the Northern Territory, contact the Council on the Ageing NT on 08 8941 1004.

Breaking language barriers

Healthcare professionals in General Practice treat patients from a diverse range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

A significant proportion of the Australian population speak a primary language other than English and patients with limited English proficiency may be less likely to adhere to medication regimes and follow-up plans. They may also have a decreased understanding of their diagnosis, and overall, less satisfaction with their care. Access to high quality medical interpreter services may improve the quality of care for these patients. The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is an interpreting service provided by the Government. The service covers more than 100 languages and is available 24/7 on 13 14 50.

See pages 228 –235 for a list of aged care homes and home care package providers who can meet the needs of people from a range of cultures.

You To Make Informed

24-hour care in your own home

Supported living communities combine the best advantages of retirement villages and nursing homes, to provide a new and welcome choice for seniors.

In a supported living community you buy and have a leasehold title to your own home – as in many retirement villages. However, unlike a retirement village, you’ll have access to various levels of personal care and nursing care, but this is provided in the privacy of your own home, a choice not available in nursing homes.

Care Communities

A new type of supported living is known as Care Communities. These are unique villages with the look and feel of a retirement village and the care of a nursing home.

Run by approved providers, you can access Government funding for Home Care Packages or privately funded home care services, with support provided in the comfort of your own self-contained home in the village.

No asset-testing or ACAT assessments

Acquiring one of these homes, which is not Government funded, is surprisingly easy. As with a retirement village, there is no need for asset testing or income testing.

Supported living

At Cameron Glen we provide you and your family with true peace of mind, offering a unique approach to supported living in the comfort of your own self contained villa. When required, care and services are tailored to your needs and available 24/7 allowing couples to stay together. We also understand the need for companionship and are happy to welcome your pet.

Spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas starting from $445,000.

There is also no need for an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) that nursing homes require. Furthermore, since there are generally no waiting lists, you are able to move in straight away.

If you already receive home support benefits before moving to a supported living community you can stay with your current provider Care benefits can also be arranged if you’re in need of a care package.

Maintain your social life

While some residential aged care homes don’t cater for couples, supported living communities can offer the capacity for couples to stay together in their own home, even if they require different levels of care.

The community centres offer many comfortable facilities, including lounge areas, libraries, television, games and activities rooms and tea and coffee facilities.

Friends and family are always welcome to pop in for visits, meals, family celebrations and to make use of the many facilities.

If you don’t feel like cooking at home, the dining room is available as an alternative and can be a great way to catch up with friends and neighbours.

Choosing a supported living community

There are various factors which may determine your transition to a particular supported living community.

For instance, do you prefer a smaller environment, or would you rather be in a larger place with more activities?

Another factor which may help you come to a decision is whether the facility has amenities that are important to you, such as a gym, recreation centre, library, or a chapel.

Food and health is also a major determining factor in the supported living community you choose to reside at.

Before coming to a decision, ask the following questions:

Is the food appealing? What kinds of food are served?

Do you have the option of eating in your room?

Is it nutritious and appetising?

Are there different food options available?

How are health problems handled?

How does the community handle both emergency and non-emergency problems?

If you develop a medical condition, will you be able to remain in the supported living community? Would you be required to move elsewhere for medical care?

It’s important to remember, the facility you will be happiest at will not necessarily be the most expensive. The right community for you is the community where you feel ‘most at home’.

Retirement living and your choices

If you are looking for a supportive environment with safety and security, you might like to consider a well managed retirement village.

The size and levels of accommodation vary – from self contained independent living to serviced apartments. Think about the type of village you wish to live in and what you can afford on a continuing basis. It is essential that you ask questions to understand the financial implications of ‘owning’ a unit in a village. Seek expert advice from a financial advisor and don’t be afraid to contact the village resident’s committee with any questions you may have. Also, be sure to assess the culture and social side of the village to ensure they meet your expectations.

What is a retirement village?

Retirement villages are designed for people aged over 55 as an alternative housing and lifestyle option. They are popular with people who feel they need more security, support or company, but who want to maintain their independence.

Independent living

Independent Living Units (ILU), also known as villas or apartments are designed for active retirees. They range from one to four bedrooms and may be within a high or medium-rise complex, terrace housing arrangement, stand-alone or semi-detached.

Serviced apartments

Serviced apartments are generally one or two bedrooms and provide residents with some daily living assistance. Services may include cleaning, laundry and assistance with personal care. While a small kitchenette is usually included within the apartment, meals are provided in a dining room setting.

Residential aged care

Some retirement village complexes also offer residential low level care and high level care accommodation, as well as Home Care Packages for people with varying care needs. You will need an aged care assessment to access either of these care options. Go to page 25 to read more about Home Care Packages or page 63 for information about aged care homes.

Types of villages

There are two types of retirement villages:

Resident funded village

Donor funded village

Resident funded villages are owned and operated by the private sector or not-for-profit organisations on a commercial basis to produce a profit or surplus.

Retirement living

The village is funded by the residents who ‘purchase’ their villa or apartment under one of the tenure arrangements.

The residents also contribute to the village’s capital infrastructure and the cost of ongoing management.

Donor funded villages are normally owned and operated by not-for-profit organisations or church groups. They include an element of charitable subsidy and entry is generally restricted to the needy.

Ownership

The various forms of occupation or ownership rights are referred to as ‘tenure’. The legal forms of tenure include Strata Title ownership, leasehold estates, licences to occupy, freehold or company share arrangement with related residency entitlements.

Regardless of the type of tenure, residents are consulted about the ongoing management of the village. This ensures that the village you have chosen cannot be changed without the approval of the residents.

Deposit or entry contribution?

Before moving into a village, you will need to pay an entry contribution which is refunded if you move out of the village. However, a Deferred Management Fee (DMF) usually applies, and is deducted from the amount you receive back. This must be specified in the entry agreement or contract.

The cost of entering a village depends on the facilities and services offered. Monthly service and maintenance charges also apply and you may have to pay for extra personal services like laundry.

To reserve a villa, a nominal deposit is required and the village will have a policy on how long it can be held for you. Should you change your mind within this specified time, the deposit will be refunded.

If you enter into a binding arrangement with the village, the deposit will be part of the purchase price.

In some States and Territories, purchasers are entitled to a refund during a ‘cooling off’ period following the signing of a residency contract.

Be sure to make enquiries regarding this as some villages may require an administration fee for refunds.

Fees and charges

There are many fees and charges associated with living in a retirement village. Ensure you are provided with full details of all applicable charges and what they cover.

For example, there may be a regular maintenance charge that covers the running costs of the entire village.

These costs may include upkeep of facilities, staff, council and water rates from common areas, security, insurances including workers’ compensation and public liability, contents insurance for common areas as well as village building insurance. In addition, the charge may also contribute toward a ‘sinking fund’ for major repairs and improvements.

RSL LifeCare Retirement Villages are homes with heart and soul. Where family and friends are always welcome, and you have time to really enjoy life.

Time to pursue your hobbies, discover new activities, or enjoy a quiet walk. Where you can do as much or as little as you like. Our caring Village Managers are dedicated to enriching your everyday and available to provide emergency assistance should you need it.

RSL LifeCare operates 27 Retirement Villages across NSW and ACT, comprising of brand new homes and already established communities.

To nd out more information about your new home and community, contact us today.

Retirement living

What happens upon vacating?

While the resale value will be determined by the market, there are factors in a retirement village that can add value to your villa or apartment. These include good management, attractiveness and the services and amenities available to enhance retirement living.

Departure/exit fee

The village will deduct a ‘deferred’, ‘departure’ or ‘exit’ fee at the time of settlement of sale or re-occupancy of your villa. This fee forms part of the purchase price, but its payment is deferred until the end of the occupancy.

The amount is calculated using a formula that generally involves a percentage of your/your successor’s entry cost multiplied by the number of years of your occupancy, and may include a proportion of capital appreciation.

Can’t afford to buy?

Some retirement villages offer accommodation rental units, sometimes known as periodic tenancy, although these are generally reserved for people with limited financial resources and are usually income assessed. You don’t own the property but pay a weekly fee for the accommodation under the Residential Tenancy Agreement, plus bond. Depending on your circumstances you may be able to receive rent assistance from Centrelink.

Finding the right village

To help you with the decision making process, here are some points to consider:

Finances: Know your budget, what you can afford and what other ongoing costs are required. Always seek expert legal and financial advice. Ask questions and ensure you fully understand all the financial and legal implications of living in a retirement village before you sign anything or hand any money over.

Lifestyle: Think carefully about how you spend your time now and how you want to spend your time in the future. For instance, if you are looking for a complete lifestyle change, you might consider a resort retirement village. Many villages now offer special interest facilities such as golf and tennis courts, and more are now accepting pets. You may also want to think about whether you want a garden or access to one.

Support: One of the attractions of a retirement village is the peace of mind of 24-hour help and assistance. Many villages now offer additional home support services. This is ideal if you need additional help with personal care, meals, laundry and domestic assistance.

When deciding on a retirement village, be clear about what you want, what you are prepared to compromise on and what you definitely don’t want.

JamesMilsonVillage

Two residents of not-for-profit independent living community, James Milson Village share their thoughts on retirement living as North Sydney locals

Ruth

Ruth, what made you take the leap and move to James Milson Village?

My sister had been living at JMV for many years and had been extremely happy here. The opportunity arose and I was shown a unit I really liked. At the time I had a property that was becoming cumbersome to manage – this definitely made life easier.

What do you most enjoy about village life?

I enjoy the atmosphere of being at the edge of a busy city, yet with access to public transport. I’m President of the local resident’s committee, and we have classes together, outings and social soirees of an evening. I’m also part of a group of women, we call ourselves ‘La Belle Dame’. We meet at each other’s houses for a potluck dinner, go walking, and sit and discuss the world. The whole atmosphere at JMV of really working together to create a vibrant community is an exciting era that’s happening now.

What does your day-to-day look like?

I love archaeology so I study that a bit. I also try and get out into the wider community on my walks – I’ve met a lot of people around the area who’ve become good friends.

How does being here enrich your life?

Mostly convenience. It is wonderful being so close to the city and the beautiful areas around the lower North Shore. We are close to the most beautiful harbour in the world and there are many activities that occur on its foreshores. There’s a lovely café society all around us with beautiful little coffee shops. We live a very enriched and beautiful lifestyle, as simple or as complicated as you want it to be.

Ken, what attracted you to JMV initially?

My wife and I used to live at Huntley’s Cove and realised we needed to downsize into a retirement village. We looked at 11 places and my wife Frances liked JMV the best. Especially the area and availability of care. After about four years of living in independent living Frances needed to move into the residential aged care building for extra support. Being so close enabled me to visit her every day without having to travel. Some days I would take her out for a drive in the car.

What do you enjoy about living here now?

We have a lovely outlook of the water and park. I like sitting in the park and watching the world go by. We’re also walking distance to Milson’s Point and its cafes and shops. JMV has given me a lot of great friendships with other

residents in the Village who care and look out for one another. Now that I’ve stopped driving, many residents offer to take me places.

Do you get out into the community much?

I visit people in JMV’s residential care – especially those who used to live in the ILU. I also partake in the monthly BBQ, movie night, musical performances and happy hour that’s offered to residents.

Do you feel supported at JMV?

The service provided by management staff is fantastic. I couldn’t ask for more, they are always helpful and friendly, whether it be for care, general services or maintenance. I feel very lucky and supported.

Independent living with 24-hour care and support, centrally located at Milson’s Point

• Social events and activities

• In-home support and wellness services

• Maintenance, gardening and IT support services

• Onsite security

• Access to gym and physio services

Location: When looking at locations, you may want to consider whether you want to be closer to family or stay in or near the community you’re already in. You may have always dreamed of living by the sea or in the country, while proximity to shops may also be important to you.

Amenities: Villages now offer a massive range of amenities including libraries, restaurants, community rooms and barbeque areas. Ultimately you will be paying for these amenities through your weekly or monthly payments, so you may want to think about whether an all-weather indoor heated swimming pool or the caravan and boat parking is important to your needs.

Other accommodation: Your or your partner’s needs may change in the future, so you may also want to consider what other types of accommodation are available. Many developments are now offering serviced apartments and residential aged care at the same location, which means that even though your needs might change, you can still live in the same community.

Choosing a village

When you have found a village that appeals to you and you feel would suit your particular needs, it is recommended that you don’t rush into making a commitment.

Instead visit the village often, get to know the management and staff as well as the residents’ committee and seek answers to all your questions.

YO

YO

Retirement living

U R L I F E

U R C H O I C E

OU R COMM U NIT Y

■ Independent living

■ Aged care

■ Dementia care

■ Palliative care

■ Respite care

■ Home community services

■ Home care packages

■ Social activities

■ Seniors housing village

Peninsula Villages is a group of three stunning Central Coast retirement villages, plus one affordable housing village, offering seniors and those with high care needs a fresh approach to supported living in beautifully appointed village-style environments.

Retirement living

Also, request a copy of the village rules. These are generally appropriate rules to enable residents and guests to enjoy the village, particularly communal areas, and its lifestyle, and are based upon courtesy and a mutual understanding between residents and management.

Life in a village

Living in a retirement village can offer a supportive environment and encourage independence, as well as the ability to enjoy social and leisure activities, if you choose.

Many retirement village residents say they have become more active, confident and social since moving to a retirement village, and some go as far as to say they wish they’d done it sooner.

While each village has its own culture, they are based on ‘senior friendly’ criteria and a community focused environment. You’ll be surrounded generally by like-minded friendly and welcoming neighbours.

Independence

A major appeal of retirement living is that help is at hand if there is an emergency situation and the on site security in various forms gives you peace of mind.

Furthermore, management and staff can help organise additional support and services such as home maintenance and other services like organising laundry and dry cleaning.

If you need some assistance to remain living independently, you can arrange for home support services like meal delivery or personal care services to help you out.

You can choose to pay for these services yourself, or you may be eligible to receive a Government subsidy for these services. Find out more under ‘Support at home’ on page 19

Sense of community

Most retirement villages have a great sense of community and while you are encouraged to participate in activities and join social events, it’s not obligatory to go to everything on offer.

Depending on the village, some of these activities may include:

aerobics

water/aqua aerobics

card afternoons

Probus

personal training

knitting and sewing circles and craft groups plus outings to galleries, movies, events and places of interest. Regular ‘Happy Hours’ and afternoons spent watching televised sport are also popular activities among some residents.

Retirement living

Before signing on the ‘dotted line’ . . .

The idea of downsizing and living in a retirement living community may be appealing, but there are certain factors which should be considered prior to making the transition from your home to ‘the village’.

Retirement village contracts are complex legal documents that can be hard to comprehend for someone without professional training.

So, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities and obligations under the contract, before you sign.

There are different types of contracts that residents and operators enter into depending on the arrangements in place in the village. You are more likely to make the right choices if you know what you want.

Don’t rush into making a commitment and seek expert advice and answers to all of your questions.

Village checklist

To make the process a little easier, we’ve created a checklist of factors for you to consider prior to signing a retirement village contract:

Have you fully discussed your decision to move to a retirement village with family, friends, or advisors?

Have you looked at a sufficient number of villages to be able to compare the services and facilities?

Ensure you have the full details of all applicable charges and what they cover before entering a village.

What type of contractual arrangement is in place? i.e. is the village Strata Title, long term lease or licence, Company Title, Unit Trust, Periodic Tenancy etc.

Are there upfront costs?

Is healthcare provided?

How respectful are the staff of village residents’ privacy?

How secure and safe is the village?

Are pets and guests allowed?

Is residential aged care accommodation available?

Have you received a copy of the village rules?

How are disputes resolved within the village?

What happens if you wish to re-sell or re-lease the unit?

Remember: Before signing a retirement living contract, take all of the documents and any questions you may have about the village to a legal practitioner or financial advisor who understands the legal and financial implications of retirement village contracts.

Go to pages 206 –210 for a list of retirement accommodation options. www.YourRetirementLiving.com.au

A placement consultant makes your job easier

Needing to place a loved one into an aged care home can be a highly stressful event for families and carers.

You might think its a lack of information or understanding but in fact its because you are both the carer and the person emotionally involved as well as the decision maker.

This process can be eased significantly with the help of an aged care placement consultant who can take control of the running around, paperwork and planning.

Moving into residential care is a situation most people postpone for as long as possible until the point of necessity, often leaving little time to organise everything.

If some initial planning were to be undertaken it could soothe the transition and reduce the stress at what is a critical turning point in people’s lives.

Planning should include obtaining information on the financial implications of entering residential care, gaining information on the facilities available in your area and ensuring Wills and Powers of Attorney and Guardianship are up-to-date.

A placement consultant can take over a lot of the stress of searching for and transitioning into an aged care home.

How a placement consultant can help

Every single transition to aged care is unique and a placement consultant will take several things in consideration to make sure the advice is right for your circumstances:

Are you looking for care options for a single person, or a couple?

Is there a physical condition that is deteriorating, are mental faculties and awareness impaired?

Is there acceptance or understanding of this part of the journey?

What are the family dynamics around the placement decision and the impact on everyone involved?

Having extensive knowledge of facilities in their area, as well as the placement process, an aged care placement consultant can often find a home faster, and one that is specially suited to your requirements. Through their established relationships with aged care homes, they are familiar with the culture of each home and, most importantly, they have advanced knowledge when vacancies become available.

By knowing the culture of each facility and getting to know you, placement consultants can determine which homes would best suit your needs and preferences, and make prior applications to these homes. Without the assistance of an aged care placement consultant, you or your carer would need to constantly phone the facilities of your choice to demonstrate your eagerness and commitment to obtaining a bed in that home.

Negotiate and advocate for you

The aged care placement consultant advocates on your, and your family’s, behalf and is able to assist with the whole assessment process.

They also complete all the necessary paperwork and application forms for entry into an aged care home which is helpful, as the applications can be quite daunting. They may suggest seeking financial advice where required.

An aged care placement consultant helps share the load at this crucial time, can significantly speed up the time it usually takes to find a placement at a suitable home, thereby easing the transition into residential care.

Be sure about your expectations of service and what the placement consultant is able to provide, including:

Face to face family meetings to discuss your situation and a respect for the emotions of all the family members involved

Support and recommendations that cater for the specific requirements of your family and loved one

Counsel that prioritises family sensitivities, needs and special requests, before asking how much money is available and getting the status of the financial situation

Practical assistance with urgent placement situations – which they often are – where reducing the typical waiting times, or arranging respite care, is a necessity.

Choosing a placement consultant

Within New South Wales and the ACT, there is a range of well qualified placement consultants who can help you in your search for aged care options.

When you’re choosing a placement consultant to support you through the aged care transition, look for someone who is an expert in building and nurturing relationships, who is unbiased and independent, and has no business investment or alignment with any aged care facility.

An independent professional is able to provide guidance based entirely on your individual circumstances, not biased by commission or kickbacks from any particular facility or provider.

Choose an advocate who will ease your concerns, supporting your family with all aspects of this transition, allowing you to focus on your loved one. Placement consultants are most happy for you to call them for a chat and understand you may talk to a number of them before making your choice.

You can be open in your discussions because, as health professionals, they have a policy of confidentiality.

Their professional fees may differ and it is reasonable to advise them if you are working to a budget.

Some placement consultants charge by the hour, whilst others offer a package of services for one fixed price. Ensure that you are advised of all the possible fees and costs up front.

Finally make sure you feel comfortable talking with the placement consultant because your professional relationship will rely on them understanding what you want and organising the appropriate care services to meet those needs.

Resolving family disputes

Placing a family member into care can be life changing. There are many factors – physical, social, psychological and financial – that may arise which families sometimes find too difficult to cope with by themselves.

Every family member wants their opinion considered when it comes to making choices. Such situations can result in family conflicts. There are specialist health professionals who offer independent, non-judgmental services, which can explore the subtleties of each situation and offer caring support in addition to counselling and conflict resolution.

Feelings of guilt

The journey into aged care is often a challenging and emotional time. Not only for you, the person going into care, but also for family members, who have sometimes cared for their loved one for a long time.

You may feel rejected and unloved or are scared to take the step of going into care and worry you’ll lose your independence.

At the same time many family members feel guilty about not being able to look after their loved one anymore. They feel overwhelmed by the aged care system and can’t give the assistance that is required.

Finding professional support may relieve you from negative beliefs and provide you with coping skills which can ease the difficult journey towards placing a loved one in care.

Some placement consultants offer counselling as part of their services or may be able to refer you to a counsellor.

You can find placement consultants in the products and services directory on pages 253 –254 or search on AgedCareGuide.com.au

Case management

The case management process uses a comprehensive approach to identify and implement health and social care services to optimise your health, quality of life and active participation in the community.

Case management may be short or long term, or episodic. It plans for both current situations and your long term needs.

Case managers work in partnership with you, your carer and family, as well as other service providers to develop and implement individualised care plans and strategies best suited to your needs and goals.

Health based case managers are usually a nurse, social worker or allied health professional.

Community based case managers generally have skills from a range of disciplines such as social workers, behavioural science, allied health or nursing.

The type of care will depend on your individual needs. Some may only require coordination of support services such as home care.

If you are eligible for a Government funded care package, case managers are often assigned through your service provider as part of your Home Care Package or home care services.

However, If you have complex and multiple needs and you’re looking at different care options, or you would prefer not to use a Government funded package, you may choose to use the services of a private case manager.

Private case management

Private case management services are supplied by experienced, tertiaryqualified case managers, to provide support services and coordination across a wide range of community and supportive health services.

Waiting periods for private case management are generally reduced compared to some Government subsidised services.

The duration of private case management is flexible, and may be shortterm or ongoing, depending on your needs.

Examples of when private case management may be an option are if you are returning home from hospital, recovering from an illness, or simply to help you continue to live safely and independently at home.

In some cases, such as if a person is cognitively impaired, the public trustee may assign a private case manager to organise their care.

Care planning

The aim of care planning is to provide appropriate and coordinated care that you have control over. Care plans are person-centred and prioritise the needs identified in the comprehensive assessment.

The case manager implements the care plan and this may include identifying support services that other community care agencies will provide.

Services may include the purchase or hire of equipment or installation of assistive aids, such as bathroom rails, and negotiating with support agencies for delivery of services.

The case manager also monitors each individual to ensure the service provision is effective and financially accountable, to identify changes and make adjustments to the care plan if needed.

How much does it cost?

The service of a private case management is not Government-subsidised in any way, so you will be charged for all services.

Hourly rates vary between private case management organisations so always ask for a breakdown of costs before employing them.

Generally, an invoice for all care services purchased on your behalf will be provided to you each month.

Many case managers offer no lock in contracts, meaning care can be arranged for one, several or many ongoing visits, and you only pay for what you use.

Managing the complications of aged care

Many older Australians take up an aged care bed within one month of being assessed for residential aged care, this is often triggered by an unexpected event, such as a fall, or a decline in health

At a time when your main concern is the health and welfare of loved ones, you are faced with the complex financial issues of aged care. This means you, your partner or your family must make important decisions amidst the emotional and logistical upheaval you face in a very short period.

Financial considerations

The financial decisions surrounding aged care may be overwhelming, due to the different funding mechanisms that apply to nursing homes and ‘Extra Service’ facilities.

Reoccurring questions such as ‘what are your options?’, ‘what will it cost?’, ‘will you keep the house and rent it out or should it be sold?’ and ‘what will happen to your Age Pension?’ can require urgent answers during what is often the busiest time of your life.

These can be further complicated by the impact that a move to care has in terms of the pension paid by Centrelink and the fact that the family home is treated differently for pension purposes than for aged care purposes.

Financial advice

Throw in the payment/deposit system – Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) or a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) – negotiating various fees with a facility, and filling in Centrelink forms, things can quickly become overwhelming.

Just getting a basic understanding of what forms you need to complete, when to complete them, and where to send them can be a difficult path to navigate.

Paying for your care

You then need to consider important issues such as:

How to pay for any accommodation payments

Whether to sell the family home or rent it out

How to maximise or keep the pension

This is happening all at a time when your main concern is finding a suitable place for your loved one to receive the care they need.

It’s important to take your time researching the options available and get answers to all your questions before making any decisions about how to pay for care.

By understanding the rules and being able to apply them to individual circumstances, financial advisors are able to save their clients thousands of dollars.

Things you ‘should not’ do

Decide to rent the home before everyone discusses and accepts the consequences.

Decide to sell the home before understanding the Age Pension and aged care fee impact.

Choose how you will pay the aged care fees before understanding all of your options.

Make untested or inaccurate assumptions about your ability to meet the aged care costs.

Allowing or enabling the dominant family member to influence the decisions.

Incorrectly assume that all decisions must be made before you can get the care needed.

Instead seek help from a Certified Financial Planner who is experienced in aged care.

How an expert can help

The best financial strategies and options will depend on your specific circumstances, objectives, and situation.

A specialist aged care financial advisor can cut through the vast amount of information available and make sure that all aspects of your financial situation are addressed – the family home, accommodation payments and care fees, cash flow, and investment planning.

A financial advisor can help you focus on the information and issues that are important to you and your specific financial situation.

Transitioning to aged care can be challenging for the whole family. There are many decisions to make and the options can be confusing.

Aged Care Financial Advisors (ACFA) have the industry knowledge and understanding of the complex financial issues surrounding aged care to support individuals and families navigate through the system. We listen to your needs, answer your questions and provide comprehensive information.

Get the peace of mind you deserve. Let us guide you in your Aged Care journey and help you choose an option that best suits your unique circumstances.

Our fixed fee service includes:

4 Strategy options

4 Education and support

4 Assistance with Government agency paperwork

At ACFA, our inclusive and proactive approach can show you how best to afford your preferred Aged Care service or facility and look after your family.

Financial advice

While every situation is different, there are some common elements of aged care financial advice which professional consultants often provide to their clients.

Some of these elements include:

Strategies to fund accommodation payments

Financial modelling of multiple care options

Review and planning of tax implications

Maximising Government pensions

Minimising nursing home fees

Negotiating with aged care facilities

Keep in mind, not all financial advisors are experienced in dealing with the financial complexity of entering into aged care.

Important questions to ask

Some important questions you should ask before engaging the services of a financial advisor include:

Do they specialise or have experience with aged care financial issues?

What licenses, credentials or other certifications do they have?

Will they provide you with an outline of all your options?

Will they provide their advice in ‘plain English’ and in writing?

Will they deal with Department of Veterans’ Affairs or Centerlink on your behalf?

How much do they charge?

Is the service a once-off or an ongoing service?

When searching for a financial advisor, asking these questions can help you find the right person to assist you in accessing aged care and ensure you are able to meet all your personal goals.

You should be open with your financial advisor about your financial situation and what assets are available, so your advisor can provide the best advice for your situation.

That is why, when choosing a financial advisor you should also consider their personal attributes as an expert, such as how impartial and balanced their advice is, whether their advice and decisions are considerate and measured as opposed to emotional or impulsive, if they are easily able to explain complex information to you, and if they show interest and engagement in your personal situation.

What will it cost?

Generally financial advisors charge a fee to help you with strategies to fund your aged care journey.

Fees will vary and it pays to contact a number of experts for a quote on their services so you can compare.

While financial advisor services do cost, the amount of money they can save you in the long run can make the advice and services worth it.

Seeking help from an expert means they will be able to access all the benefits and schemes available for your situation that you may not have

known about and been able to access if you navigated the aged care system yourself.

If you cannot afford financial services, you can access Government financial counselling services for free.

Financial counselling

If you’re experiencing financial difficulties and have little income, you may be able to receive free financial counselling services. Operating from community organisations, financial counsellors can provide independent and confidential information, support and advice on a range of areas including consumer credit law, bankruptcy and debt collection laws, industry hardship policies, and Government concession frameworks.

They can help you in your negotiations with financial institutions and creditors and may also be able to assist with your budgeting and referral needs.

Services are funded by State, Territory and Federal Governments and are provided free of charge.

Find out more about financial counselling services in your State or Territory on financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au or call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 to speak to a financial counsellor over the phone.

Disclaimer:

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Aged care cost –What you ought to know

One-quarter of your retirement is expected to be ‘care years’ where help may be needed with daily living activities.

Nearly half of Australians take up an aged care bed within one month of being assessed as needing full time residential aged care.

Most people want to remain independent throughout retirement and to stay in control of where and how they live.

Your ability to do so may depend on your health and physical well-being. As we age, some things become harder to do on our own.

If your ability to live independently starts to decline and you need help with daily living activities such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care, you may need to move into residential care.

The costs for residential care are divided into three categories:

Cost of accommodation

Daily care fees

Extra services

The daily care fees can be over $100,000 per year, but a large portion is paid by the Government. The contribution you would pay is between $19,071 and $47,159 depending on your financial means (as assessed by Services Australia).

For most people however, the biggest concern is how to pay the large amounts quoted for a room.

These range from around $100,000 to $2 million but will commonly be between $400,000 - $600,000. These lump sum payments are called Refundable Accommodation Deposits – RADs.

Seeking financial advice on what options you have for payment and funding strategies may help to minimise your stress.

Let’s examine some of the facts around accommodation payments.

Fact 1 – This is not lost money

The first thing to know about RADs (paid since 1 July 2014) is that they are fully refundable when you leave care, unless you allow the service provider to deduct other fees to help with your cashflow.

Repayment is also guaranteed by the Federal Government if paid to an approved provider. This is an important thing to check when you are selecting a care provider.

Fact 2 – You don’t have to pay the lump sum

Accommodation payments are quoted as a lump sum but are also converted to an equivalent Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP). The interest rate used for this conversion is 5.00% (for entry from 1 July 2022).

For example, a RAD of $400,000 is converted to a DAP of $54.79 per day.

Our specialist aged care financial advisers help families make informed choices and achieve their desired outcomes at every stage of a very emotional journey. We assist by:

1.

Explaining the aged care system to help you find the right home

2. Working out the costs and the choices you have to cover them

3.

Organising finances for now and the future

5. Offering additional support if things change which may impact pension and aged care costs

4.

Completing and lodging the various forms, responding to questions and monitoring progress to achieve your desired outcome

“You truly have been our saviour with all your assistance and compassion regarding mum and dad’s affairs, we can’t thank you enough. Through all the sadness and stress we have endured, you gave us peace of mind that everything would sort out. I can honestly say I have no hesitation in recommending you and your team for anyone needing aged care financial advice.”

Jane, daughter

Contact us

1300 366 932

Financial advice

dvice

Central West NSW

Aged Care Advice is a Dubbo Based Financial Planning Practice specializing in Aged Care financial advice.

At Aged Care Advice Central West, we can help you navigate the aged care system and make informed choices about your finances.

Master of Financial Planning, a Certified Financial Planner® and accredited Aged Care Professional™, Chris Turtle works with families in Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst and surrounds, providing tailored aged care financial advice to suit their unique needs.

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If you accept a place in a residential service, you can choose whether to pay the full RAD, the full DAP, or any combination of the two.

You don’t need to make this choice until 28 days after moving into care and the service is not able to pressure you to choose any particular option.

Fact 3 – Even with less assets it may be affordable

If you don’t have enough assets to pay the RAD the first step may be to see if you qualify for Government concessions as a low-means resident – this would require your share of assessable assets to be less than $178,839.20.

If you don’t qualify you will need to find a way to fund the full accommodation payment requested by the service.

If you don’t have enough assets, paying a part RAD and part DAP may help, but only if you have surplus cashflow to pay the DAP.

One further strategy option is to pay as much of the RAD as you can afford and then instruct the service provider to take the DAP (on the unpaid amount) out of the RAD you have paid.

This option leaves your income to meet daily care fees and living expenses but reduces the RAD refunded when you leave. This can help you fund the accommodation payment to access the care you need.

Example

Bert is moving into residential care. He is a widower on the full age pension with a home worth $420,000 and $20,000 in the bank. The service he and his family have chosen is asking for a RAD of $530,000 (or $72.60 per day).

Bert is worried that he cannot afford a place in this service without asking his children for help. He sought advice on his options and decided to take the advice to:

Sell his home

Use the net sale proceeds to pay a $400,000 RAD, leaving a DAP of $17.80 per day on the remaining $130,000

Instruct the service provider to deduct the DAP each month from his RAD

This leaves his $25,677.60 age pension to cover his daily care fees of $19,961.85 per year (this includes the basic daily fee and the means-tested care fee) plus some personal expenses. His DAP is deducted from his RAD leaving Bert financially selfsufficient and keeping around a $20,000 cash reserve to meet other expenses.

Fact 4 – There is no pressure to act quickly

Understand that each group you may be dealing with, be it the hospital, social worker, aged care facility or Services Australia (Centrelink / My Aged Care) has a desire to assist you, they do not put all the pieces of your puzzle together.

All decisions do not need to be made before you can get the care needed – there is no rush.

Do not feel pressured into signing documents, completing forms or make decisions straight away

Seek advice first, as sometimes opportunities present themselves to improve your situation before you complete these forms – it can be hard to unscramble an egg!

Fact 5 – You should get advice and not all advisers are ‘equal’

Identify an experienced and Accredited Aged Care Professional who can help you make the right decisions, outline the options available to you and the benefits and consequences of each decision you are considering.

They can support you during stressful and tumultuous times, like mediating any family discussions, or help you create a clear aged care plan. Additionally, a financial advisor can review your financial situation and find what you can afford, develop strategies to improve your financial position, explain any Centrelink payments and aged care fee impacts, and review your estate plan to avoid any future issues.

Disclaimer: The examples provided are illustrative only and contain information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. Rates are current as at 1 July 2022.

The information for this article has been submitted by Dianne Chalk (CFP®), from Chalk Financial Planning, Accredited Aged Care Professionals (TM) Authorised Representative (No 247568) of 314 Financial Partnership Pty Ltd, AFS Licence No 501527.

Sell your home ‘stress free’

Having made the decision to leave the family home to enter an aged care home or retirement village, how and where do you begin with selling what may be your biggest asset?

Most people use a real estate agent to sell their property. This means you can take advantage of the experience and expertise of a professional to achieve the best selling price.

The agent will manage the sales process for you, from marketing your property, to holding open inspection days and managing enquiries from potential buyers.

They often have access to more potential buyers through their own database and can also negotiate the sales price on your behalf.

Seller advocates

Some of the stress of the sales process can be removed by engaging the services of a seller advocate to deal with the real estate agent.

The seller advocate assesses your property’s worth, selects an appropriate target market and advises on the sale method.

Selling and moving

Selling and moving

The advocate then interviews and selects an agent based on your requirements. This ensures your budget is not exceeded and that your expectations are met. The seller advocate can also negotiate the agent’s fee and sale price.

This service reduces the contact between the seller and the real estate agent and ensures that the property’s set price range is attained with no nasty, unexpected surprises at any stage.

The seller advocate’s fee is a percentage taken from the real estate agent’s fee, so there is no direct cost to the seller.

Tips to selling ‘stress free’

Here is some advice to selling ‘stress free’; common ‘selling mistakes’; and the benefits of ‘downsizing’ the home to maximise your quality of life.

Do your research – what is the house really worth?

Think about the presentation of the home – are you going to sell it furnished or empty?

What methods of sale and marketing will you employ? Will the home be auctioned or will you accept expressions of interest?

Will the sale of your home impact on pensions?

Seek professional advice from a seller advocate, as well as a financial and legal advisor.

De-stressing your move

People who are downsizing, moving in to a smaller unit or having to move into a nursing home often have 50 years or more of accumulated goods and belongings.

The situation can be even more difficult for people who are on their own or where family are interstate and not available to help.

Many people who are moving need packers, removalists, unpackers, sorters/de-clutterers, assistants, confidants, coordinators, cleaners and gardeners all rolled up into one.

The stress of both finding professional assistance and then coordinating can be overwhelming.

If you need help, the best avenue is to speak to a case manager, social worker, placement consultant or contact a business that specialises in practical assistance with all aspects of relocating.

Services often include:

De-cluttering and sorting through household contents and personal possessions

Sorting the saleable items, identifying valuables, determining items to be discarded, compiling all documents

Compiling an inventory of the contents and arranging valuations

Assisting people to relocate into alternative accommodation

Clearing the home or unit prior to sale or tenancy termination

Gathering bequeathed items, photographs and memorabilia

Delivering valuables, financial, legal and personal papers to the appropriate person

Delivering unsaleable goods to various charities

Removing all rubbish items from the entire property

Coordinating real estate agent, auction house, cleaner, gardener, repairs and all other services

Unpacking your belongings in your new home and placing your furniture in position

Install electronic devices like a TV or computer and hang pictures. There are so many things to prepare and organise when you move into aged care.

A professional relocation business may help alleviate all the emotional and physical work involved in relocating yourself, a loved one or friend into an aged care facility.

Selling and moving

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Estate planning

Estate planning

A well prepared and executed estate plan can not only save your estate unnecessary costs in the future but can also save your loved ones from unnecessary stress after your death.

Estate planning is the process in which you discuss with a legal practitioner what you want to happen with your estate, known as your assets, when you die.

It is a plan which involves you considering who you want to be in charge of your Will, who you want to benefit from your estate, your funeral wishes, and who you want to look after your financial and personal/health matters if you were to lose capacity during your lifetime, for example by way of dementia or stroke.

Effective estate planning ensures your assets are protected and distributed to the right people according to your wishes.

A properly drafted, up-to-date Will is the only way that you can be sure your assets will be dealt with as you wish when you die.

Executors

In New South Wales, an executor of an estate will need to receive a Grant of Probate to administer the estate and handle the disposal of any assets.

If you die without a valid Will, or your Will is invalid, your estate will be treated as an ‘intestate’ and a suitable administrator will be appointed by the Supreme Court.

In the ACT, the administrator of the Will must apply for a Grant of Probate through the Supreme Court for permission to take control of the estate.

If there is no Will, a next of kin can request for the role as administrator of the estate, however, they need to apply to the Supreme Court to receive control of the estate.

In NSW and ACT, if you get married your Will is automatically revoked. On the other hand, getting a divorce does not revoke your Will, but it does revoke any rights or distributions to your former spouse.

If you decide to make a Will through a DIY Estate Planning kit, it can save you money now, but can often add to the costs of your estate administration.

The only way to ensure that your loved ones are protected is to obtain proper legal advice regarding your estate planning.

To find out more information, visit the website of the NSW Trustee & Guardian in NSW at tag.nsw.gov.au , or in ACT contact the ACT Trustee & Guardian on ptg.act.gov.au.

Enduring Power of Attorney –a ‘living Will’

Most people know you should write a Will to make sure your loved ones are provided for when you die, but what happens if you are left unable to make decisions for yourself due to accident, illness, or other circumstances?

It is a popular misconception that a family member can step in at this time as they may lack the legal authority to do so.

By creating an Enduring Power of Attorney and nominating a trusted friend, family member, or organisation, you put in place an effective plan to enable someone of your choosing to step in on your behalf when you are unable to make your own decisions. Think of it as a ‘living Will’.

An Enduring Power of Attorney can only manage your assets and financial matters. They cannot made any decisions around medical treatment or lifestyle.

If you wish for someone to make medical treatment or lifestyle decisions on your behalf, it is recommended you nominate some one in your Advance Care Directive.

The best time to create an Enduring Power of Attorney is while you are healthy and still capable of managing your affairs.

Choosing your own attorney

It is important to understand what a difference it can make to have a well-chosen Attorney. If you lose the ability to make important decisions, whether they be medical, lifestyle, financial, or legal, and you do not have an Enduring Power of Attorney or Advance Care Directive, there may be conflict over who should make these decisions on your behalf.

Family and carers may be uncertain about who can or should make decisions for you. Often they may not understand the full implications of the choices that they are offered.

Looking after your affairs requires responsibility, experience, and the ability to deal with such matters. Often a spouse or family friend is appointed. Although, increasingly in the case of important documents like an Enduring Power of Attorney, trustee companies are appointed because of their professional expertise.

Once an Enduring Power of Attorney has been executed, people or organisations nominated should be made aware of the document. It is advisable that people closely involved with your affairs should also be notified.

Where to start?

Each Australian State and Territory has separate Powers of Attorney legislation. For more information and necessary forms you should contact the Trustee or Advocate services in your State or Territory.

Enduring Power of Attorney

Carer support

Carer support

There are over 2.5 million unpaid carers across Australia. The caring role is a valuable and rewarding job but also a tough one, often balancing work, family and friends while making sure your loved one is well looked after.

With more older Australians looking to stay at home longer, more family and friends of older people are finding themselves in a carer role than ever before.

Being a carer can have a huge impact on your life and physical and mental wellbeing, as well as being isolating at times. There are some great support options available to assist you with practical and emotional support and you may be eligible for financial support from the Australian Government.

Support groups

Caring is a very rewarding role to undertake, however, caring can also be very demanding.

Caring for somebody can nearly be a full-time job, it’s easy to become out of touch with friends or family.

Going to carer support groups provides time to relax, have some fun, and connect with others outside of your caring duties.

Community run carer support groups can offer a safe and understanding environment to talk about your caring role.

These groups may be organised around caring for someone with a particular need, such as Parkinson’s or dementia.

Support groups are an opportunity for you to connect with other carers who understand and have experienced the pressures of being a carer, and a place to share experiences and advice.

Carer support groups are completely confidential and can also help you to:

Discover new information

Go to education or training workshops

Participate and get involved in activities

Head along to relaxing outings

Counselling services

Counselling is another great option to manage some of the pressures you may experience as a carer.

A professional counsellor can provide advice on any situation you are facing, or even just listen to the struggles of everyday life.

Depending on what you require, counselling can help with behaviour management, coping strategies, loss and grief, and any relationship challenges.

Since stressful situations can’t always be avoided, a counselling program can help you deal with different hurdles in a more productive way and help you face the caring role feeling supported and with renewed energy.

Support lines

There are also a number of support lines and websites to assist carers, just like you, in looking after older people. Some helpful support services include:

Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 – phone and online resource to help you find local support services, gives advice on a range of topics such as health and wellbeing, financial and legal considerations, and can connect you with other carers

National Dementia Helpline – 1800 100 500 – provides information and advice about dementia, connect you to support services in your area as well as provide emotional support to help manage the impact of dementia

Carers Australia – 02 6122 9900 – runs support programs including short term counselling for carers with qualified counsellors

Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277 – offers a range of services like counselling and mediation by phone, online, and face-to-face

Lifeline – 13 11 14 – offers 24/7 crisis support and phone counselling

To find out more about financial support for carers, contact Services Australia online or call 13 27 17.

Supporting the rights of older people

Most of the time aged care services work well and the people who use them are happy with the service they receive.

However, sometimes a problem may arise, and you may need help to speak up and have the problem resolved.

Many people feel uncomfortable raising a complaint or concern, but it is important to address your concerns early and not leave it to escalate. This can be particularly difficult if your complaint is about the care or services that you are dependent upon for meeting your most basic needs. Nevertheless, we live in a society where each and every one of us, regardless of our age, has rights as citizens and individuals.

Advocacy

If you feel unsure or unable to address your concerns with the service provider, you can ask an advocacy service to help you. An aged care advocate can assist you to take choice and control over your care services and work with you and your family on the best way to address your concerns with a provider.

Their services are usually free and they can give you information, advise, and support you to express your concerns or even speak on your behalf. They will aim to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

An advocate can:

Help you understand your rights and responsibilities

Listen to your concerns and discuss your options

Support you and give you confidence in addressing a concern

Raise a concern with the service provider or speak on your behalf

Advice is generally provided on consumer rights, human rights, aged care rights and responsibilities, financial exploitation, substitute decisionmaking, and elder abuse prevention and response

Advocates can assist with negotiating changes to your care plan, ensuring the needs of people from culturally diverse backgrounds are met.

They also deliver specialist community education, such as self-advocacy and how to meet the needs of people with dementia and special needs.

There are free and independent advocacy services in every State and Territory that provide free telephone advice, community education and other assistance for older people.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is a national network of nine State and Territory organisations that have been successfully delivering advocacy, information and education services to older people in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote Australia for over 25 years.

The Australian Government funds OPAN to deliver the National Aged Care Advocacy Program across the country. Call 1800 700 600 to speak with an aged care advocate in your State or Territory or visit online at opan.com.au

Elder abuse

There are heartbreaking stories of older people being mistreated by the people they trust and who are closest to them.

Like the case of the 85 year old gentleman who appointed a distant relative as his Power of Attorney. He was neglected, unable to return to his own home, and large amounts of money was taken out of his bank account without his permission.

Or the woman who became depressed and fearful because her addict son abused her verbally and psychologically, took her possessions, and isolated her socially.

Elder abuse is defined as any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend.

The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological, or sexual, and can include mistreatment and neglect.

Elder abuse can happen to anyone. A report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that the number of people experiencing elder abuse could be as high as one in ten.

As our population ages, the number of people affected by elder abuse is also expected to rise.

If you need information or advice about elder abuse, contact the National ELDERHelp line on 1800 353 374 call OPAN on 1800 700 600 to speak with an aged care advocate in your State or Territory.

Advocacy

Memory change – is it dementia?

Are you concerned about lapses in memory or other changes in your thinking or behaviour, or in someone close to you?

Changes like these can have a number of possible causes, including stress, depression, pain, chronic illness, or medications. See your doctor if you, or someone close to you, are experiencing these kinds of difficulties. Receiving a diagnosis is important because the underlying cause may be treatable. However, major changes in memory are not normal at any age and should be taken seriously.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a general term to describe problems that involve progressive changes in memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform regular daily activities.

There are more than 100 different types of dementia. The most common types are:

Alzheimer’s – which attacks the brain resulting in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour

Vascular dementia – caused by poor blood flow to the brain, depriving brain cells of nutrients and oxygen needed to function normally

Parkinson’s related dementia – a chronic, progressive neurological condition, which in later stages can affect cognitive functioning

Frontotemporal dementia – a disorder causing damage to brain cells in the frontal and temporal lobes, resulting in decline in social skills and emotional apathy. Behaviour and personality changes often occur before memory loss and speech problems

The early signs of dementia may include memory loss – particularly recent memories or experiences, confusion with time or place, changes in mood and personality, difficulty with planning or problem solving, and difficulty in completing familiar tasks.

Dementia can happen to anybody but is much more common after the age of 65. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing.

Dementia and aged care

For people with dementia, their memory loss affects their adjustment to new places and persons.

The move to residential care should be considered before a crisis forces a more urgent response.

Good care depends on how well the care facility responds to the residents’ individual needs, including their physical, social, and mental wellbeing.

Dementia support

Where can I get help?

Support is vital for the person with dementia, as well as family members. Although the effects of dementia cannot yet be stopped or reversed, an early diagnosis gives families a chance to access services and plan for the future.

There are a number of organisations that offer support, information, education and counselling to people affected by dementia.

The National Dementia Helpline offers advice and counselling on 1800 100 500 or dementia.org.au or read on for information about how the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) can help.

Changed behaviours

Behavioural change can occur for people with dementia, with many people experiencing changes to mood, thought, language, daily function, or movement.

The individual’s response to a particular circumstance or situation may alter or reduce as the dementia progresses.

Changed behaviour as a response to a person’s dementia may reduce quality of life for the person living with dementia and can contribute to carer or care worker stress.

It is important to take steps to support the person living with dementia and the people that provide care to them.

Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) can help explain the causes for changed behaviours and identify strategies to assist the person living with dementia and their carers.

Changed behaviours may include:

Anxiety

Depressed mood

Hallucinations

Restlessness

Aggression

Sleep disturbance

Inappropriate toileting

Eating difficulties

Repeated calling out

Repetitive questioning

Wandering

Hoarding

Resistive to care

Unwanted sexualised behaviour

Specialised support

Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services (DBMAS) is a free, nationwide service, funded by the Australian Government, supporting family and health and aged care professionals to better understand and respond to individual changes in behaviour and emotions.

The service can help explain the causes for changed behaviours and identify strategies to assist the person living with dementia and their carers.

It offers specialised support, assessment, intervention, and advice to assist carers and care workers of people with dementia where behaviours may impact on their care.

The Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) aims to: Improve the quality of life and care for people with dementia and their carers;

Up-skill, assist and support aged care providers in improving care for people with dementia and related behaviours; and Ensure care services for people with dementia are responsive to their individual and diverse needs and circumstances.

DBMAS has a multi-disciplinary team of experienced health care professionals such as registered nurses, social workers, clinical psychologists, geriatricians, speech pathologists, dietitians, and nurse practitioners.

Providing a nationally consistent service, DBMAS support is tailored not only for the individual but also responds to the specific and diverse needs of the community, residential, and acute environment, while building capacity and knowledge within the aged care sector.

Dementia support

End of life care

The Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRT) is a national mobile workforce of staff including nurse practitioners, nurses, allied health, and specialist staff.

They can provide timely expertise and advice to Government funded approved residential aged care providers who need assistance with addressing the needs of people with severe and very severe Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD).

SBRTs can assist with: assessing the causes of the behaviours assist care staff until the immediate crisis is resolved develop a care plan to address and deal with behaviours provide follow up assistance as needed

DBMAS has procedures in place to decide when the SBRT is the best service option or when DBMAS can provide the right support.

DBMAS is committed to providing culturally sensitive and effective communication. If you require an interpreter service, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50 and ask them to contact the DBMAS service.

For more information, contact DBMAS on 1800 699 799 or visit dementia.com.au .

End of life care

Whether you live in your own home or in a residential aged care home, when the end of life approaches you may require additional support.

The primary goal of palliative care is to provide supportive care and improve the patient’s quality of life by addressing any painful or distressing symptoms.

Palliative care is divided into three subgroups:

1. Primary care – For people who only require services from their primary health care professional(s).

2. Intermediate care – Advice is provided by specialist palliative care services but care is still given by health care professional(s).

3. Complex care – This group requires care from specialist practitioners. Patients are commonly referred to specialist palliative care services where they will receive the required care.

There are a number of different services that can offer extra support both at home or in a nursing home setting.

Services to help at home

Services that may help you to stay in the comfort of your own home can include:

a qualified nurse to dress a wound or provide continence advice; household jobs like cleaning, clothes washing and ironing;

help with bathing or showering, dressing, hair care and going to the toilet;

meals and other food services – assistance with preparing and eating meals, or help for those with special diets; and helping to travel to shopping centres or appointments.

Palliative care in a nursing home

For palliative care in a residential aged care setting, the Government has developed a series of guidelines, which provides support and guidance to residential aged care facilities in providing palliative care.

The Guidelines for a Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care outline three forms of palliative care in residential aged care, which include: A palliative approach – Aims to improve the quality of life for residents with a life limiting illness. This can be done by reducing their suffering through early identification, assessment and treatment of pain, and handling their physical, cultural, psychological, social and spiritual needs. The underlying philosophy is a positive and open attitude towards death and dying. Specialised palliative service provision – Involves referral to a specialised palliative team or health care practitioner.

End of life (terminal) care – This form of palliative care is appropriate when the resident is in the final days or weeks of life and care decisions may need to be reviewed more frequently.

Residents with dementia

Palliative care for residents living with dementia often requires a different approach than palliative care for people with a terminal condition, as the process can take place over a longer period of time.

Declining cognition can mean that a dying person with dementia is unlikely to have the capacity to make decisions or communicate their wishes regarding care.

This may mean that any such decisions must be made much earlier in the course of dementia than for other illnesses, or alternatively, must be made by proxies on behalf of the dying person.

Family and friends

Providing end of life care can be particularly intense for family and friend carers.

While managing their own grief and the grief of others, carers will be providing high level physical and emotional support that a patient needs at the end of life. Palliative care not only supports patients, but also their friends and families.

For more information about palliative care services, talk to your GP or contact your community health centre.

End of life care

DISCLAIMER: The information listed in the following pages were compiled by DPS Publishing using a range of sources including

departments, Aged Care Assessment Team, Aged Care Providers, publicly available information, the DPS Publishing database and checked via telephone and online questionnaires. You can visit AgedCareGuide.com.au for the most up to date details. For further information contact the individual provider. The information contained in the Location and Information Guide should be used as a guide only. DPS

takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained within the Aged Care Guide.

Definition of terms

24 Hour On Site Supervision – A person(s) who is/are employed to live in or in close vicinity of a retirement village and will respond to requests for assistance when regular staff are off duty.

Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) – Assess and approve older people for Australian Government subsidised aged care services.

Aged Care On Site – The retirement village has an aged care facility at the same location.

ATSI – Services offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older aged people and their carers.

Booked Respite Beds – At least one bed at the facility is allocated to respite and eligible people can contact the facility to book a respite stay in advance. Prior assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team required.

CALD – Services offered to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse aged people and their carers.

Care Community (CC) – Private self-contained accommodation run by approved providers where you can access additional care or support packages as a genuine alternative to a nursing home.

Care Plan – Developed by the service providing your care and outlines care needs and instructions on how these needs will be met.

Centre Based Care (CBC) – Services, respite, and activities for social and recreational independence in a ‘centre setting’ for aged/frail clients and their carers.

CHSP Funded – An in home or centre based care service funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Programme Government initiative.

Communal facilities – Shared facilities for residents such as community hall, swimming pool, or bowling green.

Consumer Directed Care (CDC) – Allows you to control the types of care you access, how it is delivered, and who provides that care. All home care packages are delivered on a CDC basis.

Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) – This is a daily payment to a Government funded aged care facility, paid periodically i.e. monthly. This is not a refundable payment.

Day Therapy Centre (DTC) – Allied health/therapy services to develop or maintain physical and psychological independence in a ‘centre setting’, provided to aged/frail clients and their carers. Includes clients with dementia and disabilities.

Dementia Services – Services offered to clients with dementia and/or challenging behaviours, as well as their carers.

Domestic Assistance – Help washing of clothes, dishes, floors, wet areas, ironing, minor meal preparation, vacuuming, changing bed linen, dusting, cleaning living areas.

Donor Funded – The purchase price, or entry contribution, of a dwelling by a resident in a retirement village, may be subsidised by a not-for-profit organisation.

DVA Services – Programs and services that can be accessed with funding from the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Extra Services Beds/Places – Places at an aged care facility for which residents receive a higher standard of accommodation, food, and services for an additional charge.

Health Services – Can include dental, exercise therapy, medical practitioners, nutrition, occupational therapy, optical, podiatry, physiotherapy or speech therapy services that are delivered on site.

Home Maintenance/Gardening – Assistance with replacement of tap washers, light globes, minor weeding/ pruning, sweeping of outdoor areas, minor carpentry repairs, and gutter cleaning.

Independent Living Unit (ILU) – Sometimes referred to as a villa or apartment and located in a retirement village.

LGBTIQ – Some aged care services offer specific care to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Questioning residents.

Licence to Occupy – A form of retirement living tenure that gives residents the right to occupy a residence without having ownership of it.

Meals &/or Shopping – Delivery of daily cooked or frozen ready-to-eat meals, or transport to the shops and assistance provided, or having someone to do the shopping. In a CBC setting this refers to meals or light refreshments provided at the centres.

Medication Supervision – Service provider attends the client’s home daily to assist in dispensing medication.

Multi Purpose Service (MPS) – Located in centre settings and some residential aged care facilities. They deliver a mix of aged care, health and community services.

NESB – Services offered to Non English Speaking Background older aged people and their carers.

Non-dedicated respite – The residential aged care facility does not have a dedicated room for respite. These facilities only offer respite when they have accommodation available.

Palliative Care – Providing care to patients living with a life limiting illness, supporting and improving patients quality of life by addressing medication and pain management. Can be provided at home, in a residential care setting or in a specialist palliative care service like a hospice.

Personal Care – Assistance with personal hygiene, washing, showering, bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting. In a CBC setting personal care is offered while the client is at the centre.

Pharmaceutical Deliveries – The delivery of medications by a service provider directly to the client or older person's home.

Privately Funded – Non government funded residential aged care facilities known as supported or assisted living complexes, independent living units and serviced apartments. No ACAT is needed prior to a person entering the home.

Purchase – Residents buy a loan/licence agreement for a dwelling in a retirement village or purchase on a freehold basis.

RAD/DAP Combination – This includes both partial lump sum and daily payments for aged care accommodation.

Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) – This is paid as a lump sum when entering a Government funded aged care facility and refunded, minus agreed deductions, when leaving the facility.

Registered Nurse – Senior nurses who care for the sick and injured in hospitals and other health care facilities, doctors’ surgeries, and private homes.

Regional Assessment Service (RAS) – In home assessments of new and existing clients/carers for CHSP services.

Rental Accommodation (RA) – Villas, units or ILUs available for rent in a retirement village.

Resident Funded/Purchase – Residents purchase a loan/ licence agreement for a dwelling in a retirement village or purchase on a freehold basis.

Respite Care – Services provided so a client or their carer can take a break from their daily routine. Includes care in the client’s home, at a day centre, or in an aged care facility.

Retirement Living (RL) – The site has retirement living accommodation.

Secure Dementia Unit – Secure specialised ward, wing, or unit for people with dementia and/or challenging behaviours.

Service Fee – A fee to cover the services offered by a retirement village, including maintenance, improvements, utilities, and council rates etc.

Serviced Apartment – Usually one or two bedrooms and provides residents with some domestic and ‘hotel-like’ services such as cleaning, laundry, and personal care. Services may be provided on a fee for service basis.

Single Bedrooms with Ensuites – This facility offers a number of single bedrooms with an attached bathroom. Might not be every room in the home.

Small Pets Welcome – The site has a policy for residents enabling them to have small pets but it's dependent on the type, size, and care needs.

Social &/or Recreational Support – The client participates in social or recreational activities either in their home or at a community, day, or recreational centre.

Supported Residential Services (SRS) – Privately run aged care facility that provides similar accommodation and care to that of a Government funded facility but without the funding support.

Supported & Assisted Living (SL) – Supported & assisted living communities offer accommodation and care to residents on a fee for service basis without Government funding.

Transport – Organising or providing transport services such as bus, taxi, private car etc. In a CBC setting this refers to transport to and from the centre.

VHC Services – Programs and services for veterans that can be accessed through the Veterans' Home Care program.

These maps provide you with a geographical reference to the LGA areas in New South Wales (NSW) including Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

MUSWELLBROOK

Regional NSW

Australian Capital Territory

Northern NSW  Southern NSW

South Western NSW  Western NSW

Greater Sydney Metropolitan

Inner Western Sydney

Northern Sydney

South Eastern Sydney

South Western Sydney

Western Sydney

Sydney Inset

HORNSBY

THE HILLS

NORTHERN BEACHES

PENRITH

LIVERPOOL

CAMDEN

Sydney Detail Inset

CANADA BAY

STRATHFIELD

BURWOOD

CAMPBELLTOWN

CUMBERLAND

FAIRFIELD

KU-RING-GAI

PARRAMATTA CANTERBURYBANKSTOWN

BLACKTOWN SUTHERLAND

RYDE

WARRINGAH

WILLOUGHBY

LANE COVE

HUNTERS HILL INNER WEST

MOSMAN

GEORGES RIVER

BAYSIDE

NORTH SYDNEY

Sydney SYDNEY

RANDWICK

WOOLLAHRA

WAVERLEY

ACAT Regions

Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) are responsible for all assessments for Government funded aged care and Home Care Packages. This list provides you with the Council/Local Government Area that each ACAT services. All assessments are coordinated through My Aged Care. Call 1800 200 422 if you would like to organise an assessment.

METROPOLITAN AREAS

Blue Mountains/Nepean ACAT

Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, Penrith

Central Coast ACAT

Central Coast

Northern Sydney LHD ACAT

Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Ryde, Willoughby

South Eastern Sydney LHD ACAT

Bayside, Georges River, Randwick, Sutherland, Sydney (part), Waverley, Woollahra

South Western Sydney LHD ACAT

Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Wingecarribee, Woollondilly

Sydney Inner West ACAT

Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Inner West, Strathfield, Sydney (part)

Western Sydney LHD ACAT

Blacktown, Cumberland, Parramatta, The Hills

Abbreviations

(HC) High Care

(LC) Low Care

AC Aged Care

ACAT Aged Care Assessment Team ACF Aged Care Facility Aged Care Service Aged Care Service(s)

REGIONAL AREAS

Far West ACAT

Balranald, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Wentworth

Hunter ACAT

Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter

Illawarra/Shoalhaven ACAT

Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wollongong

Lower Mid North Coast ACAT Mid Coast

Mid North Coast ACAT

Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Nambucca, Port Macquarie-Hastings

Murrumbidgee ACAT

Albury, Berrigan, Bland, Carrathool, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Edward River, Federation, Greater Hume, Griffith, Hay, Hilltops, Junee, Leeton, Lockhart, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Snowy Valleys, Temora, Wagga Wagga

New England ACAT

Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Uralla, Walcha

Northern NSW ACAT

Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Tweed

Southern NSW ACAT

Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, GoulburnMulwaree, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy-Monaro, Upper Lachlan, Yass Valley

Western NSW ACAT

Bathurst, Blayney, Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cabonne, Cobar, Coonamble, Cowra, Dubbo, Forbes, Gilgandra, Lachlan, Mid Western, Narromine, Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Walgett, Warren, Warrumbungle, Weddin

ACT

Australian Capital Territory ACAT

Australian Capital Territory

Contact phone number for all offices: 1800 200 422

Council (LGA) Reference Index

The tables below provide you with an alphabetical list of LGAs and the page reference where you can find details about aged care homes and home care packages in that Local Government Area (commonly referred to as a Council District).

Suburb & Town Reference Index

A list of suburbs and the page references where all the Aged Care Homes in that suburb are listed. If a Suburb/Town is not listed please refer to the next closest suburb.

How to read the residential tables

Residential icon definitions

Icons in the residential listings represent various types of services available in aged care facilities.

s

W

C

D

T

Booked Respite Beds — Dedicated respite beds that should be booked in advance. Prior assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) is required.

Extra Services — A service offering a ‘higher’ standard of accommodation, including increased entertainment and food choices at an additional cost to the resident.

Pets on Premises — The facility owns dogs or cats that are able to interact freely with residents. Some facilities may consider you bringing your small pets.

Secure Dementia Unit — Safe and secure wing or unit of the aged care facility offering specialised care to those living with dementia.

Secure Garden — An onsite secure gated garden for residents (especially those with dementia) to enjoy for recreation or therapy.

Specialist Palliative Care — Specialised care services for those nearing the end of their life in an aged care facility. Staff are trained in pain management and other palliative care measures.

Transition Care Beds — A bed-based service allowing older people more time and support post-hospitalisation in a ‘non-hospital’ environment to optimise their functional capacity.

Culturally Specific — Care services catering to the needs of those from non-English speaking or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Seldom exclusive, for example, all people are welcome. The home has special knowledge of the referenced culture or group.

Retirement Living Onsite — Retirement living services/village co-located on the same geographic site as the aged care facility.

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

Minchinbury Manor is an established, state of the art and newly renovated aged care residence located in Rooty Hill, New South Wales.

Minchinbury Manor caters to the ageing needs of western Sydney residents.

Each resident is offered individualised care with an emphasis on wellness and companionship. A team of compassionate and experienced caregivers assist our residents to become healthier and more active.

Minchinbury Manor is an ageing in place facility. There is no need for residents to move. As care needs change, residents can transition without disruption of relocation.

Get in touch with us today and see how we can support you and your loved one with the transition into residential aged care.

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

BLACKTOWN to BLUE MOUNTAINS

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

BLUE MOUNTAINS continued to CANADA BAY

BLUE MOUNTAINS Council continued

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

CANADA BAY cont'd to CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN

CANADA BAY Council continued

Council

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

CENTRAL COAST

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

CENTRAL COAST continued to CUMBERLAND

CENTRAL COAST Council continued

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

CUMBERLAND continued to FAIRFIELD

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

FAIRFIELD continued to GEORGES RIVER

FAIRFIELD Council continued

Park 2176

RIVER Council

2217

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

HAWKESBURY to HORNSBY

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

HORNSBY continued to HUNTERS HILL

HORNSBY Council continued

2076

Note: 1. 6 places for fully supported residents

Luxury Aged Care Residence

...in the heart of Wahroonga

Tallwoods Corner. Welcome to the family

We offer exceptional 24 hour nursing care for those requiring:

 High Care  Respite Care  Palliative Care

We are a boutique, family run service who strive to provide you, your families and friends with the best care, comfort, luxury and state of the art amenities.

With over 40 years experience in Aged Care, huge amounts of passion for what we do and the best team of highly qualified and dedicated professionals, we strive to exceed all your needs and expectations. Your happiness, comfort and wellbeing is how we judge our success!

• Boasting 76 large single rooms with ensuite bathrooms

• All bedrooms with cable TV, air con, internet access and leafy views

• A wealth of lifestyle activities including bus outings and exercise classes

• Physiotherapy offered on-site with tailored assessment plans

• Movie cinema and hairdressing salon on-site

• Wide selection of fresh gourmet meals prepared daily

• Beautiful landscaped gardens and spacious outdoor areas

We pride ourselves on our exceptional admissions support service. So, if you or a loved one are looking to make the transition into residential care, please contact us today on (02) 9847 3800 or email us at info@tallwoodscorner.com.au for all the help and information you need.

1 Myra Street, Wahroonga

Walking distance from Waitara train station www.tallwoodscorner.com.au

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

HUNTERS HILL continued to INNER WEST

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

INNER WEST continued to KU-RING-GAI

INNER WEST Council continued

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

KU-RING-GAI continued to LIVERPOOL

KU-RING-GAI Council continued

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

LIVERPOOL continued to NORTHERN BEACHES

LIVERPOOL Council continued

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

NORTHERN BEACHES continued to PARRAMATTA

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

PARRAMATTA continued to PENRITH

PARRAMATTA Council continued

Eastwood 2122

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

PENRITH continued to RANDWICK

Note: 1. Pastoral care program, lifestyle programs, music therapy 2. Recreation program available 3. Pastoral care program, lifestyle programs

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

RYDE to SUTHERLAND

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

SUTHERLAND continued to SYDNEY

SUTHERLAND Council continued Illawong

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

SYDNEY continued to THE HILLS

SYDNEY Council continued

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

WAVERLEY to WILLOUGHBY

METROPOLITAN Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

WINGECARRIBEE to WOOLLAHRA

Note: 1. Specialist secure dementia care available

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

ALBURY to BALRANALD

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

BATHURST to BLAYNEY

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

BLAYNEY continued to CARRATHOOL

Note: 1. Pastoral care, Art and crafts, Exercise program

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

CESSNOCK to COFFS HARBOUR

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

COOLAMON to DUBBO

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

GILGANDRA to GUNNEDAH

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

GWYDIR to KEMPSEY

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

KEMPSEY continued to LAKE MACQUARIE

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

LAKE MACQUARIE continued to LISMORE

LAKE MACQUARIE Council continued

Note: 1. Lifestyle programs available

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

LISMORE continued to MID COAST

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

MID COAST continued to MURRAY RIVER

MID COAST Council continued

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

MURRAY RIVER continued to NARRANDERA

MURRAY RIVER Council continued

2733

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

NARROMINE continued to NEWCASTLE

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

NEWCASTLE continued to ORANGE

NEWCASTLE Council continued

Residential accommodation, respite and dementia services.

Note: 1. Meals freshly cooked on-site 2. Services for homeless, those at risk of homelessness/financially & socially disadvantaged residents

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

PARKES to PORT STEPHENS

Note: 1. Adjoining rooms available, pastoral care

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

QUEANBEYAN-PALERANG to SHOALHAVEN

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

SHOALHAVEN continued to SNOWY VALLEYS

SHOALHAVEN Council continued

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

TEMORA to UPPER HUNTER

Note: 1. Creative ageing, pet, art and music therapy

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

continued to WOLLONGONG

Council continued

REGIONAL Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

WOLLONGONG continued to YASS VALLEY

WOLLONGONG Council continued

ACT Aged Care Homes listed by Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs

Aged Care Homes with Extra Services

Advertisers only listed below

All extra service providers are also listed in the directory on pages 156 –203

Retirement Accommodation listed alphabetically by their Organisation*

ADRIA CARE to AUSTRALIAN UNITY

Note: 1. Supported Living on site; Pages IFC-1, 5, 22, 67 2. Registered Nurse; Pages IFC-1, 5, 22, 67

3. Registered Nurse, Gym & Pain Clinic; Pages IFC-1, 5, 22, 67

Retirement Accommodation listed alphabetically by their Organisation*

CALVARY RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES to IRT GROUP

Retirement Accommodation listed alphabetically by their Organisation*

IRT GROUP continued to RSL LIFECARE

Note: 1. Community meals and domestic packages available for a fee

Retirement Accommodation listed alphabetically by their Organisation*

RSL LIFECARE continued to ST VINCENT'S CARE SERVICES

Retirement Accommodation listed alphabetically by their Organisation*

THE SALVATION ARMY AGED CARE to UNITING INDEPENDENT LIVING

Note: 1. Site currently undergoing redevelopment

Home Care Packages directory –

Approved Providers

Home Care Package (HCP) approved providers provide home care and support services to members of the community who live at home.

If you’ve been approved for a Government funded Home Care Package of any type you may approach any Home Care Package approved provider to provide the services you need.

Some providers may only provide services in one region while others can service multiple areas. On the following pages you’ll find alphabetical lists of approved providers in NSW and ACT.

To help you know which approved providers offer services in a certain region, we’ve included coloured bars down the left hand side of the directory pages.

The list on page 212 is a quick reference guide to help you find in which group council districts are listed. For example Central Coast LGA is grouped under Northern Sydney. The colour coded maps on pages 148 –149 show you which council districts are grouped together.

How to read the HCP table

The table on the next few pages lists Home Care Packages approved providers in alphabetical order, detailing the Home Care Packages level they offer and if they offer any package supplements.

Ethnicity, country or cultural groups listed under ‘Notes’ applies to all package levels in that row. If service providers have an advertisement in this Guide, then the page number of the advert is listed in red under ‘Advert Page’. The ‘DPS Web ID’ number can be used as a unique identifier to find out more information on AgedCareGuide.com.au.

The same type of care and services are provided under each Home Care Package level of care, and these may include transport, domestic assistance, social support, personal care, home maintenance, home modification, nursing care, food services, and medication assistance.

The hours of care are increased at each level of care i.e. more hours of care and services are provided under Home Care Package Level 4 and the least under Home Care Package Level 1. Package supplements, like the Dementia Supplement Zand the Veterans’ Supplement R, are offered to eligible persons only.

Some packages are specifically for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged e, people with housing needs or at risk of homelessness Y, or for people who live in rural, remote or isolated areas t. The Cultural Environment g indicates providers offering services for people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Based on your care needs, an ACAT assessment will determine what level of care you are eligible for and if any supplements apply to you.

H O M E C A R E P A C K A G E S

The index below provides you with an alphabetical list of Councils and the regions they are grouped in.

Council District Sydney Metro

Bayside South Eastern Sydney

Blacktown Western Sydney

Blue Mountains Western Sydney

Burwood Inner Western Sydney

Camden South Western Sydney

Campbelltown South Western Sydney

Canada Bay Inner Western Sydney

Canterbury-Bankstown Inner Western Sydney

Central Coast Northern Sydney

Cumberland Western Sydney

Fairfield South Western Sydney

Georges River South Eastern Sydney

Council District Regional NSW ACT

ACT

Albury South Western NSW

Armidale Northern NSW

Ballina Northern NSW

Balranald Western NSW

Bathurst

Western NSW

Bega Valley Southern NSW

Bellingen Northern NSW

Berrigan South Western NSW

Bland South Western NSW

Blayney Western NSW

Bogan Western NSW

Bourke Western NSW

Brewarrina Western NSW

Broken Hill Western NSW

Byron Northern NSW

Cabonne Western NSW

Carrathool South Western NSW

Central Darling Western NSW

Cessnock Northern NSW

Clarence Valley Northern NSW

Cobar Western NSW

Coffs Harbour Northern NSW

Coolamon South Western NSW

Coonamble Western NSW

Cootamundra-Gundagai

South Western NSW

Cowra Western NSW

Dubbo Western NSW

Dungog Northern NSW

Edward River South Western NSW

Eurobodalla Southern NSW

Federation South Western NSW

Council District Sydney Metro

Hawkesbury

Western Sydney

Hornsby Northern Sydney

Hunters Hill

Inner West

Ku-ring-gai

Lane Cove

Lithgow

Liverpool

Mosman

North Sydney

Northern Beaches

Parramatta

Council District Sydney Metro

Penrith Western Sydney

Randwick

South Eastern Sydney

Northern Sydney

Inner Western Sydney

Northern Sydney

Northern Sydney

Western Sydney

South Western Sydney

Northern Sydney

Northern Sydney

Northern Sydney

Western Sydney

Council District Regional NSW

Forbes

Gilgandra

Western NSW

Western NSW

Glen Innes Severn Northern NSW

Goulburn-Mulwaree

Greater Hume

Griffith

Gunnedah

Gwydir

Hay

Hilltops

Inverell

Junee

Southern NSW

South Western NSW

South Western NSW

Northern NSW

Northern NSW

South Western NSW

South Western NSW

Northern NSW

South Western NSW

Kempsey Northern NSW

Kiama

Kyogle

Lachlan

Lake Macquarie

Leeton

Lismore

Liverpool Plains

Lockhart

Maitland

Mid Coast

Mid Western

Moree Plains

Murray River

Murrumbidgee

Muswellbrook

Nambucca

Narrabri

Narrandera

Narromine

Southern NSW

Northern NSW

Western NSW

Northern NSW

South Western NSW

Northern NSW

Northern NSW

South Western NSW

Northern NSW

Northern NSW

Western NSW

Northern NSW

South Western NSW

South Western NSW

Northern NSW

Northern NSW

Northern NSW

South Western NSW

Western NSW

Ryde Northern Sydney

Strathfield Inner Western Sydney

Sutherland South Eastern Sydney

Sydney Inner Western Sydney

The Hills Western Sydney

Waverley South Eastern Sydney

Willoughby Northern Sydney

Wingecarribee South Western Sydney

Wollondilly South Western Sydney

Woollahra South Eastern Sydney

Council District Regional NSW

Newcastle

Oberon

Orange

Parkes

Port Macquarie-Hastings

Port Stephens

Queanbeyan-Palerang

Richmond Valley

Shellharbour

Shoalhaven

Singleton

Snowy Monaro

Snowy Valleys

Tamworth

Temora

Tenterfield

Tumbarumba

Tweed

Upper Hunter

Upper Lachlan

Uralla

Wagga Wagga

Walcha

Walgett

Warren

Warrumbungle

Weddin

Wentworth

Wollongong

Yass Valley

Northern NSW

Western NSW

Western NSW

Western NSW

Northern NSW

Northern NSW

Southern NSW

Northern NSW

Southern NSW

Southern NSW

Northern NSW

Southern NSW

South Western NSW

Northern NSW

South Western NSW

Northern NSW

South Western NSW

Northern NSW

Northern NSW

Southern NSW

Northern NSW

South Western NSW

Northern NSW

Western NSW

Western NSW

Western NSW

Western NSW

Western NSW

Southern NSW

Southern NSW

How to read the HCP table

The table on the next few pages lists approved HCP providers in alphabetical order, detailing the HCP levels they offer and if they offer any package supplements.

Ethnicity, country or cultural groups listed under ‘Notes’ applies to all package levels in that row. If service providers have an advertisement in this Guide, then the page number of the advert is listed in red under ‘Advert Page’. The ‘DPS Web ID’ number can be used as a unique identifier to find out more information on AgedCareGuide.com.au.

The same type of care and services are provided under each HCP level of care, and these may include transport, domestic assistance, social support, personal care, home maintenance, home modification, nursing care, food services and medication assistance.

The hours of care are increased at each level of care, i.e. more hours of care and services are provided under HCP Level 4 and the least under HCP Level 1.

Package supplements, like the Dementia Supplement Zand the Veterans’ Supplement R, are offered to eligible persons only. Some packages are specifically for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged e, people with housing needs or at risk of homelessness Y, or for people who live in rural or remote areas t. The Cultural Environment g indicates providers offering services for people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Based on your care needs, an ACAT assessment will determine what level of care you are eligible for and if any supplements apply to you.

8

General packages suitable for all eligible clients

Z

Packages for people with dementia

These icons help you find the packages that are most suitable for you. g

Packages for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged

ePackages for people with housing needs and at risk of homelessness

t

YPackages for people who live in rural, remote or isolated areas

R

Packages for Veterans

Cultural Environment

Note: 1. Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Macedonian, Maltese, Russian, Spanish

A

Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver

8

General packages suitable for all eligible clients

Z

Packages for people with dementia

These icons help you find the packages that are most suitable for you. g

Packages for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged

Y

ePackages for people with housing needs and at risk of homelessness

A – Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in Greater Sydney Metropolitan

t

Packages for people who live in rural, remote or isolated areas

R

Packages for Veterans

Sydney Metropolitan

A – Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in Greater

8

General packages suitable for all eligible clients

Z

Packages for people with dementia

These icons help you find the packages that are most suitable for you. g

Packages for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged

Y

ePackages for people with housing needs and at risk of homelessness

A – Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in Greater Sydney Metropolitan

t

Packages for people who live in rural, remote or isolated areas

R

Packages for Veterans

Sydney Metropolitan

Note:

1. ATSI, Asian, LGBTIQ - Medication Assistance

2. African, Chinese, Italian, LGBTIQ

3. Fee for service available

4 Bosnian, CALD, Croatian, European, Former Yugoslavian, Italian, LGBTIQ, Macedonian, Maltese, Russian, Serbian, Slavic, Turkish, Ukrainian

5. Bosnian, Croatian, Former Yugoslavian, Macedonian, Serbian

6. Asian, CALD, Chinese, Filipino, French, Hindi, Indian, Italian, LGBTIQ, NESB, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Tongan, Vietnamese

7. CALD, Eastern European, European, Polish, Slavic

8. ATSI, African, Arabic, CALD, Chinese, Hindi, Islamic, Italian, LGBTIQ, Muslim, Pacific Islander, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Tamil, Vietnamese

A – Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in Greater

8

General packages suitable for all eligible clients

Z

Packages for people with dementia

These icons help you find the packages that are most suitable for you. g

Packages for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged

Y

ePackages for people with housing needs and at risk of homelessness

A – Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in Greater Sydney Metropolitan

t

Packages for people who live in rural, remote or isolated areas

R

Packages for Veterans

Sydney Metropolitan

A – Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in Greater

8

General packages suitable for all eligible clients

Z

Packages for people with dementia

These icons help you find the packages that are most suitable for you. g

Packages for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged

Y

Packages for people with housing needs and at risk of homelessness

A – Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in ACT & Regional New South Wales

R

Packages for people who live in rural, remote or isolated areas

tPackages for Veterans

A – Z list

approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in ACT & Regional New South Wales

of all

A – Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in ACT & Regional New South Wales

8

General packages suitable for all eligible clients

Z

Packages for people with dementia

These icons help you find the packages that are most suitable for you.

Y

Packages for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged

ePackages for people with housing needs and at risk of homelessness

A – Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in ACT & Regional New South Wales

R

Packages for people who live in rural, remote or isolated areas

tPackages for Veterans

8

General packages suitable for all eligible clients

Z

Packages for people with dementia

These icons help you find the packages that are most suitable for you. g

Packages for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged

Y

Packages for people with housing needs and at risk of homelessness

A – Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in ACT & Regional New South Wales

t

Packages for people who live in rural, remote or isolated areas

R

Packages for Veterans

& Regional New South Wales

A – Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in ACT

8

General packages suitable for all eligible clients

Z

Packages for people with dementia

These icons help you find the packages that are most suitable for you.

Y

Packages for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged

Packages for people with housing needs and at risk of homelessness

A – Z list of all approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in ACT & Regional New South Wales

R

Packages for people who live in rural, remote or isolated areas

tPackages for Veterans

A – Z list of

approved providers who are eligible to deliver Home Care Packages in ACT & Regional New South Wales

all

Culturally Appropriate Aged Care Homes

Table of aged care homes/residential care facilities offering culturally appropriate services

The following table is a guide only. The information should not be interpreted that these homes are exclusive to the noted cultural group nor the only homes that offer quality services to these cultural groups. All aged care homes should care for all people regardless of sexuality, race, or religious characteristics. The homes listed below have specifically indicated to DPS that they have specific training, expertise, funding, or heightened understanding of the special needs of the cultural group.

Culturally Appropriate Aged Care Homes continued

Culturally Appropriate Home Care Packages

Table of Home Care Package (HCP) providers offering culturally appropriate services

The following table is a guide only. The information should not be interpreted that these Home Care Packages are exclusive to the noted cultural group nor the only packages that offer quality services to these cultural groups. All Home Care Packages are tailored to care for all people regardless of sexuality, race or religious characteristics. The service providers of these Home Care Packages, listed below, have specifically indicated to DPS that they have specific training, expertise, funding or heightened understanding of the special needs of the cultural group.

Culturally Appropriate Home Care Packages continued

Culturally Appropriate Home Care Packages continued

In Home Care Services

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

In Home Care Services

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

In Home Care Services

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

In Home Care Services

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

Note: 1. Assisted transport for clients where public transport is unavailable; fee applicable for transport service.

2. Includes programs for frail aged/disabled or ATSI clients & their carers in Auburn, Holroyd & Parramatta LGAs

3. BiLingual Support Workers available; disability services

4. Priority to ATSI clients in Western Sydney/Nepean areas

5. Includes access to mobility equipment & assistive technology

In Home Care Services

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

In Home Care Services

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

Note: 1. Includes meal delivery services & services for disabled clients and their carers, NDIS Support Coordination, Plan Management and Support Services 2. Fee for service is applicable for private clients

In Home Care Services

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

In Home Care Services

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

In Home Care Services

In Home Care Services

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

In Home Care Services

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

Centre Based Care (CBC)

Centre Based Care (CBC)

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

Centre Based Care (CBC)

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

Centre Based Care (CBC)

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

Centre Based Care (CBC)

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

Centre Based Care (CBC)

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

Note:

1. Includes services for clients with dementia and/or Behavioural & Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

2. Includes services for dementia clients and/or their carers

3. Services for frail aged/dementia clients & younger people with disabilities

4. Services for Chinese, South Asian & Vietnamese elderly clients with dementia; includes Working Carers Program

5. Includes services for Italian specific and dementia specific clients

6. Includes services for Russian clients one day per week

7. Includes services for frail aged/disabled CALD clients & their carers

8. Includes Carers Support programs for frail aged/dementia/disabled

Centre Based Care (CBC)

See Definition of Terms pages 146-147

Day Therapy Centres

Day Therapy Centres

Organisation & Business Reference Index

This section only includes organisations and businesses who have chosen to promote with Aged Care Guide

Organisation & Business Reference Index listed alphabetically

This section only includes organisations and businesses who have chosen to promote with Aged Care Guide

Ask ECH about Home Care Packages

As you age, your needs can change and getting the right advice and services is vital to enable you to remain living confidently and independently at home.

At ECH you will have a dedicated team of friendly, knowledgeable and experienced staff who will work with you to develop a personalised care plan so you get the right mix of services in order to achieve your health and wellbeing goals.

Proudly South Australian ECH has been supporting older people to live the best life possible as they age since 1964.

To find out more please call our team on 1300 275 324 or visit ech.asn.au