Behind every single Amana Living customer, is our team of over 2,700 professionals.
“
Stephanie Buckland, CEO
“At Amana Living, we provide exceptional care and support to older people in their own homes or one of our residential aged care homes. Our dedicated team are handpicked for their kindness and professionally trained by the Amana Living Training Institute to uphold our high standards. As a not-for-profit organisation, our priority is delivering the best care possible so we can enable older people to lead fulfilling lives.”
Professionally trained. Naturally kind.
ITALO-AUSTRALIAN WELFARE & CULTURAL CENTRE INC.
Celebrating 68 years of Caring for the Community
Our services include:
ICare Home Care Packages (L1-4): Italian Specific; CALD & General
Cultural Events and Activities including the Annual Italian Festival
Justice of the Peace (JP) Signing Centre [by appointment]
The Italo-Australian Welfare & Cultural Centre Inc has been a State Peak Organisation for the Italian Community in Western Australia since its inception in 1956. Over the years, it has helped many thousands of people through its charitable fundraising events, including its numerous educational, aged care, welfare, child care, cultural and social programs and activities which are offered for the total benefit of both the Italian and Australian Communities.
We take pride in the quality of our services and in the quality of our care
Welcome to the 24 th edition of the Aged CareGuideWA . For over 20 years, the Aged Care Guide – previously known as the DPS GuidetoAgedCare – has provided seniors and their families with essential information about aged care in Australia.
Our print and online publications are essential tools to help you understand and access aged care services – from home and community care to residential accommodation.
We have created easy-to-follow flow charts to help you visualise and further your understanding of the aged care process.
You can follow along with this book as it breaks down the aged care journey into five distinct steps; from researching care to managing your services, you will find detailed descriptions of what is available to you and how to access it.
You will find a comprehensive list of government-subsidised residential accommodation and approved Home Care Package providers, along with in-home care, products and services in the back half of this guide.
You can use the printed AgedCareGuide in conjunction with our website, AgedCareGuide.com.au , for more information about the services offered by individual aged care homes, home care providers, 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 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 the information we can provide in the next edition of the AgedCareGuide or on AgedCareGuide.com.au . To further assist in your journey, simply email our Managing Editor David McManus at david.mcmanus@dps.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you.
– Brad Keighran
COTA message
Transparency of information is one of the many key things COTA Australia has advocated on aged care reforms throughout the years. The Royal Commission into the Quality & Safety of Aged Care highlighted so many issues and revealed shocking stories of the experiences people have had. It set Australia on a path of serious and fundamental reform.
Throughout this, Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia has consistently and forcefully advocated for aged care that is of high quality, transparent and based on aged care services that are delivered in a way that upholds older people’s human rights.
The Royal Commission accepted many of these points and we are now seeing the development of a new rights-based Aged Care Act, redesign of the support at home system to help more people remain independent in their own homes – where most people want to stay as they age – new transparent information sources like the Star Rating system, more staffing in aged care facilities and better funding for better care.
The job is not yet done, but COTA Australia remains on the case in aged care reform and in many other areas that impact on your life, like health care and employment. Tackling the impacts of ageism head-on. Ensuring that older people have the same rights – including access to good information to make their own decisions – without question.
Finding the right aged care service for yourself or assisting your loved one is one of the most important things you will ever have to do. Yet, it can be hard to find the information you need to help you make this decision.
This Guide can assist you to find and make the right decision. It is an independent resource to make you aware of options available in your local area. You can order a hard copy to browse through and share with families or friends. Alternatively, you may go online at AgedCareGuide.com.au if that’s your preference, where you can filter your searches to just those services in a local area and request a quote from the provider you select.
COTA Australia, as the national peak advocacy body for people over 50 years of age, has partnered with DPS because we both value and focus on the need for you to have good information to make choices. More than that though, AgedCareGuide.com.au gives you the opportunity to leave a review of the services – be they provided in the home, in a nursing home or a retirement village. All of us like to hear from our peers or others in the same situation about what is good, bad or indifferent when making decisions. Your experience and feedback provides more invaluable information for another person in their search and decision making.
I hope you will find this guide useful in your decision making and that you will share your experiences to help others in the same situation. We will continue the work to make aged care services better and uphold your rights in all of their interactions with you. Wishing you all the best in finding the service that is right for you.
Information featured in this 24 th edition of the Aged Care Guide will help you to choose accommodation and care in Western Australia.
The information in this guide will help you understand aged care, in-home and community care options in Australia.
The AgedCareGuide also includes a comprehensive directory of inhome care services (see pages 118–119); Home Care Package providers (see pages 123–131); residential aged care homes (see pages 134–152); and facilities or services specific to your cultural background (see pages 153–156).
How do I find what I’m looking for?
There’s a number of ways you can use the AgedCareGuide in order to find aged care homes, Home Care Packages, products or services.
The index on page 164 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, 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 in each suburb listed in alphabetical order.
Locality search: If you know the council district, suburb or town, then use the cross reference index on pages 116–117. 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 153–156.
Searching for other services . . .
If you are looking for centre-based care, day therapy centres or other products and services, you can find this in the directory section from page 156 onwards.
Visit AgedCareGuide.com.au for a complete list of services available near you.
Research
WHAT.YOU.NEED TO KNOW
Research overview
Accessing aged care can be complicated and confusing if you have not used support services before or don’t know where to start.
Whether you need support to remain living independently at home or you’re looking for alternative accommodation, it is important to know what options are available to you. Different types of care may include . . .
Support at home
Different care options that may be available to you include support at home through government-funded programs, such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or the Home Care Packages (HCP) program.
Home care products and services range from assistance with daily chores and personal care to providing meals, transport assistance and home maintenance.
At Aegis we understand trust and comfort are crucial to providing quality aged care and lifestyle. We work hard to make sure our residents have enjoyable and fulfilling lives in first class surroundings, ensuring satisfaction for both residents and their loved ones.
Family Values
Founded in 1983, Aegis is proudly West Australian. A privately owned business with long standing experience in aged care and an unwavering commitment to provide the community with the best in residential aged care services. We continue to be a highly trusted and experienced service provider that focuses on exceptional quality and service.
Leaders in Innovation
Aegis is a leader in continuous improvement with industry leading nutrition and cultural diversity programs. Our residents enjoy many benefits including a multidisciplinary Pain Therapy program, a strong focus on ‘Excellence in Dining’ and a lifestyle program run by dedicated sta . At Aegis, our vision is to excel in providing our residents with premium wholistic care in support of a quality lifestyle.
Exceptional Quality
Aegis o ers a broad range of lifestyle choices through a selection of quality residences, each with a unique ambience and distinctive features. Our attention to detail is standard fare throughout our facilities. We strive to ensure our residences provide premium, hotel style accommodation, with high quality care and support appropriate to residents’ individual needs. All Aegis facilities are fully accredited by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
“This special generation of deserving frail aged, has a right to receive premium care in a first-class lifestyle environment.”
“I
We care like family across 29 aged care facilities in WA. Registered Nurse & Care Sta on-site 24/7.
Fresh meals prepared daily by our in-house Chef. Activities for residents to enjoy every day.
Basic assistance is offered through the CHSP but if your needs exceed the level of support offered though this program, then a level 1– 4 Home Care Package can offer higher intensity support to help you stay at home.
Private providers can also deliver a range of home support services. They are not government-funded and you will need to pay for services out of your own pocket.
Short-term care
There are a few different support options available if you only need support for a short period of time. These options include respite care, which can be delivered in the community or in a residential care home, offering the opportunity for both you and your carer to take a short break.
At the end of a hospital stay, the Transition Care Programme provides short-term assistance to help improve your independence and confidence.
If you have not been admitted to hospital, the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme is a flexible option that focuses on regaining wellbeing over a short period of time.
Residential aged care
Moving into residential aged care can ensure quality of life and comfort if you are no longer able to remain living independently at home. Residential aged care facilities, also known as ‘nursing’ or ‘aged care homes,’ provide 24/7 care as well as a range of other support services and recreational activities. The cost of care in most Australian aged care homes is subsidised by the Australian Government. There’s also a number of non-government-funded residential aged care homes, often referred to as ‘supported- and assisted-living complexes’ and you will need to cover the entire cost of accommodation and care delivered.
Retirement living
Retirement villages are not 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. The government does not fund retirement options and daily care is generally not included. However, some providers may offer support services at an additional charge or this can be accessed separately through government-funded home support options.
Assistive technology
You can use assistive technology to enhance your quality of life and remain independent for longer. Older people may face increased mobility hazards and challenges as they age, so learning to adapt and stay safe is important.
Falls represent a significant injury and fatality risk, both at home and in the community, for those over the age of 65. Mobility equipment, assistive technology and aids can help you adapt as your body changes to take care of yourself.
You guided me through my grandmother’s recipe. With love and devotion.
My Aged Care Getting started
Before you can access government-subsidised aged care supports, such as in-home care, community supports or moving into a nursing home, you need to register with My Aged Care and be assessed to work out exactly what level of support you need.
My Aged Care
The agency looking after all government-funded aged care programs is My Aged 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.
When you first call the My Aged Care Contact Centre on 1800 200 422, an operator will register you and ask you a number of questions about your personal circumstances and care needs.
These questions will be quite basic and shouldn’t take too long. All you will need when you call is your Medicare card, as this information is stored with your other details on the My Aged Care database.
Examples of the questions you will be asked are:
Are you currently receiving aged care services?
Are you getting support from a carer or family member?
Can you prepare your own meals and do housework?
Do you need assistance taking a shower or bath and do you need help getting dressed?
Are there any health concerns or did you have a recent fall?
Do you feel lonely or isolated?
Are there any safety risks in the home?
The aim of this screening is to figure out what needs and support you require and whether you are eligible for a further assessment in person.
My Aged Care will assign you an aged care client number and will open a central client record. This record will include the information you have provided as well as document your assessed needs and any governmentfunded care services you have been found eligible for.
Aged care assessments
If you are successful in your initial application with My Aged Care, the contact centre operator will refer you for an aged care assessment to determine what level of support you would benefit from the most.
If the operator decides that you are eligible for basic home support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) you will be assessed by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS).
Otherwise, if the operator believes you require higher care support, either through a Home Care Package (HCP) or moving into an aged care home, a member of an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will visit you to assess you.
Regional Assessment Service (RAS)
You need to be assessed by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) to access basic government-funded home support under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). For more information about CHSP, go to page 20.
The RAS assessment helps to identify your needs for support and any goals for retaining or regaining skills that enable you to continue living independently in the community. It is conducted free of charge and independently from service provision which 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. RAS assessors liaise with other service providers, GPs/specialists and community support networks to make sure desired outcomes are achieved. If your care needs have increased, the RAS can also plan and coordinate your exit from the CHSP and transfer you to other appropriate service systems, such as Home Care Packages and/or residential care.
The service also provides care coordination if you have multiple providers or more complex needs.
Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
If you are no longer able to manage at home without basic assistance, the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) helps you determine what kind of care will best meet your needs.
This may be a Home Care Package (see page 24) provided to you in your own home or residential care in an aged care home (see page 56).
ACAT assessors are generally professionals with medical backgrounds, such as doctors, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and other health experts.
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.
While an ACAT can’t make recommendations about individual homes or community services, they can provide you with information to assist you to make decisions.
To assist you in your search, an independent information source like the Aged Care Guide publications and the AgedCareGuide.com.au website can help. These resources offer a comprehensive overview of all care options and care providers available.
Assessment
You may be placed on a waitlist until a
Home care flow chart
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
If your situation is urgent, then the ACAT will assess you as quickly as possible
AGED CARE GUIDE
Residential care
flow chart
Remember: it takes anything from a few weeks up to more than a few months to find the care home that suits you
At anytime
You can find someone to help you:
Placement consultant
Aged care advisor
Social worker
Case manager
Hospital discharge planner
Consult your Aged Care Guide for a list of choices for any of these options or visit AgedCareGuide.com.au
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 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 Programme might be able to assist in your recovery and to return home. Alternatively, you may need to access respite care to give your carer a short break from the caring role. There is a variety of support at home options available that can meet your specific needs.
In-home support
It is a government priority to assist with your care needs so you can continue living in the comfort of your home.
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.
“ Housework or crosswords... I know which I’d choose!”
“How I choose to spend my time is more important to me the older I get. And I tell you, it’s not doing housework! Southcare helps me with my household jobs, so I can stay living in my home and do what’s fun for me.”
– Noreen, Southcare customer since 2018.
Choose how you spend your time. With Southcare’s help at home, and live your best life.
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 (CDC)
Consumer-directed Care 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.
Providers are required to work in partnership with you to create a package of services that meets your goals/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.
Support at home
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
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 a number of home support options into one streamlined and simplified program. These options include short-term supports such as respite, transition care and short-term restorative care. It also provides basic ongoing support, both at home and in the community, as well as access to wellness programs, day options and centrebased services.
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 15 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 24 for more details).
Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to find out how you can arrange a home support assessment.
What is the CHSP?
Subsidised by the Australian Government, CHSP is an entry-level home help program if you are mostly – but not completely – able to live 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.
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.
Support at home
Just Better Care is an approved provider of Aged Care services and has been supporting thousands of older Australians since 2005. We deliver the highest quality care to enable individuals to live independently and confidently within their own homes and their local communities. Community participation Personal care Travel & transport
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
Some CHSP services can be provided either at a community centre or in your home, such as: food 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, you may be able to access allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, speech therapy, occupational therapy and advice from a dietitian.
Who is the CHSP for?
You can apply for home help services under the CHSP if you are 65 years or older; 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 15 to read more about RAS assessments.
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. 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 if required.
You can find CHSP-funded services starting on page 116 of the directory section or online on AgedCareGuide.com.au .
Home Care Packages 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.
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.
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 is 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/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 123–131.
New South Wales
Illawarra 0242443470
Liverpool 0479070119
CentralCoast 0243269030
Queensland Cairns 0458720217
Western Australia
LowerNorthPerth 0893719115
SouthEastPerth 0416205819
Bayside&Peninsula 0395740924
Inner&SouthEastern
Central&NorthernMelb. 0396610499
NorthEast 0390018585
OuterSouthEastern 0406316334
Regional CntrlHghlnds&Djerriwarrh 0353418046
Geelong&Barwon 0352614808
GippslandSouth&West 0397994676
GoulburnValley 0357951635
LoddonMallee 0354860203
SouthWest 0353812076
Home Care Packages
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, speech or lack of shared 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 creams, 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, along with help using those aids
Our dedicated and professional Home Care team will help you navigate your home care options if staying in your own home is a priority to you.
Whether via a funded package or private services we can help you stay at home and connected to your community.
Home care, short term restorative care, health and wellness programs, meals and nutrition, transport services are available to enable you to stay in your own home doing the things you love.
Call our friendly and caring Home Care team today on 1300 244 000 or visit catholichomes.com.au
Home maintenance for care of your house or garden
Modifications to the home – installing safety aids, such as alarms, ramps and support rails; identifying risks in the house and proposing solutions
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/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
Home Care Packages
Home Care Packages
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 to 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 team, 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 assessments go to page 87 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.
Your place in the queue will be determined by your personal needs, 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.
If you’re seeking a coordinated care approach to help you remain independent and comfortable in your own home, our Home Care Packages at Astley Care could be just what you need.
We offer support tailored to all levels of need, including domestic assistance, shopping help, and medication management. Our services also encompass social engagement, transport, respite care, nursing services, and home maintenance. Additionally, we provide access to allied health services, social day programs, and private care.
Our individually designed services ensure that you receive the right level of care and support to meet your specific needs.
Contact us via phone, email, or in-person to learn how different we are!
Home Care Packages
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
Home Care Packages
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.
The government contributes the following amounts to each person receiving a Home Care Package (October 2024 rates):
Home Care Package Daily subsidy amount Annual amount
Level 1 $ 29.01 $10,588.65
Level 2 $ 51.02 $18,622.30
Level 3 $111.04 $40,529.60
Level 4
$168.33 $ 61,440.45
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 (September 2024 rates):
Home Care Package Maximum basic daily fee Fortnightly amount
Level 1 $ 11.72 $164.08
Level 2 $ 12.40 $173.60
Level 3 $ 12.75 $178.50
Level 4 $ 13.08 $183.12
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.
The current Age Pension amount is $1,047.10 per fortnight for a single person or $1,144.40 with the included Maximum Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement.
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 $6,834.77 per annum.
If you have an income of more than $65,020.80 per year, you will pay an income-tested care fee on a sliding scale up to a total of $13,669.63 per annum.
However, no one will pay more than $82,018.15 in an income-tested care fee over their lifetime (September 2024 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 meanstesting 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.
Home Care Packages
Home Care Packages
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.
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 .
SWITCH TO BETTER QUALITY HOME CARE CHOOSE RIGHT AT HOME
at Home are leaders in quality home care and support, delivering services that allow our clients to remain safe and independent in their own home. Your local Right at Home office in Western Australia is ready to look after your family when you can’t.
• 24/7 On Call & 24/7 Care Service
• Supervised, Individual Care Plan
• Approved Home Care Package Provider Levels 1-4
• No Home Care Package Management Fees
• Complex Nursing Care
• Disability & NDIS Support
• Flexible, Reliable, Certified Carers
• Post-Operative Care
• Hospital In The Home
• Personal & Companion Care
• Domestic, Shopping, Transport
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.
Home Care Packages
LookingforaHome CareProvider? Talktous!
If you are applying for, or waiting for a Government funded Home Care Package, talk to us.
Comfort Keepers is one of WA’s most respected in-home aged care providers. We have been providing the highest quality care and support services to Western Australian families for over 18 years.
Our success has been built on our ability to fully understand the needs, goals and expectations of our clients, and importantly, provide the family members that entrust us with their care the confidence that their loved ones are in good hands.
Navigating your way through the Aged Care system and choosing the right home care provider, can be
difficult, and at times confusing for some.
At Comfort Keepers, we make the whole process easy. Our experienced client care and support team will guide and support you and your family members through the process of applying for a Government funded Home Care Package and assist you in the steps you need to take in selecting the right provider to suit your care needs.
If you are looking for a home care provider, or just want to chat about your families care needs, talk to us.
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 friend –participate 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.
If you require more information about your rights, please visit opan.org.au/get-support/i-need-information-on-my-rights/ to access the Older Persons Advocacy Network Self-advocacy toolkit, contact OPAN and book yourself into free education/information sessions.
Alternatively, you can call 1800 700 600 to get in touch with advocacy professionals and access information about your rights over the phone. If you believe that you have been subjected to abuse or have had your rights violated, please refer to the Elder Abuse section of this Aged Care Guide to learn more by flipping to page 109.
Home Care Packages
Private home care
Private home care
Rather than a government-funded service, you may choose a private home care provider and pay for services out of your own pocket.
Maybe this is more cost-effective for you or there is a waiting list 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.
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?
Our Team Members are selected not only for their qualifications and experience, they must also share our values
You are in Control of Your Care Plan
We begin by listening, then together we develop your Care Plan around what is most important to you and your needs. You choose which support services you want and the days & times that suit you
Build a Care Team You Trust
We help you to build a team of 3-4 Support Workers, so you can develop a relationship based on trust and you can feel safe and comfortable at home or out in the community
Our Services
CPE Group has been looking after people in the community for more than 25 years and we would take very good care of you too.
We are a Government approved provider of care & services for My Aged Care Home Care Packages, DVA, NDIS, Interim Hospital Packages and Self Funded Clients.
Reforms
Reforms
The Australian aged care sector is expected to undergo significant changes within twelve months.
In response to recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the government has introduced a 24/7 nursing requirement for aged care facilities. This new provision is intended to improve the health and safety of residents through access to care, no matter the time.
However, some facilities – particularly those in regional or rural areas –may struggle to meet this staffing requirement and the government is actively working with providers to resolve shortages.
To see if an aged care home offers 24/7 registered nursing, visit the My Aged Care website and access the Find a Provider tool via the Staffing Star Rating tab.
The government will introduce the Integrated Assessment Tool as part of the transition to a Single Assessment System Workforce in late 2024. The Single Assessment System will replace the: Regional Assessment Service; Aged Care Assessment Team; and independent Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) assessors.
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, First Nations assessment organisations will be introduced progressively from July 2025. Following delays announced in 2023, the new Support at Home program will be introduced in July 2025 to replace Home Care Packages and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme will also transition to the new program by 1 July 2027.
A new Aged Care Act has been introduced to parliament in 2025 to reform existing aged care laws, as per the: AgedCareAct1997; AgedCare(TransitionalProvisions)Act1997; and theAgedCareQualityandSafetyCommissionAct2018.
To stay up-to-date with reforms, please contact the Ageing and Aged Care Engagement Hub by email: agedcareenquiries@health.gov.au.
Veterans’ support
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; respite care; safety related home and garden maintenance. Services can be delivered in your own home or a 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.
Nursing services may include: medication management; wound care; hygiene assistance; showering and dressing.
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.
There is a fee you will need to pay towards the VHC program. It is cost per service, currently at a $5 per hour co-payment, however, there is a limit to how much you will pay.
For instance, the maximum co-payment for domestic assistance is $5 per week, whereas personal care is limited to $10 per week.
If you can’t afford the co-payments, you can apply to have these fees waived.
Contact 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.
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;
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; respite for employed carers and for carers seeking to return to work.
BeyondPolio:UncoveringPost-Polio
Realities
Have you ever wondered about the lasting effects of polio on your loved ones?
Here are the realities of post-polio conditions in Australia.
Many locally born and immigrant Australian residents who had polio in the past are now experiencing Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS). This condition shows up decades later as: Complex fatigue Mixed weakness Complex pain Sleep difficulty Breathing problems Difficulty staying warm
Even if their childhood polio was mild (flu-like with no paralysis), they are still at risk for developing PPS. Watch for changes in their mobility or their energy levels that may indicate new challenges.
Managing PPS symptoms and ability changes can be difficult. Open, supportive conversations with your loved ones about post-polio can be empoweringit can help them to adjust and to plan for the future.
Take some time to learn about post-polio. Encourage your loved ones to share their experiences and let them know they have your support.
Answers and Resources
Community:
www.polioaustralia.org.au
Clinical: www.poliohealth.org.au
contact@polioaustralia.org.au
+61 3 9016 7678
PPS is a chronic and progressive health condition best addressed by a multidisciplinary care team.
Respite at home
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 that may include excursions, outdoor/indoor activities or holiday programs.
Trained respite workers often undertake client assessments. Needs-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 at 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 respite in an aged care home, you will be charged the daily fee amount but do not have to pay the accommodation fee.
For more information contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737. Your call will automatically be directed to your nearest state or territory provider.
Nazareth Care
Welcome to Nazareth Care
When you enter Nazareth Care, you enter a unique world of warmth and belonging. We have been providing residential aged care to the community for over one hundred years. Driven by our core values, we understand the needs of the elderly – to be respected, treated with dignity and cared for with comfort and love.
Our experienced team deliver exceptional care to a 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
Registered nurses on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Allied health services provided on-site
Support services for those living with dementia
• Mass held daily & regular services for other denominations
• Our sisters are available to provide pastoral care
Regaining your independence
To help improve your independence and confidence at the end of a hospital stay, the Transition Care Programme provides short-term support and assistance.
The Transition Care Programme is goal-oriented, time-limited and therapy-focused care that can be delivered in your own home or in a home-like ‘live-in’ setting.
To be eligible for transition care, you must be an in-patient of a hospital and 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 $13.08 per day (September 2024 rates).
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 $63.57 per day, (September 2024 rates).
Access to transition care is decided 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 Programme.
Aged care homes offering transition care beds are listed in the residential aged care tables from page 134.
Transition care
Flexible restorative care
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) Programme 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.
The 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.
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.
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 daily fee is currently $13.08 for STRC received in a community setting or $63.57 if accessed in residential care or a hospital.
The STRC programme 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 programme 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
Youdoneedanassessmenttoaccesstheprogram.
This assessment is done by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and is only valid for six months. You can access the STRC programme twice over a 12-month period.
Read more about assessments on page 87 or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for more information about STRC.
Wellness centres
Wellness centres offer a range of programs and services that focus on mobility, exercise, rehabilitation and relaxation. A well-equipped wellbeing centre also provides the opportunity to address areas of concern, enhance your mobility, reduce your pain levels and risk of falls or injury.
You can access a wide range of physically and emotionally rewarding activities with the guidance of allied health specialists in these centres, also known as ‘day therapy centres,’ ‘health & lifestyle centres’ or ‘allied health hubs.’
Most centres offer a range of stimulating and fun activities, one-on-one or in group settings, to help improve your memory, wellbeing and independence.
Some allied health and wellbeing services you may be able to access include:
Occupational therapy
Diversional therapy
Massage therapy to reduce pain and maintain overall wellbeing
Physiotherapists or exercise physiologists
Podiatry
Hydrotherapy
Dementia and cognitive support programs
Personal training
Exercise classes for all levels, including chair-based and dance classes
Nutrition information
Mat- and equipment-based Pilates classes
Specialised group classes for specific conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation
These wellness or day therapy centres are sometimes combined with different centre-based care services focused more on social inclusion and community connection.
The programs and services offered through this centre-based care are all about encouraging healthy ageing and work to provide you with emotional, mental and physical stimulation.
Some programs may be tailored to specific groups, such as people from a multicultural background or those living with certain chronic conditions such as dementia.
Wellness centres
Wellness centres
You can enjoy a range of activities which may include daily exercise programs, arts, crafts, cooking, gardening, as well as education and learning services, group excursions and respite or overnight care.
Centre-based care offers numerous benefits, such as:
improved social wellbeing through companionship and connection;
maintaining mental health, nutrition and exercise;
positive impacts on overall health and wellbeing, including reducing symptoms of pain;
support for carers and families.
Is a wellness centre suitable for me?
If you are over the age of 65 years, the services offered at a wellness centre may be the key to better physical health to help you stay strong and independent. A range of allied health specialists may be able to support your mental agility and keep you performing day-to-day tasks properly.
You may be able to claim the associated costs of a wellness centre through the Regional Assessment Services (RAS) or Aged Care Assessment Programs (ACAP). To receive an assessment, call My Aged Care at 1800 200 422 and then ask for a referral code.
Based on the outcome of your assessment and the package you are eligible for through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or Home Care Package (HCP) program, health and wellness services may be subsidised by the government.
You can still access the services at a wellbeing or day therapy centre privately and pay for services as you go. To do so, you would need an initial consultation to identify which services you need and the amount you will pay to access them.
Improved mobility isn’t the only benefit of physical activity. Staying active through regular exercise helps reduce fractures by improving bone strength.
It also increases energy levels, helps you maintain a good weight, regulates blood pressure, prevents cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, helps manage arthritis, reduces anxiety or depression, improves sleep and increases self-esteem.
Your local council will have information about activities and exercise groups in your community.
If you are overweight, have a chronic illness/disease or live a sedentary life, it might be a good idea to see your doctor or a health professional for advice on getting into an exercise routine.
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.
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
Many volunteer groups are operated within communities, such as local churches, clubs or Rotary groups, that support people over 65 years of age by offering 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/ 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, go shopping, attend events or family gatherings.
Local councils
Transport provided by local councils is usually offered through community buses or personal transport. Both will be managed by the council who often have a team of volunteers that work on a roster to run these services.
Community buses generally operate on a weekly basis with many offering the convenience of door-to-door pick-up and drop-off. As well as taking residents to shopping centres, many council-run community buses visit other services and activities, such as libraries, seniors clubs and groups. Some councils offer personal transport for medical, wellbeing and other essential appointments.
There is usually a nominal minimal charge for using the community bus that may vary depending on where it is going and whether you require a return journey. Contact your local council for transport information.
Public transport options
If you are an older person aged 60 and over and hold a Pensioner Concession Card or a Seniors Card, you may be eligible to receive free weekend travel, concession fares or 50 percent discounts on trains, trams and buses.
For further information about public transport for seniors in WA, visit the Public Transport Authority website on pta.wa.gov.au or call 08 9326 2000.
Transport services
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 falling.
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 intended to help them live more satisfying and productive lives.
Improve access and safety at home
Creating a safe living space is critical to keep your independence and prevent 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 handrails 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
Create a safer home
If you require assistive technology on a permanent or long-term basis for a health- or ageing-related reason and are a permanent resident of WA, you may be eligible for support through Indigo (formerly ILC WA).
For enquiries regarding Indigo services accessed through alternate funding including the CHSP, HCPs, DVA, Insurance Commission of WA or self-funded arrangements, please contact help@indigosolutions.org.au.
Assistive technology
Mobility aids can assist you
There are several different types of mobility aids available that can help you maintain independence and safety, assist in walking and moving about, help you with personal care, make it easier for you to remain socially active and maintain your quality of life.
Some of the equipment available includes:
Mobility aids – Aids that can help to prevent falls include 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 manage medications
Home safety – Some of the aids that 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
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 25,000 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 25,000 assistive technology products Australia-wide, including supplier details and product specifications. Find out more at askned.com.au or call (08) 9381 0600.
navigate ageing at home
Surgical House proudly offers you:
A wide range of everyday healthcare items to support you as you age at home. Specialised products and medical devices for people living with complex or chronic health conditions, including hard-to-find items.
A showroom and retail outlet in Osborne Park or friendly telephone support to help you find the right products.
Easy online ordering with reliable shipping direct to your door (free shipping on orders of $250+ or low flat rate around Perth metro) Leading global and Australian healthcare brands.
We carry thousands of products with
Surgical House offers caring, knowledgeable and reliable service to give peace-ofmind to people who are ageing, those with disability, their families and carers.
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Residential Aged Care with 24/7 Registered Nurses on site
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Residential Aged Care with 24/7 Registered Nurses on site
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Suites & rooms with ensuite & balconies
Small social hubs for dining & socialising
Early Learning Centre where Intergenerational care comes to life
Aged care homes 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 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 that are called ‘supported- or assisted-living complexes.’ These do not require an 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 87 for information about assessments.
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;
rehabilitation support;
social and recreational activities.
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.
Aged care homes
Aged care homes
For people with dementia, it is important to ask a home whether it offers separate or secure dementia specific units or wings.
Some nursing homes may have a secure garden area specifically designed for people with dementia that 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 153–156 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 134.
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, 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 measure quality in aged care and have a strong focus on helping consumers to 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?
What are the expectations of the organisation?
What are the organisational requirements to show that the standard has been met?
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 these 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.
Aged care homes
Aged care homes
The Charter of Rights 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 choices 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; and
14. exercise your rights without it adversely affecting the way you are treated.
You or your representative will be asked to sign the Charter of Rights to acknowledge that your provider has given you information about your rights in relation to the aged care service.
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.
You should refer to the ‘Find a provider’ tool on the My Aged Care website to determine your care options. The tool has the latest information about each facility and its Star Rating, factoring in 24/7 registered nursing data and residents’ experiences.
Here’s what you need to know about each Star Rating:
One Star – needs significant improvement
Two Stars – needs improvement
Three Stars – satisfactory quality of care
Four Stars – positive quality of care
Five Stars – the highest quality of care
You can write a letter to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, at: Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission GPO Box 9819, Perth, WA 6000
Your letter to lodge a complaint should include:
your name, address and telephone number;
the date you are lodging your complaint;
details of your complaint, including specific dates of events and relevant comments;
the name of the aged care home or service and where it is located;
the name of the consumer that your complaint relates to and how they were affected.
Aged care homes
Your life, your
way.
Every minute, every day.
RoshanaemergesasapremierproviderofagedcareservicesinAustralia, with a strong presence spanning Western Australia, Queensland, and NewSouthWales.Ourcorecompetencyliesinprovidingaholisticrangeof high-careandlow-caresupport.
At the heart of our philosophy is a dedication to creating bespoke environments that cater to the unique medical, personal, and social needs of every resident. Discover the opportunity to embrace life on your terms within a nurturing community that provides committed support, comfort,andcompanionship.
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, as 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 waiting list who have a health priority or have been waiting for a place and have risen to the top of the 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 home operators can’t 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.
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, family 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 and this is called ‘pre-entry leave.’
You may be charged for your care and become eligible to receive financial assistance from the government following the date of acceptance.
Once your place in the aged care home has been confirmed, you will be provided with two or three important documents that 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’s 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.
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 nighttime 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 ensuites?
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, 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?
What personal items and furnishings can you bring into the home and how will they be stored?
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 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 as 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 and if relevant, check whether they are secure;
a hairdressing salon or day spa; an on-site café; a chapel or provision for religious services; a gymnasium; or 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.
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, 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.
Due to 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 and 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.
Moving into a home
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.
Non-prescription items, such as topical creams, herbal remedies and vitamins, 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.
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 can’t make decisions about your own care.
This is called an Advance Health Directive and it should include clear and specific details about treatments you would accept or refuse.
Keep your Advance Health 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.
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 ranging 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.
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 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.
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 remain in your room to enjoy your own company.
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 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.
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.
Daily living
Partners and pets
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.
While most homes do not allow residents to have their personal pets, many homes 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
You can still go on a holiday when you live in an aged care home. 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 for 28 ‘social leave’ days and you still have to pay your daily fees and income-tested fees.
The52-nightrulecan’tbeextended.
Social leave only counts if you stay overnight at a place that isn’t your aged care facility.
For instance, if you decided to, you could spend your social leave by going away from the facility every weekend of the year.
Your holiday leave will be reset every year on 1 July and this balance will move with you from provider to provider.
If you become sick and have to be transferred to the hospital, it will not impact your planned holiday leave.
The government allows aged care residents to have unlimited hospital leave, so you do not have to worry that a hospital stay will impact your other leave. However, you must continue to pay your fees and accommodation costs during this time.
STEP 2
WHAT.YOU.NEED TO KNOW Preparation
Identify the support you currently receive, specify your needs and determine the key factors for a care provider that align with your wishes and interests before seeking aged care services.
If you’re wanting to access government-funded supports, the first step in starting your aged care journey is to register with My Aged Care. This can be done online or via a phone call to the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422.
An operator will ask you a number of questions about your personal circumstances and care needs and set up a central client record.
Examples of the questions you may be asked are:
Are you currently receiving aged care services?
Are you getting support from a carer or family member?
Preparation
Can you prepare your own meals and do housework?
Do you need assistance taking a shower or bath and do you need help getting dressed?
Are there any health concerns or did you have a recent fall?
Do you feel lonely or isolated?
Are there any safety risks in the home?
The aim of this screening is to figure out what needs and support you require and whether you are eligible for a further assessment in person.
Following this conversation you will be contacted by someone from either the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) or a local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for an assessment to determine your abilities and what level of care you require.
Here is a list of documents and information you should prepare for the assessment:
Medicare card and a form of identification, for instance, Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card, driver’s license, passport or healthcare card
Notes or referrals from your doctor
Information about previous home or aged care services you have received
Details about support you receive from family, friends or the community
Prepared questions and information about aged care that you wish to discuss with the assessor so you have a better understanding about services
Caring for people for more than 50 years
Our model of care “Care with Purpose” puts you first. It aims to encourage you to remain active and engaged to continue to do the things you love that bring you joy and stay connected to community.
Residential Care
Our residences focus on everyone leading a rich and full life with purpose. Our care teams foster strong communities that encourage independence, happiness and joy.
To find out more about Residential Care call our team on 1300 244 111.
Home Care
Our dedicated and professional team will help you navigate your home care options. How you want to live at home is our priority. We are passionate about ensuring your home care service is perfect for you.
To find out more about our Home Care services, call our team on 1300 244 000.
Independent Living
Our villages support keeping you active and healthy in your own home within a community. Located alongside our care residences, giving you access to a wide range of additional services and support.
To find out more about Independent Living, call our team on 1300 244 111.
1300 244 000 catholichomes.com
Aged care checklist
The contact details for your doctor and any other health professionals you see regularly
A translator or Auslan interpreter pre-organised if you require it
A support person to be present for the assessment if you want Other factors in preparing ahead of starting aged care services include organising your finances and getting advice about how you can pay for any support at home or a place in an aged care facility. It’s also worth making sure you collect medical records, have details about medication handy, have an Advanced Health Directive in place and ensure your will is up to date.
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 initially call the nursing home or service. Are staff friendly and willing to answer 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.
You should ask an aged care provider the following series of questions when assessing a facility or service to determine if it is right for you.
The provider
Is the provider for-profit or not-for-profit and churchor 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? How did they deal with the complaint and what was it about?
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?
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 staff members provide clear answers to your questions?
How do staff and residents interact?
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 nighttime?
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 only for display?
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 items 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
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 resident’s 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 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?
Aged care checklist
Costs of residential care
What are my payment options?
What is the breakdown of the payable fees?
Can you negotiate on the fees and how they are paid?
Costs of residential care
Aged care homes charge a range of fees to cover the cost of care, accommodation and living expenses; these can vary enormously between facilities, from resident to resident.
Understanding the rules and seeking specialist advice from an aged care financial advisor to minimise costs is recommended. See page 81 for more information on financial advice.
Your income and financial assets will affect your entitlements. The incomeand 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/the income-rich, assetpoor residents paying for their care, but not for accommodation.
The cost of care is divided into three parts – daily care fees, accommodation payments and a means-tested care fee.
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 or 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 20 September 2024, the maximum basic daily fee is $63.57 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 1 July 2014, you will continue to be subject to the pre-1 July 2014 rules governing the basic daily fee unless you opt into the new fee arrangements.
Accommodation payments
Accommodation payments are different from daily care fees and they 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 $61,500 in assets and income, you can be asked to pay an accommodation payment, but you must be left with at least $61,500 in assets after your payment (rates as of September 2024).
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 you financial assets and your income, 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’s an annual cap of $34,174.16 that will apply to your means-tested contribution to your care costs, together with a lifetime cap of $82,018.15 (September 2024 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 to your accommodation payment until the full cost is paid and then to your care fee.
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 family home will continue to be exempt from the aged care assets-test if occupied by a spouse or other protected person.
Even when the value of your former home is included as an assessable asset, its value will be capped at $206,039.20 (September 2024 prices). It is only counted in determining your ability to pay for your accommodation.
Costs of residential care
Costs of residential care
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 October 2024 it is 8.38 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 8.38% ÷ 365 = $45.90 per day (MPIR from October 2024).
Alternatively, you can use our easy to use fee estimator calculator on https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/fee-estimators.
For further information, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, Centrelink on 13 23 00 or contact a placement consultant and financial advisor.
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.
The financial decisions surrounding aged care may be overwhelming due to the different funding mechanisms that apply.
You may want to know more about your options, the associated costs, how your Age Pension may be affected and whether you need to sell your home.
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.
Throw in the payment/deposit system – refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) or a daily accommodation payment (DAP) – negotiating various fees with a facility, filling in Centrelink forms and 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 difficult.
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 ‘shouldnot’ do
Decide to sell your property 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.
Allow or enable 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 financial advisor can help you focus on the information and issues that are important to you and your specific financial situation.
While every situation is different, there are some common elements of aged care financial advice that professional consultants often provide to their clients, including:
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
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?
What licenses, credentials or other certifications do they have?
Will they provide their advice in ‘plain English’ and in writing?
Will they deal with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or Centrelink?
How much do they charge?
Is the service a one-off or an ongoing service?
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.
Aged Care Financial Advice Specialists
Aged care choices are complex and the decisions to be made can seem overwhelming. Making the wrong decisions can come at a high price, both emotionally and financially.
Our aged care advisors specialise in identifying your unique needs and the financial issues that you and your loved ones face in relation to entering an aged care facility. Working with you we will identify what your choices are and their financial impact.
We can then assist you to structure your financial affairs so that you can enter aged care knowing how to manage or even reduce your costs, maximise your Centrelink benefits and ensure that you can afford the care that is right for you. We empower you to make the right decision for your aged care needs with peace of mind.
Our aged care advisors are part of the Aged Care Gurus Adviser Network
Support and understanding from experts in Aged Care financial matters
Advice on secure investments and estate planning needs such as Wills and Powers of Attorney
Peace of mind through a specialised financial plan for Aged Care complete with recommendations for the best possible financial solution
Implementation of your financial plan
Ongoing assistance dealing with Government and other institutions
Estate planning
That is why, when choosing a financial advisor, you should also consider their decisions are mindful and measured as opposed to emotional or impulsive and actively listen.
What will it cost?
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 worthwhile.
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.
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.
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.
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 decide what you want to happen with your estate, known as your assets, when you die.
It is a plan that involves you considering who you want to be executor of your estate (the person 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. Your will is one of the most vital documents in this process.
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.
If you die without a will or your will is invalid, your estate will be treated as an ‘intestate’ and your assets will be distributed under the WA intestacy law to your surviving relatives after all your debts have been paid.
Enduring Power of Attorney and Guardianship
Most people know you should write a will to make sure your assets are distributed according to your wishes when you die, but what happens if you are left unable to make decisions for yourself due to accident, illness or other circumstances?
While a family member can step in at this time and start assisting you with decision-making, they may lack the legal authority to make some decisions.
By making an Enduring Power of Attorney and an Enduring Power of Guardianship, you can nominate a trusted family member, friend or an organisation in the case of an Enduring Power of Attorney, to step in and make decisions on your behalf.
Once you have decided on who to appoint as an Enduring Power of Attorney and/or Enduring Power of Guardianship, the people or organisations you have nominated should be made aware of the document. It is also worth letting other people that are close to you know so they know who will be looking after those affairs when the need arises.
In WA, an Enduring Power of Attorney is limited to making decisions about your finances and property only. An Attorney in WA cannot make personal, lifestyle and treatment decisions.
To appoint someone to make personal, lifestyle and treatment decisions in WA, you need to make an Enduring Power of Guardianship (EPG). An Enduring Guardian can make decisions around where you live, what services you engage, and provide consent for health care services and treatment. Similarly, an Enduring Guardian cannot make any financial or property decisions on your behalf.
The best time to create any official documentation is while you are healthy and still capable of managing your own affairs. You must have full legal capacity to make an Enduring Power of Attorney, Enduring Power of Guardianship or Advance Health Directive document, which means you understand what the document is and what it does.
The only way to ensure that your loved ones are protected is to obtain proper legal advice regarding your estate planning.
For more information, contact the Office of the Public Advocate on 1300 858 455 or visit publicadvocate.wa.gov.au, or contact the Public Trustee on 1300 746 116 or publictrustee.wa.gov.au .
Estate planning
Getting assessed
WHAT.YOU.NEED TO KNOW
Getting assessed
The aged care assessment will help decide what level of support you require. Your assessor will best be able to help you if you provide lots of information about yourself and what day-to-day tasks you struggle with.
The assessment will be done by a social worker, nurse, doctor or other health professional and can take an hour or so.
If the My Aged Care contact centre believes that you are eligible for basic home support, you will be assessed by a professional from the Regional Assessment Service (RAS).
If you require higher care support, a member of an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will visit your property to assess you for a higher level of support at home to meet your needs or a place in a residential care home.
What should you prepare?
Some of the documents and information you should collect before your assessment include:
Medicare card and a form of identification, for instance, Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card, driver’s licence, passport or healthcare card
Notes or referrals from your doctor
Information about previous home, community or aged care services you have received
Details about support you receive from family, friends or the community
Prepared questions and information about aged care that you wish to discuss with the assessor so you have a better understanding about services
The contact details of your doctor and any other health professionals you see regularly
A translator or Auslan interpreter arranged if you require one
A support person to be present for the assessment if you want one
During a face-to-face assessment, an ACAT assessor will visit you in your home to get to know you and your circumstances and determine the types of support you need.
The assessor will ask you a number of questions about any supports you receive, your current lifestyle, any health concerns or chronic illnesses, how you deal with tasks at home, if you are struggling with any cognitive issues or memory loss, whether you are struggling at home or have concerns about personal safety, in addition to any activities you engage in with family or in the community.
Getting assessed STEP 3
Getting assessed
Topics that might be covered or that you may want to bring up during your assessment include your:
medical history;
living arrangements;
support network;
existing forms of support and services;
cognitive and behavioural functions;
ability to perform daily tasks;
health and lifestyle concerns.
Be open and transparent about your wishes and what you believe will be of assistance around the home. They might also ask for your permission to talk with your doctor or specialist about the impact of any health conditions on your day-to-day life.
The assessment is also an opportunity for you to ask questions – if you don’t understand something, make sure you clarify with your assessor. You shouldn’t be leaving your assessment confused or stressed. Some of the questions you may want to ask are:
What are my rights and responsibilities during this assessment process?
What services are available in my area?
Are there support options available for my carer?
What financial assistance am I eligible to receive?
Are there culturally appropriate services in the area?
Who can I contact if I have any questions after the assessment?
If you don’t want to receive government-funded home care or go into government-funded aged care, that is perfectly fine. There are private providers who don’t require any assessment to receive care or enter their facilities. However, you can’t receive government funding to pay for your stay in a private nursing home.
How long does it take?
The ACAT assessment will take around an hour and at the end of the meeting the assessor will discuss the results of the assessment with you. They will review the information you have provided to determine what support option best suits you.
You will receive a letter within two weeks of your assessment to let you know if you have been found eligible for aged care services. This letter will also detail the types of services you will be able to access and any further information about how to access these supports.
If your situation is urgent, it may only take a couple of days before you get confirmation of approval for aged care.
You’ll be given a referral code linked to the type of service you are eligible to access. The service provider or aged care home of your choice will need this referral code to access your information with My Aged Care and manage the referral. They’ll also be able to access the funding allocated to you.
When you’re ready to start looking for providers to deliver the support services you have been found eligible for, you can use our online directory at AgedCareGuide.com.au for a comprehensive overview of the care options and care providers available near you.
Being approved for funded supports doesn’t always mean you will be able to access services straight away. You may need to wait until a suitable package or place in an aged care home becomes available, and wait times can range from a few weeks to a number of months.
What if I’m unhappy with my assessment results?
You have the final decision to accept or reject an ACAT recommendation.
If you are unhappy with the recommendations, talk with the person in charge of the ACAT first because most concerns can be resolved this way.
If you can’t come to an agreement, you can appeal the decision and have the assessment reviewed.
To have the decision reviewed, you must write to the Secretary of the Australian Department of Health within 28 days of your assessment letter arriving. The request should be answered within 90 days with a decision.
The postal address of the Secretary of the Australian Department of Health is:
The Secretary Department of Health and Aged Care Attn: Aged Care Assessment Program Reconsiderations GPO Box 9848 ADELAIDE SA 5001
If you do not agree with the secretary’s review, you can escalate the matter further by contacting the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
While asking for a review by the secretary is free, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal does incur a charge.
From 14 October, all cases before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal will be transferred to the new Administrative Review Tribunal.
If you have questions about your case, please call 1800 228 333.
Getting assessed
Finding providers
WHAT.YOU.NEED TO KNOW
Finding providers
Once you have been assessed and approved for government-funded aged care, either for services in your own home or a place in an aged care home, you can start the process of finding a provider that suits your needs.
Your letter from My Aged Care confirming you are ready to start accessing services will include a referral code linked to the type of service you are eligible to access. If you need the support of multiple services, you will be given multiple referral codes, one for each service.
The service provider or aged care home of your choice will need this referral code to access your information with My Aged Care and manage the referral. They’ll also be able to access the funding allocated to you.
Choosing which provider to trust with providing support is an important and personal decision – one that you want to think carefully about and shouldn’t rush.
You may want to start by writing down what you are looking for in a provider and what is important to you. Are low fees important to you or would you like a provider who can support your cultural needs? If accessing home care, do you want the same support worker to assist you each time and do you want to receive support on specific days or are you more flexible with time?
It’s a good idea to discuss your wishes and options with your family and support network, as they may be able to help you research, provide independent opinions on providers or share personal experiences.
It’s useful to create a shortlist of providers in your local area, which may help narrow down your search.
When considering a potential provider take your time to do some research:
Look at the provider’s website, social media pages and online reviews
Check out their credentials, such as quality certifications and industry awards
Do they have any past or present sanctions or notices of non-compliance?
You can ask them directly or check the government’s non-compliance finder tool at myagedcare.gov.au/ non-compliance-checker
You can use this Guide or the AgedCareGuide.com.au directory online to search for service providers in your area that meet your requirements
STEP 4
Finding providers
Choosing a provider
If you aren’t comfortable finding or choosing a provider by yourself, then there are experts who can help you find a nursing home that suits your needs and preferences. A placement consultant has knowledge of local aged care facilities and can make the process of entering aged care smoother. Find a placement consultant on AgedCareGuide.com.au or call 1300 606 781 to access placement services. Once you have chosen a provider, you will need to contact them to start the home care services you need or to be placed on their waiting list for a bed vacancy. During this conversation, it is also essential to discuss fees and services with your new provider, so you know how much the support or aged care bed is going to cost.
Choosing a provider
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 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 and 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 118 in this guide or visit AgedCareGuide.com.au to find providers servicing your location.
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 it’s a lack of information or understanding but, in fact, it’s 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.
Led by a seasoned Registered Nurse with a deep understanding of the Aged Care Industry, we simplify your choices and guide you through the complexities with ease.
Each person’s needs and budget are unique. We listen attentively, crafting tailored recommendations that perfectly match your requirements. INDEPENDENT &
With absolute independence from aged care providers, we’re your trusted source for unbiased advice, ensuring you make the perfect decision.
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, 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. These professionals can also assist you in finding a bed placement more promptly because of their connections with aged care providers and services.
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 progressing and are mental faculties or 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?
An aged care placement consultant can often find a home faster and one that is specifically suited to your requirements through their established relationships with facilities.
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 to make an application.
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 for you and your family 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;
Placement consultants
Placement consultants
GET IN TOUCH
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 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, 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.
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.
PLACEMENT JOURNEY
PLACEMENT JOURNEY
Your health requirements and desired living arrangements are our first priority.
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.
We shortlist and liaise directly with suitable premises on your behalf giving you time for what’s important to you.
FINANCIAL COMFORT
FINANCIAL COMFORT
You can relax when you understand aged care fees and what you can afford.
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.
There are many ways to pay for your care. Let’s find the best approach for you.
Call our team on 08 6143 2565
Call our team on
Email your enquiry to info@relacs.net.au
Email your enquiry to info@relacs.net.au
Visit our website at www.relacs.net.au
Visit our website at www.relacs.net.au
You are not alone. From the first visit, through application and settlement, until the day you move in, we are here.
You are not alone. From the first visit, through application and settlement, until the day you move in, we are here.
Get the support and clarity you need during an emotional and stressful time.
Get the support and clarity you need during an emotional and stressful time.
We can structure your Aged Pension to help you make the most of it.
We will consider your Aged Pension and help you maximise it. We can complete Centrelink paperwork for you regarding your move into care.
We’ll complete your Income and Asset Assessment for you.
As Financial Advisors we have you covered however tricky your financial situation.
As Financial Advisers we have you covered however tricky your financial situation.
as they transition their loved ones into residential care We understand that you might be feeling:
Placement consultants
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-, 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.
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 governmentfunded package, you may choose to use the services of a private case manager.
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.
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.
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.
Managing services
STEP 5
WHAT.YOU.NEED TO KNOW Managing services
Throughout your aged care journey, there may come a time where you need to make changes to the services you are receiving.
This may be because you’re going on a holiday or need to go into hospital and don’t need any services to be delivered while you’re away. Perhaps your needs have changed and your current supports no longer suit you. Alternatively, you might like to change providers because you’re moving to a different area or not entirely happy with your current provider.
The process of making changes to your current services depends on the type of support you are receiving. However, the first step should be to talk with your current provider.
Service providers have an ongoing responsibility to make sure you receive quality care and to respect your rights and preferences. They should monitor the services they provide under your care plan to ensure your needs and goals are being met. If there are significant changes in your care needs, they can help you through the process of reviewing your supports. Reviewing your needs and supports may mean that you need to have another aged care assessment. For example: if you were originally assessed as having low-level care needs, but your mobility has decreased over time and you would like to access higher level supports.
You can request a reassessment by your local ACAT to determine if you’re eligible for higher level care. You must be reassessed to move on from CHSP supports and between different levels of Home Care Packages.
Depending on the services you’re already receiving, you may need to consider other options, such as:
Reviewing your care plan to identify alternative support options and priorities, for example: replacing informal supports with formal supports or considering additional support services, such as support on weekends
Purchasing additional private services
Utilising residential care, either as short-term respite to complement your package or as a long-term option
If your current provider cannot offer the services or changes you want, you can switch to a different provider that can meet your needs.
When choosing a new provider:
Take the time to research a new provider to make sure they can meet your needs
Contact My Aged Care to get a new referral code to give to your new provider and agree on a date to switch your services
Notify your current provider, in writing, to let them know you will be terminating your services with them and from what date
Be mindful that your current provider may charge an exit fee to cover any administrative costs. Exit fees may vary between providers and the amount should be clearly indicated in your care agreement.
Self-managing your HCP
You know the most about what you need. 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.
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.
Home Care Package
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 that 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 AgedCareAct1997
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.
You can also ask your family, friends, carer or a legal practitioner to help you understand the terms of your agreement.
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, in writing, straight away. 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.
24-hour care in your own home
Supported living communities combine the best aspects 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
Some supported living communities promote themselves 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 services offered in the comfort of your own self-contained home in the village or purchase private home care services through the provider.
No asset-testing or ACAT assessments
Acquiring one of these homes, which is not government-funded, is surprisingly easy. There is no need for asset- or income-testing and also no need for an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) that nursing homes require.
If you already receive home support benefits before moving to a supported living community, you can stay with your current provider.
Staff at supported living communities
Carers are always available to help out with daily housekeeping chores such as cleaning, vacuuming, clothes washing and ironing.
Registered nurses can prepare suitable care plans individually tailored to your health care requirements, including regular health checks, medication management, wound and skin care, palliative in-home care, illness prevention, pharmaceutical support and medication reminders.
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.
Choosing a supported living community
There are various factors which may determine your transition to a particular supported living community.
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.’
Extra services
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, 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 home is entirely ‘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
A phone
A choice of meals
A 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 can’t 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 being delivered.
Aged care homes that offer extra services are listed in the residential table starting on page 134.
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.
Cultural services
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 Western Australia, contact WA PICAC member, Fortis Consulting, by calling 08 9300 3165.
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 1800 131 450.
See pages 153–156 for a list of aged care homes and Home Care Packages providers in WA who can meet the needs of people from a range of cultures.
Special needs groups
There’s a number of groups of people that the government recognises 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:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) – The care needs of older ATSI people can be quite specific and there is a cultural element that needs to be considered in the delivery of care. See pages 153–156 for an overview of 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.
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 people (CALD) – Aged care services that cater specifically for people who are culturally and linguistically diverse might have staff that speak a foreign language, have specific cultural activities or meet spiritual needs.
The ‘National Ageing and Aged Care Strategy for People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Backgrounds’ helps providers deliver quality care and aims to make culturally appropriate aged care more accessible. See pages 153–156 for a list of culturally appropriate homes and services.
Disability – 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.
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.
Without shelter – If you are experiencing homelessness or if you’re at risk of becoming homeless, there are government-funded services that can help solve your housing problems, or assist with financial or legal issues.
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 options in aged care that are available to all Australians. Rural & regional clients – 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 including high levels of emotional and cultural support in old age, as a result of a veterans’ wartime experience. Contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 838 372 or visit www.dva.gov.au for information about support for veterans.
Special needs groups
Volunteer Visitors Scheme
Volunteer Visitors Scheme
Older Australians experience high rates of loneliness and social isolation, but there are different initiatives to improve social connection and encourage interaction in the community.
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) is a program that targets loneliness and isolation in older Australians. This initiative, from the Department of Health, uses volunteer visitors to meet with people on a regular basis to provide friendship and social inclusion.
As Australia’s population ages and people are living longer, the ACVVS is becoming incredibly important for social interaction and life changing engagement.
The ACVVS 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 ACVVS include people who have little contact with family or friends, are isolated from their own culture or heritage, have issues with their mobility that prevent them from participating in social activities or other personal issues that might make it difficult to engage socially.
What service is provided?
The ACVVS tries to connect like-minded individuals and recipients with similar hobbies, interests and likes to facilitate a good friendship.
There’s a number of different types of volunteer visits under the ACVVS:
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 an ACVVS recipient with an approved Home Care Package at their home.
Volunteers are not visiting to monitor your standards of care from your aged care service provider, be involved in any of your financial affairs, access your personal or care record information, provide any form of nursing or personal care or follow up a complaint about your care.
Think of your volunteer visitor as a dear friend that has come over for a cup of coffee and a chat.
To be eligible for the ACVVS, you have to be an older Australian who is at risk of/experiences loneliness, isolation or cultural loneliness. However, you have to be receiving government-subsidised residential aged care or a Home Care Package to be eligible for visits.
For further information about the program in Western Australia, contact the ACVVS on 08 9319 0916 or visit
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 exercise 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 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 Western Australia or visit at opan.com.au .
Carer support
Elder abuse
There are heartbreaking stories of older people being mistreated by the people they trust and who are closest to them.
In one instance, an 85-year-old gentleman appointed a distant relative as his power of attorney and he was neglected, unable to return to his own home, as large sums of money were taken from his bank account without permission.
Another tragic story involved a woman who became depressed and fearful, because her son, who lived with addiction, abused her verbally and psychologically, stole from her and left her isolated.
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, sexual or negligent.
A report from the World Health Organization (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.
Carer support
There are
over 2.65
million unpaid carers across Australia. Caring for someone can be fulfilling, but balancing work, care and personal time can be challenging for some.
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.
There are some great support options available to assist you with practical or emotional support and you may be eligible for financial support from the Australian Government.
Support groups and counselling services
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 are or have experienced situations similar to yours, sharing anecdotes and advice.
Carer support groups are completely confidential and can also help you to: discover new information; get along to education or training workshops; participate and get involved in activities.
Support lines
Several support lines and websites are available to assist carers, just like you, in looking after older people.
Some helpful support services include:
Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 – helps you find local support services; gives advice on a range of topics, such as health and wellbeing, financial and legal consideration; can connect you with other carers
National Dementia Helpline – 1800 100 500 – provides information and support about dementia; can 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, such as 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 on servicesaustralia.gov.au or call 13 27 17.
Carer support
Are you concerned that you or someone you love is experiencing memory loss?
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’s over 100 different types of dementia. The most common types are: Alzheimer’s – which attacks the brain resulting in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour
Dementia support Memory change – is it dementia?
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.
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’s 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
Specialised support
Eating difficulties
Repeated calling out
Repetitive questioning
Wandering
Hoarding
Resistive to care
Unwanted sexualised behaviour
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.
DBMAS has a multi-disciplinary team of experienced health care professionals such as registered nurses, social workers, clinical psychologists, geriatricians, speech pathologists and dietitians.
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 .
Dementia support
End-of-life care
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.
Today we are encouraged to plan ahead. Pre-planning your funeral gives you the assurance that your choices will be acted upon. Pre-paying your funeral gives you a fixed price so your family won’t be faced with the burden of any increases to these costs. Feel true peace of mind knowing that the emotional and financial stress of arranging your funeral will be taken care of.
Seniors Card members receive a $250 discount on Premium Pre-Paid Fees.
*T&C’s Apply
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.
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.
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.'
Council District
Page Reference Home CareResidential
Albany 129-131146
Armadale 123-127134
Ashburton 129-131
Augusta-Margaret River 129-131146
Bassendean 123-127134
Bayswater 123-127134
Belmont 123-127134-136
Beverley 129-131146
Boddington 129-131
Boyup Brook 129-131147
Bridgetown-Greenbushes 129-131147
Brookton 129-131147
Broome 129-131147
Broomehill-Tambellup 129-131
Bruce Rock 129-131147
Bunbury 129-131147
Busselton 129-131147
Cambridge 123-127136
Canning 123-127136
Capel 129-131
Carnamah 129-131
Carnarvon 129-131147
Chapman Valley 129-131
Chittering 129-131
Claremont 123-127137
Cockburn 123-127137
Collie 129-131147
Coolgardie 129-131
Coorow 129-131
Corrigin 129-131148
Cottesloe 123-127137
Cranbrook 129-131
Cuballing 129-131
Cue 129-131
Cunderdin 129-131
Dalwallinu 129-131148
Dandaragan 129-131
Dardanup 129-131148
Denmark 129-131148
Derby-West Kimberley 129-131148
Donnybrook-Balingup 129-131148
Dowerin 129-131
Dumbleyung 129-131148
Dundas 129-131148
East Fremantle 123-127138
East Pilbara 129-131
Council District Page Reference Home CareResidential
Esperance 129-131148
Exmouth 129-131148
Fremantle 123-127138
Gingin 129-131
Gnowangerup 129-131149
Goomalling 129-131149
Gosnells 123-127138
Greater Geraldton 129-131149
Halls Creek 129-131149
Harvey 129-131149
Irwin 129-131149
Jerramungup 129-131
Joondalup 123-127138-139
Kalamunda 123-127139
Kalgoorlie-Boulder 129-131149
Karratha 129-131149
Katanning 129-131149
Kellerberrin 129-131150
Kent 129-131
Kojonup 129-131150
Kondinin 129-131150
Koorda 129-131
Kulin 129-131
Kwinana 123-127140
Lake Grace 129-131150
Laverton 129-131150
Leonora 129-131
Mandurah 129-131150
Manjimup 129-131150
Meekatharra 129-131150
Melville 123-127140
Menzies 129-131
Merredin 129-131151
Mingenew 129-131
Moora 129-131151
Morawa 129-131151
Mosman Park 123-127141
Mount Magnet 129-131
Mount Marshall 129-131
Mukinbudin 129-131
Mundaring 123-127141
Murchison 129-131
Murray 129-131151
Nannup 129-131151
Narembeen 129-131151
Narrogin 129-131151
Council District Page Reference Home CareResidential
Nedlands 123-127141
Ngaanyatjarraku 129-131151
Northam
129-131151
Northampton 129-131151
Nungarin 129-131
Peppermint Grove 123-127
Perenjori 129-131
Perth 123-127141
Pingelly 129-131
Plantagenet 129-131151
Port Hedland 129-131151
Quairading 129-131152
Ravensthorpe 129-131152
Rockingham 123-127142
Sandstone 129-131
Serpentine-Jarrahdale 123-127142
Shark Bay 129-131
South Perth 123-127142
Stirling 123-127142-143
Subiaco 123-127144
Swan 123-127144
Tammin 129-131
Three Springs 129-131152
Toodyay 129-131
Trayning 129-131152
Upper Gascoyne 129-131
Victoria Park 123-127144
Victoria Plains 129-131
Vincent 123-127145
Wagin 129-131152
Wandering 129-131
Wanneroo 123-127145-146
Waroona 129-131152
West Arthur 129-131
Westonia 129-131
Wickepin 129-131
Williams 129-131
Wiluna 129-131
Wongan-Ballidu 129-131152
Woodanilling 129-131
Wyalkatchem 129-131152
Wyndham-East Kimberley 129-131152
Yalgoo 129-131
Yilgarn 129-131152
York 129-131152
Suburb & town reference index
please refer to the next closest suburb.
Suburb / Town Page
Albany 146
Alfred Cove 140
Alkimos 145
Applecross 140
Armadale 134
Ascot 134
Aubin Grove 137
Augusta 146
Balcatta 142
Bassendean 134
Bateman 140
Bayswater 134
Belmont 134 Bentley 136
Beverley 146
Bicton 140
Bluff Point 149
Booragoon 140
Boyup Brook 147
Bridgetown 147
Broadwater 147
Brookton 147
Broome 147
Bruce Rock 147
Bull Creek 140
Bunbury 147
Busselton 147
Byford 142
Calista 140
Camillo 134
Canning Vale 136
Carine 142
Carlisle 144
Carmel 139
Carnarvon 147
Claremont 137
Collie 147
Como 142
Coolbellup 137
Cooloongup 142
Corrigin 148
Cottesloe 137
Dalwallinu 148
Denmark 148 Derby 148 Dianella 142
Donnybrook 148
Suburb / Town
In-home Care Services
See De nition of terms page 162-163
In-home Care Services
See De nition of
Abbreviations
O M E C A R E P A C K A G E S
Home Care Packages directory –approved providers
Approved Home Care Package (HCP) providers deliver home care and support services to members of the community who live at home.
If you’ve been approved for a government-funded HCP of any type you may approach any approved HCP provider to provide the services you need.
Some providers may only service one region while others can service multiple areas.
On the following pages you’ll find alphabetical lists of approved providers in Western Australia.
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 reference tables are organised in five metropolitan regions: Metro East, Metro North, Metro South, Perth North, and Perth South. Metropolitan listings start on page 123.
Tables organised into the five regional areas of Far North, Mid North, Mid West, South and South East then follow on page 129.
The lists below and on the next page are a quick reference guide to help you find in which group council districts in metropolitan are listed. For example, Claremont LGA is grouped under Perth North.
HCP metropolitan council districts
North Canning
Nedlands Perth North
Peppermint
North
Perth Perth North
Rockingham
South
North Cockburn
Cottesloe
Serpentine-Jarrahdale
South
North East
Fremantle
Gosnells
Joondalup
South
South
East
North Kalamunda
Kwinana
East
South
South South
South
Stirling Perth North
Subiaco Perth North Swan
Victoria
North
South Vincent
North
North Wanneroo
HCP regional council districts
Council District Region
Albany South
Ashburton Far North
Augusta-Margaret River South
Beverley Mid West
Boddington South
Boyup Brook South
Bridgetown-Greenbushes South
Brookton South
Broome Far North
Broomehill-Tambellup South
Bruce Rock Mid West
Bunbury South
Busselton South
Capel South
Carnamah Mid West
Carnarvon Mid North
Chapman Valley Mid West
Chittering Mid West
Collie South
Coolgardie South East
Coorow Mid West
Corrigin South
Cranbrook South
Cuballing South
Cue Mid North
Cunderdin Mid West
Dalwallinu Mid West
Dandaragan Mid West
Dardanup South
Denmark South
Derby-West Kimberley Far North
Donnybrook-Balingup South
Dowerin Mid West
Dumbleyung South
Dundas South East
East Pilbara Far North
Council District Region
Esperance
South East
Exmouth Far North
Gingin Mid West
Gnowangerup
South
Goomalling Mid West
Greater Geraldton Mid West
Halls Creek Far North
Harvey South
Irwin Mid West
Jerramungup South
Kalgoorlie-Boulder South East
Karratha Far North
Katanning South
Kellerberrin Mid West
Kent South
Kojonup South
Kondinin South
Koorda
Mid West
Kulin South
Lake Grace South
Laverton Mid North
Leonora Mid North
Mandurah South
Manjimup
Meekatharra
Menzies
Merredin
Mingenew
Moora
Morawa
Mount Magnet
Mount Marshall
Mukinbudin
South
Mid North
South East
Mid West
Mid West
Mid West
Mid West
Mid North
Mid West
Mid West
Murchison Mid North
Murray South
Nannup
South
Council District Region
Narembeen
Mid West
Narrogin South
Ngaanyatjarraku
Northam
Northampton
Nungarin
Perenjori
Pingelly
Mid North
Mid West
Mid North
Mid West
Mid West
South
Plantagenet South
Port Hedland Far North
Quairading Mid West
Ravensthorpe South East
Sandstone Mid North
Shark Bay Mid North
Tammin Mid West
Three Springs Mid West
Toodyay
Trayning
Upper Gascoyne
Victoria Plains
Wagin
Wandering
Waroona
West Arthur
Westonia
Wickepin
Mid West
Mid West
Mid North
Mid West
South
South
South
South
Mid West
South
Williams South
Wiluna
Wongan-Ballidu
Woodanilling
Wyalkatchem
Mid North
Mid West
South
Mid West
Wyndham-East Kimberley Far North
Yalgoo Mid North
Yilgarn South East
York Mid West
Council (LGA*) maps
These maps provide you with a geographical reference to the council areas in Western Australia.
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 Z and 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. e
General packages suitable for all eligible clients
Packages for people with dementia 8
These icons help you find the packages that are most suitable for you.
Packages for veterans Z
Packages for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged
Packages for people with housing needs and at risk of homelessness
Packages for people who live in rural, remote or isolated areas
Like most people, Joan found getting care for her husband at home really complicated. Until she called me.
Leonie Demunk, Home Care Coordinator
“Joan was finding it harder to care for her husband Arthur, as his needs increased. She was also finding it overwhelmingly complicated to get the added support he needed to continue living at home. My professional training and hands-on experience at Amana Living meant I was able to explain things in plain language and help her through each of the steps, just like we’ve done for thousands of other people.
If you’re also finding all of this a bit complicated, just call me, and we’ll sort it out together.”
Professionally trained. Naturally kind.
“
General packages suitable for all eligible clients
A
Packages for people with dementia
These icons help you find the packages that are most suitable for you. e
Packages for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged
Packages for people with housing needs and at risk of homelessness
Packages for people who live in rural, remote or isolated areas
8. Asian, Burmese, CALD, Indian, Sinhalese, Sri Lankan,Tamil
9. Asian, CALD, European, South African; bilingual volunteers
General packages suitable for all eligible clients
Managing services
Packages for people with dementia
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 Regional Western Australia
Packages for people who live in rural, remote or isolated areas
Packages for veterans
Note: 1. Bosnian, Croatian, European, Filipino, Slavic 3. Asian, CALD, European, South African; bilingual volunteers 2. Bosnian, Croatian, FormerYugoslavian, Serbian, Slavic 4. ATSI, packages for clients in remote Aboriginal communities
How to read the residential tables
Residential icon definitions
Icons in the residential listings represent various types of services available in aged care facilities.
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.
Western Australia Residential aged care homes
Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs
ARMADALE to BELMONT
ARMADALE Council
Armadale 6112
Kelmscott 6111
Council
Bassendean 6054
6053
Embleton 6062 Juniper Karinya (frmrly
Maylands 6051
Morley 6062 Juniper
Noranda 6062
Council Ascot 6104
Belmont 6104
Redcli
When Annie lost her hearing, she began to lose her connection with Jack, too. I just had to do something.
Nezha Delorme, Amana Living Client Services Manager
“Annie had a stroke and lost her hearing. It became so hard for her to communicate with her friends and family, and it was especially hard on her husband, Jack, who loves her dearly and is her prime carer.
During my training I’d learned how relationships can become strained as physical or communication difficulties arise. So, with the help of our IT team, we created a solution. We got an iPad for Annie and showed them how to use dictation software that converted Jack’s spoken words into text. It brought so much happiness back into their lives. And into mine.”
Professionally trained. Naturally kind.
“
Councils (LGAs) and then Suburbs
BELMONT continued to CANNING
BELMONT Council continued Rivervale 6103
Council
Jolimont 6014
Mount Claremont 6010 Aegis Montgomery
Wembley 6014
Canning Vale 6155
Ferndale 6148 Howard
Rossmoyne 6148
Shelley 6148
CLAREMONT to COTTESLOE
Claremont 6010
COCKBURN
Aubin Grove 6164
Coolbellup 6163 Amana Living Coolbellup Hale Hostel
All extra service providers are also listed in the directory on pages 134–152
(08) See page 133 a for de nitions
Amana Living Lady McCusker Home27 Beddi RdDuncraig 6023 1300 262 626 6052
Amana Living Peter Arney Home 1 GentilliWay Salter Point 6152 1300 262 626 10086
Bedingfeld Lodge4 Bedingfeld RdPinjarra 6208 9531
Bethanie Fields111 Eaton DrEaton 6232
Bethanie Subiaco45 Bishop StJolimont 6014 13
Carnarvon Health Campus Gnullingoo MiaCleaver StCarnarvon 6701 9941
Hall & Prior Clarence Estate AC Home55 Hardie RdSpencer Park 6330 9841 5999
Howard Solomon Residential Estate91 Hybanthus RdFerndale
Karingal Green Health and Aged Care53 Hawkevale Rd HighWycombe 6057
Garden Four Seasons
Culturally appropriate aged care homes
Table of aged care homes/residential care facilities offering culturally appropriate services
The following table is only a guide and the information should not be interpreted that these homes are exclusive to the noted cultural group or the only homes that offer quality services to these cultural groups. Aged care homes should care for everyone, regardless of sexuality, race or religious identity. The homes listed below have directly indicated to DPS that they have specific training, expertise, funding or a heightened understanding of the special needs of the cultural group.
Cultural Group
ATSI Amana Living Kalgoorlie Edward Collick Home Kalgoorlie 1300 050 938 16787
NESB Hellenic Community Aged CareDianella 9303 3870 16774
Polish Residency by Dillons Mount LawleyMount Lawley 9271 5674 16697
Portuguese Villa Dalmacia Aged Care FacilitySpearwood 9418 5222 16763
Serbian MYVISTA BalcattaBalcatta 6393 1000 16676
Serbian MYVISTA MirrabookaMirrabooka 9207 4666 38885
Vietnamese Residency by Dillons Mount LawleyMount Lawley 9271 5674 16697
Culturally appropriate Home Care Packages
Table of Home Care Package (HCP) providers offering culturally appropriate services
The following table is only a guide and the information should not be interpreted that these Home Care Packages are exclusive to the noted cultural group or the only packages that offer quality services to these cultural groups. All Home Care Packages are tailored to care for people regardless of sexuality, race or religious identity. The service providers of these Home Care Packages, listed below, have directly indicated to DPS that they have specific training, expertise, funding or a heightened understanding of the special needs of the cultural group.
Cultural Group Service Provider PHONE (08) DPS Web ID
African Abigail Mamas Healthcare Services
0401 093 396 65824
African Comfort Keepers Perth - South of the River 9315 2200 19580
Acacia Living GroupTurquoise Coast Respite CentreJurien Bay 9652 0499 9999999
Living Group, Geraldton Respite CentreGeraldton 9920 7200 9999999
Home Care ServicesSpencer Park 9841 8668 9999999
Ella's House - MandurahGreen elds 9535 8772
Hawthorn House - AlbanyAlbany 9841 3755
Centre-based Care (CBC)
See De nition of terms page 162-163
Alzheimer'sWA Mary Chester House - Shenton ParkShenton Park 1300 667 788
Amana Living Club Alexander Heights (Day Centre) Alexander Heights 9343 6048 9999999
Amana Living Club Bassendean (Day Centre)Ash eld 1300 020 161
Amana Living Club Catherine King (Day Centre)Osborne Park 9424 6949
Amana Living Club Kinross (Day Centre)Kinross 9462 8535 9999999
Amana Living Club Lefroy (Day Centre)Bull Creek 9424 6625 9999999
Amana Living Club Quinns Rocks (Day Centre)Quinns Rocks 9305 9017 9999999
Centre-based Care (CBC)
See De nition
Day Therapy Centres
Products & Services
ADVOCACY AND INFORMATION
Aged Care Placement Consultants
(08)
0449 678 535 111 63285
Catholic Homes - Products and Services 1300 244 000 26, 75 38925
Italo-AustralianWelfare & Cultural Centre Inc (ACVVS) 9228 2220 2 37632
Italo-AustralianWelfare & Cultural Centre Inc (GeneralWelfare) 9228 2220 2 37633
Italo-AustralianWelfare & Cultural Centre Inc (Emergency Relief) 9228 2220 2 37998
Polio Australia 03 9016 7678 43 71086
Simpatica 0403 297 869 97 62671
St Barts Care Finder 9323 5100 141 38135
Stress Less Aged Care Consultancy 0414 772 977 93 38884
ASSESSMENTS
Amana Living McCusker Nurse Service North 9424 6396 IFC, 124, 135 37626
Amana Living McCusker Nurse Service South 9424 6697 IFC, 124, 135 37979
Care Net Community Nursing Services 9385 5100 30 37795
Catholic Homes - Products and Services 1300 244 000 26, 75 38925
Italo-AustralianWelfare & Cultural Centre Inc (ACVVS) 9228 2220 2 37632
Italo-AustralianWelfare & Cultural Centre Inc (GeneralWelfare) 9228 2220 2 37633
Italo-AustralianWelfare & Cultural Centre Inc (Emergency Relief) 9228 2220 2 37998
Right at Home KalgoorlieWheatbelt 9035 0417 34 61807
Right at Home Perth Midland 6146 0085 34 38327
Right at Home Perth Northern Suburbs 6202 8033 34 22378
Right at Home Perth South Eastern Suburbs 6556 7008 34 63496
Right at Home PerthWest Coast 6400 5888 34 62674
Right at Home RightCare 07 3054 1360 34 22069
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
MercyCare Community Nursing 9442 3498 35 37402
Surgical House - Healthcare Equipment 9381 4199 53 37785
CASE MANAGEMENT
Care Net Community Nursing Services 9385 5100 30 37795
Catholic Homes - Products and Services 1300 244 000 26, 75 38925
Italo-AustralianWelfare & Cultural Centre Inc (ACVVS) 9228 2220 2 37632
Italo-AustralianWelfare & Cultural Centre Inc (GeneralWelfare) 9228 2220 2 37633
Italo-AustralianWelfare & Cultural Centre Inc (Emergency Relief) 9228 2220 2 37998
Right at Home KalgoorlieWheatbelt 9035 0417 34 61807
Right at Home Perth Midland 6146 0085 34 38327
Right at Home Perth Northern Suburbs 6202 8033 34 22378
Right at Home Perth South Eastern Suburbs 6556 7008 34 63496
Right at Home PerthWest Coast 6400 5888 34 62674
Right at Home RightCare 07 3054 1360 34 22069
St Barts Care Finder 9323 5100 141 38135
Stress Less Aged Care Consultancy 0414 772 977 93 38884
DEMENTIA ADVISORS
Aged Care Placement
Products & Services
Products & Services
971 771
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. Page103
Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) – Assess and approve older people for Australian Government-subsidised aged care services. Page15
ATSI – Services offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older aged people and their carers. Page107
Booked Respite Beds – Taking a break from your role as carer, it’s advisable to book a respite bed in advance. Prior assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Service required. Page43
CALD – Services offered to culturally and linguistically diverse older aged people and their carers. Page105
Care Community (CC) – Private self-contained accommodation run by approved providers where you can access 24/7 care through government-funded Home Care packages or privately funded supports. Page103
Care Plan – Developed by the service providing your care and outlines care needs and instructions on how these needs will be met. Page98
Carer Gateway – This online resource and helpline provides support by linking carers to information, counselling, respite and other services. Page43
Centre-based Care (CBC) – Services, respite and activities for social and recreational independence in a ‘centre setting’ for aged/frail clients and their carers. Page47
CHSP Funded – An in-home or centre-based care service funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Programme government initiative. Page20
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. Page19
Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) – This is a daily payment to a government-funded aged care facility, paid periodically, for example: monthly. This is not a refundable payment. Page80
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 disability. Page47
Dementia Services – Services offered to clients with dementia and/or challenging behaviours, as well as their carers. Page112
Domestic Assistance – Help washing of clothes, dishes, floors, wet areas, ironing, minor meal preparation, vacuuming, changing bed linen,dusting and cleaning living areas. Page20
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. Page104
Home Maintenance/Gardening – Assistance with replacement of tap washers, light globes, minor weeding/pruning, sweeping of outdoor areas, minor carpentry repairs and gutter cleaning. May include window cleaning. Page9
LGBTIQ – Some aged care services offer specific care to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning residents. Page107
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. Page18
Medication Supervision – Service provider attends the client’s home daily to assist in dispensing medication. Page70
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. Page107
Nursing &/or Palliative Care – Registered or Enrolled Nurses visiting the home to dispense medication and provide care. Page114
Personal Care – Assistance with personal hygiene, washing, showering, bathing, dressing, feeding and toiletting. Page77
RAD/DAP Combination – This includes both partial lump sum and daily payments for aged care accommodation. Page80
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. Page80
Regional Assessment Service (RAS) – In home assessments of new and existing clients/carers for CHSP services. Page15
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. Page43
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. Page112
Service Fee – A fee to cover the services offered by a retirement village, including maintenance, improvements, utilities and council rates etc. Page78
Single Bedrooms with Ensuites – This facility offers (a number of) single bedrooms with attached bathroom. Might not be every room in the home. Page56
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. Page72
Social &/or Recreational Support – The client participates in social or recreational activities either in their home or at a community, day or recreational centre. Page20
Supported & Assisted Living (SL) – Supported & assisted living communities offer accommodation and care to residents on a fee for service basis without government-funding. Page103
Supported Residential Service (SRS) – Privately run aged care facility that provides similar accommodation and care to that of a government-funded facility, but without the funding support.
Transport – Organising or providing transport services such as bus, taxi, private car etc. For CBC – transport to and from the centre. Page49
