14 minute read
Placement consultants
A placement consultant makes your job so much easier
Placement consultants 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: Need help to findAre you looking for care options for a single person, or a couple? the right Aged Care Accommodation?
Need help to find the right Aged Care
Accommodation?
With over 30 years industry experience, Aged Care & Retirement Placement Services can provide expert advice and assistance in a sensitive and understanding manner.
With over 30 years industry experience, Aged Care & Retirement Placement Services can provide expert advice and WA owned and operated assistance in a sensitive and understanding manner. Marcia 0401 340 332 Susan 0433 796 512We can assist you to: Understand the aged care system susanmclarke@westnet.com.au and associated costs and processes. www.agedplacements.com.au Explore accommodation options and locations that suit your needs. WA owned and operated Contact Marcia: 0401 340 332
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.
Placement consultants
Unique placement & Unique placement & fi nancial services as individual as you are. fi nancial services as individual as you are. Unique placement & fi nancial services as individual as you are. Unique placement & fi nancial services as individual as you are.
GET IN TOUCH
GET IN TOUCH
Call our team on 08 6143 2565Call our team on 08 6143 2565GET IN TOUCH GET IN TOUCH Email your enquiry to info@relacs.net.auEmail your enquiry to info@relacs.net.auCall our team on 08 6143 2565Call our team on 08 6143 2565 Visit our website at www.relacs.net.auVisit our website at www.relacs.net.auEmail your enquiry to info@relacs.net.auEmail your enquiry to info@relacs.net.au Visit our website at www.relacs.net.auVisit our website at www.relacs.net.au
See yourself happy
See yourself happySee yourself happy PLACEMENT JOURNEY FINANCIAL COMFORTSee yourself happy
PLACEMENT JOURNEY Your health requirements and desired living arrangements are our fi rst priority. We shortlist and liaise directly with suitable premises on your behalf giving you time for what’s important to you. You are not alone. From the fi rst visit, through application and settlement, until the day you move in, we are here. FINANCIAL COMFORT You can relax when you understand aged care fees and what you can afford. There are many ways to pay for your care. Let’s fi nd the best approach for you. We can structure your Aged Pension to help you make the most of it. We’ll complete your Income and Asset Assessment for you. PLACEMENT JOURNEY Your health requirements and desired living arrangements are our first priority. We shortlist and liaise directly with suitable premises on your behalf giving you time for what’s important to you. You are not alone. From the first visit, through application and settlement, until the day you move in, we are here. FINANCIAL COMFORT You can relax when you understand aged care fees and what you can afford. There are many ways to pay for your care. Let’s find the best approach for you. We will consider your Aged Pension and help you maximise it. We can complete Centrelink paperwork for you regarding your move into care. Your health requirements and desired living arrangements are our fi rst priority. We shortlist and liaise directly with suitable premises on your behalf giving you time for what’s important to you. You are not alone. From the fi rst visit, through application and settlement, until the day you move in, we are here. You can relax when you understand aged care fees and what you can afford. There are many ways to pay for your care. Let’s fi nd the best approach for you. We can structure your Aged Pension to help you make the most of it. We’ll complete your Income and Asset Assessment for you. PLACEMENT JOURNEY Your health requirements and desired living arrangements are our fi rst priority. We shortlist and liaise directly with suitable premises on your behalf giving you time for what’s important to you. You are not alone. From the fi rst visit, through application and settlement, until the day FINANCIAL COMFORT You can relax when you understand aged care fees and what you can afford. There are many ways to pay for your care. Let’s fi nd the best approach for you. We can structure your Aged Pension to help you make the most of it. We’ll complete your Income PLACEMENT JOURNEY Your health requirements and desired living arrangements are our fi rst priority. We shortlist and liaise directly with suitable premises on your behalf giving you time for what’s important to you. You are not alone. From the fi rst visit, through application and settlement, until the day FINANCIAL COMFORT You can relax when you understand aged care fees and what you can afford. There are many ways to pay for your care. Let’s fi nd the best approach for you. We can structure your Aged Pension to help you make the most of it. We’ll complete your Income Get the support and clarity you need during an emotional and stressful time. As Financial Advisors we have you covered however tricky your fi nancial situation. Get the support and clarity you need during an emotional and stressful time. As Financial Advisors we have you covered however tricky your financial situation. Get the support and clarity you need during an emotional and stressful time. As Financial Advisors we have you covered however tricky your fi nancial situation. you move in, we are here. Get the support and clarity you need during an and Asset Assessment for you. As Financial Advisors we have you covered however you move in, we are here. Get the support and clarity you need during an emotional and stressful time. and Asset Assessment for you. As Financial Advisors we have you covered however tricky your fi nancial situation. emotional and stressful time. tricky your fi nancial situation.
An aged care placement consultant helps share the load at this crucial Placement consultants 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 Western Australia 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.Looking for Choose an advocate who will ease your concerns, supporting your Residential Care or a family with all aspects of this transition, allowing you to focus on
Retirement Village? 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
Jan Desmond r.n. offer a package of services for one fixed price. Ensure that you are
Provides the assistance you need. advised of all the possible fees and costs up front.
My aim is: • To assist my clients in selecting and accessing the most suitable accommodation Finally make sure you feel comfortable talking with the placement consultant because your professional relationship will be • to suit their needs, whether it be a Retirement Village or Residential Care. To provide professional information, advice significant in them understanding what you want and organising the appropriate care services. and support in a caring, personal and confidential manner at a reasonable fee in the comfort of your own home. Resolving family disputes
For further information contact Jan Desmond Placing a family member into care can be life changing. There are 10 Bicheno Way, Willetton WA 6155 Phone: (08) 9354 2082 Mobile: 0403 348 116 Fax: (08) 9354 3557 many factors, physical, social, psychological and financial; that may arise which families sometimes find too difficult to cope with Email: jandesmond@iinet.net.au www.jandesmond.com by themselves.
Placement consultants
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 service, 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 page 156 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.
CARE COMPASSION CHOICE
• One on one consultation with an experienced RN to assist in finding the best solution for both client and family • Support in completing the paperwork required for the services you want • Assistance with residential aged care planning and placement • Assistance with home care planning • Unlocking the complexities around the cost of aged care • Flexible pricing structure tailored to the level of support you require
Putting you back in control of the difficult decisions
w: www.stresslessagedcare.com.au
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. 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. Care planning The aim 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 include monitoring each individual to ensure the service provision is effective and financially accountable, to identify changes and make adjustments to the care plan if needed. Private case management 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.
Placement consultants
Placement consultants
Private case management services are supplied by experienced, tertiary-qualified 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. In some cases, such as if a person is cognitively impaired, the Public Trustee may assign a private case manager to organise their care. 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 or many ongoing visits, and you only pay for what you use.
Empathy Care
The Professional Community and Residential Care Consultants
Finding the appropriate care for your family needs in an ever changing and complex market requires specialist skills.
Let Empathy Care, a wholly independent care consultancy, assist you in determining and engaging the optimum provider to meet your complex needs.
