Supported Residential Services

Supported Residential Services (SRS) are generally private businesses that provide accommodation and care for residents similar to residential aged care but on a fee basis.

They are not funded by the Australian Government and therefore not governed by the Aged Care Act of 1997. This also means you don’t need an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment to access care in an SRS. They must, however, be registered with the Queensland Government and are monitored to ensure they provide certain standards of care and accommodation.

SRS are private low level category aged care homes providing the same services as government funded homes but without the requirement of accommodation payments. They range from small sites accommodating as few as five people to larger facilities with up to 80 residents.

SRS are required to provide services that respect the rights of residents, safely administer medications, provide well-balanced meals and a safe home-like environment.

The care they provide usually includes assistance with:

Showering

Personal hygiene

Toileting

Dressing

Meals and medication

Physical and emotional support

Some SRS also provide nursing or allied health services.

The fees, standards and services provided by SRS varies, so it is important to look at as many as possible to ensure you find the one that best suits your needs in terms of level of care and services.

There must be at least one staff member for every 30 residents, extra staff to provide adequate levels of care for residents, and sufficient staff (at least one) on site overnight to respond to residents’ care needs and to ensure the safety of residents.

SRS are able to set their own fees and charges. The range of fees can be anywhere from about 85 percent of the pension up to $1,000 per week or more.

What services are available?

While SRS do not receive direct government funding, you may be able to access some government funded services and community services. These services may include allied health, mental health, disability services, Veterans’ Affairs and neighbourhood houses.

As an SRS resident, you’ll need to meet the same eligibility criteria for government funded services as other people in the community.

You will not be eligible for home support services that are already provided by the SRS, such as delivered meals, home care, home maintenance and personal care.

You may be eligible for other services such as home nursing, social support and allied health.