4. Respite and Residential Aged Care
Topic 3 of 4
Getting permanent care right
Permanent residential aged care for our loved ones is probably one of the biggest steps we have to take, and often it’s the hardest. But with the right information it can mean the best possible care for your elder. Which is what we all want.
For a guide to the information you need to choose the best residential aged care, see the screens ‘What to Expect from Residential Aged Care’ and ‘How do we choose’ earlier in this module.
Select ‘Play’ to to listen to Jean’s advice.
So what is important when choosing residential aged care? Well, you might start with the question: where is the best location?
Sometimes our elders would prefer to stay in their own community, but you should consider if this community is close to the family who will be doing most of the visiting.
Then consider these factors: health, safety, care and kindness.
You can check government websites for ratings on compliance and quality. But the best way to find out whether a home is suitable is to visit, ask questions, talk to the staff and talk to the residents.
Also, have a look at the whole place, including the laundry, bathrooms, kitchens and what is around the back. This can all be very confronting, but arriving with a list of everything you need to know will help you stay focused and on track.
Remember, a good home provides quality care, regular medical attention, nutritious meals, safety, social activities and less isolation.
It may also provide you with an opportunity to outsource more of the day-to-day responsibilities and allow you to simply enjoy your loved one’s company.
How do we access permanent residential care?
If you and your elder have decided that permanent Residential Aged Care is the next stage in their care, these are the steps to take to get the process started.
Select each step to learn more.
If your elder does not have a ‘code’ for permanent residential care an assessor will need to assess, approve and generate a code.
This can be for Residential Care in a nursing home, or for those who may live in remote areas, a Multi-Purpose Service (MPS). An MPS in your area may have some aged care beds and be closer to you for visits.
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and ask for an appointment for approval for permanent residential care. Note down which agency will be conducting the assessment.
If your elder has already been approved – even if it was years ago – it still stands. It’s time to call up a Residential Care Home, or several and ask for a tour.
The Assessor will contact you to schedule an appointment. Depending on their capacity, this could take some time. If you need to check up on when they will be doing the assessment, call the agency directly.
The Assessor will come to their home and speak with your elder and any other family or carers present. The assessment is comprehensive, and the assessor may ask for input from carers. They may ask questions around history, health, daily living, what support might be needed, and what your elder is doing independently. They assess cognition and the complexity of health care.
If your elder is approved for Residential Aged Care, then please refer to the guides in this module about choosing the appropriate home in terms of location and quality of care and the 100 other questions you need to ask. But importantly, when you choose a place, you will enter into a legally binding agreement. It is complex. Ask a solicitor to help if you are unsure.
Make sure you are clear not only about care but also about costs.
Managing finances
Every aspect of the aged care system involves finances. It begins with assessing your elder’s ability to pay for care, which includes complicated terms like ‘thresholds’ and ‘deeming.’ Unless you’re financially literate, avoid trying to handle this yourself. Even accountants not familiar with the aged care system may find the financial requirements and regulations challenging.
It is a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of the aged care system and how it works. Please consider professional help.
Select each heading to find who you can reach out to.
What to do next
Here are some tips for what to do once your elder and you have chosen suitable permanent aged care options.
Select each heading to explore these tips.
MODULE 4
