When your needs increase

Most older Australians want to live in their own home for as long as possible, whether this is in the family home or a new home in a retirement community.

You may be fit and healthy when you make the move into a village but over time you may find yourself needing a bit of help with little things such as doing the shopping or the laundry.

Most retirement villages offer some basic in home support for when your needs increase and you need some assistance to remain living independently. They may have care staff on site or outsource these services to third party providers.

Some retirement village operators also give their residents the option to access various levels of personal care, nursing care or domestic assistance in the comfort of their own home.

Ageing in place

Ageing in place is a positive approach to meeting your needs as you age, supporting you to live safely and independently in your own home, or with some assistance, for as long as possible and regardless of your ability.

It means you stay in control of your life and wellbeing and you get to choose where you live and how you are supported.

Some retirement village operators have the option to opt in to a menu of services that make life just that little bit easier when your needs increase.

There may even be the option to access round the clock care, in the comfort of your own unit or apartment. This way you can continue living as part of the same community while still having access to all the support you require to live well.

It could also mean having access to certain technologies to help you do things without help or be safe in the knowledge that if something happens to you staff will be close by to help.

Government support

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 help with shopping, providing meals, transport assistance and home maintenance but can also include things like personal care, medication supervision or continence management.

Depending on how much help you need, Government support is offered through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or a Home Care Package (HCP). An aged care assessment will determine which program will best meet your needs.

To find out more about the different support options available in your own home go to the Home Care Guide starting on page 80D.

Moving to supported living

Another option to consider if you find you need a higher level of support, is to move into a different type of accommodation that offers more assistance. 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:

◆ Supported Living

Supported or assisted living complexes are considered a mix between retirement villages and aged care facilities. It is an ideal option if you don't need 24/7 care but still require day to day assistance. You'll be able to live independently while receiving some form of care and generally you can add on more support if your needs increase.

It is different from aged care because you still own the home or unit you'll be living in compared to making an accommodation payment to stay in an aged care facility. Some retirement villages may offer this combination of accommodation and care on site so you don't have to move out of the village to access it. However, unlike in a retirement village, you’ll also have access to various levels of support services including personal care and nursing care. These services are provided in the privacy of your own home, a choice not available in nursing homes.

Because they're not Government funded there is no income or asset testing and 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 extra 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.

Assisting living can also be a great option for older couples who want to still be able to live together. These units, apartments or houses allow for the person who needs assistance to receive that care, while their partner can feel like they are living in their own home.

There are usually ongoing weekly service charges, plus additional and optional services you can pay for like laundry services.

◆ Supported Residential Services and Facilities

These private nursing homes provide similar accommodation and care to Government funded aged care facilities on a fee basis.

Because they are not funded by the Australian Government you don’t need to meet any of the Government’s eligibility criteria for aged care.

The care provided by SRS 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 such as allied and mental health support, 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 get 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) if you're living 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.