Getting Started
Prior to admission to an aged care facility you need to be assessed as in need of care by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The assessment will determine whether you are eligible for High Care Level or Low Care Level. An ACAT assessment can be arranged by the person who is to be assessed, their doctor or a person acting as their advocate by contacting the Department of Health & Ageing ACAT team for their region.
High Care Facilty
A high care facility has 24hour nursing care where residents require 24hr assistance, for more acute physical or mental health needs.
Low Care Facility
A low care facility provides nursing supervision and on-call staff at night. Residents may have health problems but are more independent. Some Low Care facilities have “ageing in place”, where if your health needs progress to High Care it may be available at the same site and you may not need to move.
Waiting Lists
Some Aged Care facilities have waiting lists and the lengths of these lists can vary between facilities. Contact should be made with a number of facilities in the your area of preference. Waiting lists for Aged Care Facilities do not work on a first in first served basis. Residents are admitted on the basis of need, care requirements, suitability for the particular facility as well as length of time on the waiting list. You may have to accept a vacancy which is not your first choice, but keep in touch with your preferred facilities to indicate continued interest. For further information on vacancies you can contact the Seniors Information Service on (08) 8232 1441 or country freecall 1800 636 368.
Care Fees & Accommondation Charges
All fees for low care and high care facilities are regulated by the Commonwealth Government. Full pensioners will pay 85% of the age pension (approximately $28 per day), while part-pensioners and self-funded retirees may be asked to pay an income tested fee above the standard rate. Daily care fees are obligatory and these fees pay for services such as meals, 24 hour emergency staff, bedding & equipment and basic medical and pharmaceutical needs.
Accommodation bonds (for low care ) or Accommodation charges (for high care) are charged if you have assets and income over the minimum amount set by the Commonwealth Government. This rate is calculated based the size of your assets (as stated on a statutory declaration) and it is capped at a maximum that can be asked for. The accommodation bond or charge must be arranged and agreed in writing between the resident (or advocate) and the facility. For further information on fees and charges you can contact the Department of Health & Ageing Hotline on 1800 500 853 or Centrelink on 13 24 68.
Accreditation
All Aged Care Facilities are required to meet certain standards in regard to care, staffing, safety and building standards. The service they offer and the type of environment has to meet a minimum level. The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency has the job of assessing facilities for accreditation. Facilities work very hard to try and receive three years (the maximum) accreditation and awards can be given for higher ratings of Accreditation with “Merit” and “Commendable”.