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When your needs increase
Most retirement villages offer in home support when your needs increase and you need some assistance to remain living independently.
Supported Living
Supported living communities combine the best advantages of retirement villages and nursing homes.
In a supported living community you buy and have the leasehold title to your own home, as in many retirement villages.
However, unlike in a retirement village, you’ll have access to various levels of personal care and nursing care provided in the privacy of your own home, a choice not available in nursing homes.
Acquiring one of these homes, which is not Government funded, is surprisingly easy. As with a retirement village, there is no
Some retirement village operators give their residents the option to access various levels of personal care, nursing care or domestic assistance in the comfort of their own home.
They may have care staff on site or outsource these services to third party providers.
Retirement villages do not receive Government funding but if you live in a retirement village and your accommodation contract does not include home support services you may be able to access Government subsidised support at home or choose to pay for services yourself.
In home care products and services range from assistance with daily chores including personal care, providing meals, transport assistance and home maintenance. Go to the Home Care Guide starting on page 80D to find out more about the different support options available in your own home.
Moving to supported care
If your care needs increase during your stay at a retirement village, you may need to consider a higher level of support or even consider moving into a different type of accommodation.
Leaving the village may not be necessary as some villages offer this type of care on site. There are a few different options to consider when you’re wanting to maintain some independence while also having access to additional support options when needed.
need for asset testing or income testing, and there is no need for an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team/Service (ACAT/S) that Government funded nursing homes require.
Supported living providers may offer additional home care services at an additional cost or you may be eligible for Government funded in home support. If you already receive home support benefits before moving to a supported living community you can stay with your current provider.
Supported Residential Services and Facilities
Supported Residential Services (SRSs) or Supported Residential Facilities (SRFs) (as they are known in South Australia) are generally private businesses that provide accommodation and care for residents on a fee basis.
While they provide similar care to Government funded aged care facilities, they are not funded by the Australian Government. This means you don’t need to meet the Government’s eligibility criteria to access care in a SRS/F. The care provided by SRSs and SRFs usually includes assistance with showering, personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, meals and medication, as well as physical and emotional support. Some SRSs/ SRFs also provide nursing or allied health services.
The fees, standards and services provided by SRSs/SRFs vary, 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.
While SRSs and SRFs do not receive direct Government funding, you may be able to access some subsidised services. These services may include allied and mental health, disability services and Veterans’ Affairs. As a SRS/SRF resident you’ll need to meet the same eligibility criteria for Government funded home care services as other people in the community.
Residential aged care
If you are unable to continue living independently you may choose to move into an aged care home to ensure you have the quality of care you deserve.
Some retirement villages offer aged care accommodation to residents on site in another purpose built complex within the community.
Entry into a Government funded aged care home requires approval from an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria. There are also private nursing homes where you will be responsible for the payment of all associated costs. These can vary between different providers and areas across the country.
The Aged Care Guide offers a detailed explanation of accessing residential aged care and lists all Government funded aged care homes in Australia.
Visit AgedCareGuide.com.au or call 1300 186 688 for more information or to order a printed copy of the Aged Care Guide for your State or Territory.
