call 07 3053 3700
Aged Care Guide - Next Steps
An aged care guide for entering a home
If you are considering aged care accommodation for a loved one who is no longer able to stay in their own home, it’s important to understand the entry process. To help you, below is an aged care guide and the pathway to follow for placing a permanent resident into an aged care home.
Narangba Aged Care is subsidised by the Australian Government who pay the majority of the fees and charges for aged care. However, residents may be asked to contribute towards these costs if they can afford to.
First Steps
Are They Eligible?
Your loved one may be eligible for Australian Government subsidised care within an aged care home if they are an older person who can no longer live independently in their own place. To determine if your loved one is eligible, they will need an assessment.
Undertake an Eligibility Assessment
You will need to contact a member of an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for an assessment. The assessment is free and will identify if your loved one is eligible for aged care. The assessment is usually undertaken by a nurse, social worker or other health professionals.
This assessment is also needed for ones requiring
respite accommodation and care.
To find your local ACAT, call My Aged Care on
1800 200 422.
After the assessment, you will receive a letter to confirm the outcome of the assessment and if the person has been approved for aged care. The letter will outline what services they can receive. This will help as an aged care guide to match their care needs with a suitable home.
Services and Care
As part of Narangba Aged Care’s service offering, we will help your loved one with everyday tasks, personal care and 24 hour nursing assistance.
Next Steps
The Pathway for Entry into an Aged Care Home
Once your loved one has been assessed and a letter received confirming their eligibility, the below aged care guide and pathway explains how to enter into an aged care home. It may be useful to follow these next steps in order
to help manage services and personal needs.
Contractual Agreement
Manage services
Identify a
suitable aged care home
Find out the
cost
Apply
and accept an offer
1. Find Out the Cost
Your loved one may be asked by an aged care home to pay towards the cost of their care, accommodation and daily living fees. This amount will depend on an individuals’ financial situation. It is important that your loved one understands the different costs and charges and these may vary from home to home. The person entering an aged care home may be entitled to financial assistance so it is recommended to speak to Centrelink and/or a financial advisor.
Also refer to our ‘fees and payment explained’.
2. Identify a Suitable Aged Care Home
When choosing an aged care home, it’s important that the place meets the needs of your loved one. Ensure that it also suits their lifestyle and that they will be happy to live there. Aged care homes differ from place to place. Therefore, in order to make an informed decision, it is recommended to visit a home with your loved one to see and experience it for yourself and to also have your questions answered.
3. Apply and Accept an Offer
Application forms are available from individual aged care homes. The forms will need to be completed and returned to the home. The home will then make contact with you or your loved one if suitable accommodation becomes available. The offer can then be accepted.
Call us directly on 07 3053 3700 or
email info@narangbaagedcare.com.au
for an application pack.
4. Enter Into a Contractual Agreement
Once your loved one has been offered a place within an aged care home which is accepted, they will need to enter into a legal resident and accommodation agreement before they move in. The agreement covers services, fees, rights and responsibilities. It is important to understand this agreement and it is encouraged to seek professional or legal advice if you are unsure of anything. A resident agreement will also need to be signed for respite care.
5. Manage Services
Your loved one has the freedom to decide what they would like to do each day. They control their own personal and financial matters and possessions. Family and friends are welcome to visit and a resident is can leave the home and visit them also. They can still go on holidays, vote and they don’t lose any other citizen rights.