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Getting Started - Care Centres
As you (or someone you care about) get older, you may find you need assistance to do everyday things that used to seem fairly easy, and there may come a time when your home no longer suits your changing needs.
What is a Care Centre?
Care Centres provide accommodation for seniors in suites that are serviced by care staff and nurses. Services can include low level care such as dressing and showering to higher level care such as mobility assistance or the delivery of medication. Often referred to as Residential Care, Care Centres are for seniors who can no longer manage to live at home and are planning for long term accommodation and care.
The thought of changing your home, or the home of someone you are close to, can be emotional and stressful. We understand that considering a Care Centre as part of that move, along with the processes involved in making the right decision, can also add to this complexity.
In the following sections is some information that we hope will assist you in understanding what is involved when searching for a Care Centre.
1. Your care options
Access to Care Centres requires an assessment by the government funded Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) who will discuss your care needs with you.
Some Care Centres are well equipped to handle all levels of care requirements, while others are not, and this is sometimes determined by the level of government funding offered.
Those Care Centres who offer low level care (previously known as hostels) generally provide accommodation and personal care, such as help with dressing and showering, and nursing care, when required.
Those Care Centres who offer high level care (previously known as nursing homes) provide continuous nursing care for those seniors with high dependency needs.
Services offered
All Care Centres must provide a range of care and services for all residents, with some additional services provided for seniors depending on their needs, which include:
- staff available to assist at all times, including in an emergency
- care staff to assist with daily living activities such as bathing or showering, dressing and moving around
- assistance with medications
- provision of meals and refreshments that are tailored according to your diet needs if required
- provision of the furniture you use every day, along with clean linen, and items such as soap and toilet paper
- washing and ironing clothes
- changing bed and bath linen
- cleaning rooms and communal areas
- organising social activities
Services for residents needing additional care include such things as basic medical and pharmaceutical supplies and continence aids.
2. The right location
Preferred surroundings
The Care Centre you choose could depend on a number of factors that may have been taken into consideration when planning your retirement or that you may need to think of now. This can include the location of family, the availability and range of Care Centres in your home community, the urgency of your care needs or your financial capability.
Always remember that when you are looking for a Care Centre to live in, whether for yourself or a loved one, you are looking for a home.
Community Environment
Care Centres organise recreational and social activities, and in some cases can offer amenities such as a gym, spa, pool, or community areas to pursue hobbies. In addition onsite services like hairdressers and restaurants may also be available, however the services, settings and culture can vary enormously.
Some communities develop an elegant, formal atmosphere, while others promote casual friendliness. In most cases communal living is encouraged with family-style meals and required activities, while others may emphasise privacy. A few communities are restricted to members of certain professions, faiths or organisations.
3. What costs to expect
There are 3 different sets of payments that are determined when entering a Care Centre which cover accommodation, care and if you leave. The compulsory costs associated with Care Centres are set and regulated by the Government and depend the level of care you require, as well as your income and assets. However, some costs associated with Care Centres are set by the provider and could vary depending on a number of factors such as your financial capacity, the age of the Community and the range of services offered.
1. Accommodation Payments
Accommodation payments assist in maintaining and improving the accommodation and the quality and range of services provided.
There are two costs determined at the time you move into a Care Centre which can vary depending on your care needs, the Community you choose and an assessment of your assets undertaken by the Government,
- Accommodation Bond – is a one off lump sum (or periodical payments) that may be payable upon entry. Monthly amounts called retention payments may be deducted from the Accommodation Bond, and should be discussed with you prior to entry. The retention amounts are set by the Government and are capped to a maximim of five years. The balance of your Accommodation Bond is fully refundable when you leave the Care Centre. Accommodation Bonds apply to those seniors with lower care needs or opting for Hotel Services, often referred to as Extra Services.
- Accommodation Charge – is an ongoing daily charge that may be payable based on the results of your asset assessment undertaken by the Government. Any amount payable is organised at the time of entry into the Care Centre and is non-refundable. This charge applies to those seniors with higher care needs.
The ability to pay accommodation bonds or charges is subject to assessment by the Government and may not apply to all incoming residents. There should be various options available depending on individual financial circumstances.
2. Care Payments
Ongoing care payments contribute towards your daily living in a Care Centre, and can include areas such as nursing and personal care, meals, linen and laundry.
Ongoing care payments are charged on a daily basis and are determined by the Government who review the fees every year in March and September in line with the pension. Payments can vary depending on an individual’s financial circumstances.
- Basic Daily Care Fee – this is set using a percentage of the single age pension. Most residents will pay the standard rate of 84% of the basic age pension, however each resident’s rate is determined according to their circumstances at the time they enter the Care Centre.
- Income Tested Fee – this is an additional fee payable by individuals who have a higher income and is based on an income assessment by the Government.
3. Exit Payments
For those individuals who are required to pay an Accommodation Bond, the balance of this is refunded at the time of leaving a Care Centre, less the retention fees paid in that time. Should your care needs increase whilst in a Care Centre, your bond may be refunded and if applicable an Accommodation Charge applied.
There are no other exit payments when leaving a Care Centre.
