Security of Tenure

Tenure is secured for the resident by a written Residence Agreement for a licence to occupy. This Agreement is drawn up in accordance with the Commonwealth Aged Care Act 1997. Prospective residents are encouraged to discuss the agreement with their solicitor.

What are Resident's Rights Living in a Residential Care Facility?

Residents have the full use of their personal, civil, legal and consumer rights just as they would living in the community. Details of these rights are included in the Residence Agreement.

What are Resident's Responsibilities Living in a Residential Care Facility?

There are very few restrictions for residents. The Residence Agreement includes a schedule which outlines the responsibilities of both IRT and residents.

What are the Ongoing Resident Fees?

The Commonwealth Government formulas for the setting of ongoing resident fees are:

FULL PENSIONER - 85% of the Single Aged Pension

PART PENSIONER - 85% of the Single Aged Pension AND 25 cents in every dollar over the income free area.

NON PENSIONER - 85% of the Single Aged Pension AND an amount approximately equal to the Pensioner Supplement AND 25 cents in every dollar of income over the income free area.

There is a maximum daily fee that can be charged which is indexed by the Commonwealth Government. This amount can be obtained from IRT offices. The fee a person is to pay is assessed by the Commonwealth Government.

How are the Fees Payable?

Fees are payable fortnightly in advance, and may be paid in any of the following ways:

Direct debit of fees from nominated bank account at no cost to the resident.

Direct lodgement of the pension payment into IRT's bank account. The balance is held in an account for the resident who may access it at any time during normal business hours.

Bank transfer from the resident's account to IRT's account on a fortnightly basis in advance.

Direct payment by the resident or his/her representative fortnightly in advance at the care facility or IRT's Head Office or Southern Regional Office.

Is there a Smoking Policy?

IRT has a smoking policy for all shared accommodation and common areas which respects the rights of both smokers and non-smokers. Full details are available from each facility.

Can Residents go on Hoildays or Stay with Family?

A resident can take up to 52 days of social leave in a financial year to be used for any purpose. Normal ongoing fees apply during leave periods except for annual leave reduction allowed by IRT for low care residents as outlined in the low care section. Social leave in excess of 52 days is paid for by the resident at normal ongoing fee rates plus the amount of any Commonwealth Government subsidy which is lost to IRT. Further details can be obtained from the accounts department at Head Office.

What if I Need to Stay in Hospital?

A resident can take unlimited days of leave for the purpose of receiving hospital treatment. Ongoing fees will continue during such periods.

Family Contact & Social Independence

Residents are encouraged to maintain independence and are entitled to all the rights of a citizen of the community. To facilitate this IRT encourages residents to maintain contact and involvement with family, friends and social groups through unrestricted visiting (although space restrictions prevent overnight stays), interaction with family and friends, and maintenance of personal and intimate relationships whilst not infringing on the right of others. This encouragement is extended to family and friends to maintain contact. The resident and/or family are invited to participate in assessment of the residents needs during preparation of their ongoing care plan.

Is Short Term (Respite) Care Available?

Respite care is available in low care (hostel) facilities. See the low level section for more details.

Transport to Appointments

It is not the Residential Care Facility's responsibility to transport or escort residents to external appointments or commitments. Assistance will be given where possible to arrange appropriate transport. It is important, therefore, for family and/or friends to remain involved in the residents transport needs.

Personal Shopping

It may be possible on some occasions to provide assistance with personal shopping, but this is not guaranteed. Family and friends are encouraged to assist.

What are the Procedures for Requests and Complaints?

To ensure that any request or complaint is dealt with as quickly as possible, it is requested that the following procedure be followed:

Please consult the care staff (hostel) or Registered Nurse (nursing home).

If satisfaction is not obtained, please speak to the Village Manager or his/her delegate.

If necessary, then contact the Chief Executive Officer at the IRT's Head Office preferrably in writing or by phoning 4251 3800.

If still no satisfaction is obtained, please contact the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, Sydney Office on 1800 550 552.