How to choose an aged care home

Author: Tara Backman-Apap | Head of Sales and Client Relations

Selecting the right aged care home is one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself or your loved one. This guide will help you navigate the process of choosing among residential aged care homes, ensuring you find the perfect match for your needs.

 

Understanding your needs

The journey to finding the right aged care home begins with a clear understanding of your specific requirements. Everyone’s situation is unique, and taking time to assess your needs thoroughly will help ensure you make the best choice for your future care. 

When evaluating care needs, consider both current and future requirements. Think about how health conditions might progress and what level of support might be needed in the coming years. This forward-thinking approach will help you choose a home that can adapt to your changing needs without requiring another move later.

Your cultural background and personal preferences play a role in feeling at home in your new environment. Consider whether you’d feel more comfortable in a home that caters to your cultural heritage, speaks your preferred language, or celebrates important cultural events. These factors significantly impact your daily happiness and sense of belonging.

 

What type of care do you need?  

homes offer various levels of support, from basic assistance with daily activities to specialised medical care.

Permanent residential care provides comprehensive support for those who need ongoing assistance. This includes 24-hour personal care, meals, laundry services, and social activities. The best homes combine professional care with a warm, homelike environment where residents can maintain their independence while receiving the support they need.

For those with specific health conditions, specialised care services become crucial. Many homes offer dedicated memory care units with specially trained employees and secure environments for residents with dementia. Others excel in rehabilitation services, helping residents recover from surgery or illness.  

 

Key factors to consider when choosing an aged care home  

Locations plays a crucial role in maintaining connections with family and friends. Consider how easily loves ones can visit and whether the home is near familiar places. 

The quality of care provided should be your top priority. The best aged care homes have highly qualified care teams, invest in ongoing employee training and implement clear care protocols. They also regularly assess residents’ health and care needs, adjusting individual care plans accordingly.

Modern aged care homes understand the importance of creating an engaging living environment. Look for homes that offer comfortable private spaces along with welcoming common areas where residents can socialise. Outdoor areas, gardens and activity spaces contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle and support physical and mental wellbeing.

 

Making the final decision

Taking the time to visit multiple homes is essential in making the right choice. During your visits, pay attention to how residents interact with employees and each other. Notice the overall atmosphere – does it feel welcoming and comfortable? Are residents engaged in activities and appearing happy?

Consider bringing family members along during visits, as they may notice different aspects or ask questions you haven’t thought of. Their support and input can be valuable in making this important decision.

 

Why choose Estia Health?  

At Estia Health, we understand that choosing an aged care home is about finding a place where you or your loved one feels truly at home.

Our care philosophy centres on treating each resident as an individual with unique needs and preferences. Our highly qualified team works closely with residents and their families to develop personalised care plans that evolve with changing needs. Regular reviews and open communication ensure we consistently deliver the highest standard of care.

Life at our homes is enriched with our engaging and culturally inclusive lifestyle programs. Our activities embrace the diverse backgrounds of our residents, with programs designed to promote engagement regardless of ability. From art classes to gardening, each activity is purposefully designed to promote physical wellbeing, cognitive stimulation and meaningful social connections.

Mealtimes celebrate fresh, nutritious food prepared daily with care and attention to individual needs. Our qualified chefs create seasonal menus developed in collaboration with dietitians to ensure nutritional needs are met without compromising on flavour. 

Every aspect of life at Estia Health is thoughtfully in place to ensure residents enjoy not just quality care, but quality of life.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start the aged care process?  

The primary gateway for accessing aged care services in Australia is through My Aged Care. Here's a breakdown of how to start the aged care process: 

1. 1. Contact My Aged Care:

• Online: Visit the My Aged Care website (myagedcare.gov.au). This is often the quickest way to begin. 
• Phone: Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. 

2.  
3. 2. Assessment:

• The first key step is to arrange an assessment. My Aged Care will determine your eligibility for government-funded aged care services. 

• This typically involves:  

• An initial eligibility check. 

• A more detailed assessment, often conducted in your home, to understand your specific needs. 

• The assessment will help determine what type of care you require, which could include:  

• Help at home. 

• Short-term care (respite care). 

• Residential aged care. 

3.  
4. 3. Key things to know and prepare for:

• Medicare Card: Have your Medicare card handy, as it's often required during the process. 

• Information About Your Needs: Be prepared to discuss your health, how you manage daily tasks, and any support you currently receive. 

• Representation: You can have a family member, friend, or carer assist you. You can also formally appoint someone as your representative. 

• Costs: My Aged Care can provide information about potential costs, as some services are subsidised by the government. 

 

1. 4. Where to find more detailed information: 

• My Aged Care Website: This is the official source and provides comprehensive information. 

By following these steps, you can begin the process of accessing the aged care services that best suit your needs. 

 

What costs are involved?

Understanding the costs involved in aged care in Australia can be complex, as they vary depending on individual circumstances and the type of care required. Here's a breakdown of the key cost components: 

1. Basic Daily Fee:  

• This is a fee that everyone receiving residential aged care pays.    

• It covers day-to-day living expenses like meals, laundry, and cleaning.    

• The Australian Government sets the maximum basic daily fee, which is adjusted regularly.    

 

1. Means-Tested Care Fee:  

• This is an additional contribution towards the cost of care, based on an individual's income and assets. Services Australia conducts a means assessment to determine if this fee applies and how much needs to be paid.    

 

1. Accommodation Costs:  

• These costs cover the accommodation itself, such as the room.    

• They can be paid in various ways, including:  

• Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD): A lump-sum payment.    

• Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP): A daily fee.    

• A combination of both. 

• The cost of accommodation varies significantly depending on factors like location, room type, and facilities.    

 

1. Additional Service Fees:  

• Some aged care homes offer extra services, such as premium rooms or specialised activities, which may incur additional fees.    

 

1. Factors Influencing Costs: 

• Income and Assets:  

• The means assessment plays a significant role in determining the means-tested care fee and whether government assistance is available for accommodation costs.    

• Level of Care:  

• The amount of care required will influence the overall cost.    

• Choice of Aged Care Home:  

• Different aged care homes have varying fee structures.    

• Location:  

• Aged care home costs are affected by the property values of the location they are in. 

 

1. Important Considerations: 

• My Aged Care:  

• The My Aged Care website and phone line are valuable resources for obtaining detailed information and using the fee estimator tool.    

• Means Assessment:  

• A means assessment is crucial for determining individual costs and eligibility for government assistance.    

• Transparency:  

• Aged care providers are required to be transparent about their fees.    

It's highly recommended to contact My Aged Care directly and conduct a thorough financial assessment to understand the specific costs that may apply. 

 

Can I try before I commit?  

Yes, you can 'try before you commit' to aged care through a service called respite care. 

What is Respite Care? 

Respite care provides short-term, temporary care for an older person. It's designed to give both the carer and the person receiving care a break. It can be planned or used in emergencies. 

1. How it works as a trial: 

• Short-term stay: Respite care can last from a few hours to a few weeks. This allows you or your loved one to experience what it's like to receive care in a residential setting or at home without a long-term commitment. 

• Different settings: Respite care can be provided in your home, in a community centre, or in an aged care home. This gives you the flexibility to explore different care environments. 

• Types of respite care:  

• In-home respite: A care worker comes to your home. 

• Centre-based respite: Care is provided at a day centre or club. 

• Cottage respite: Overnight or weekend stays in an aged care or community setting. 

• Residential respite: A short stay in an aged care home. 

 

1. How to access respite care: 

• Contact My Aged Care: Start by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visiting their website (My Aged Care). 
• Assessment: You may need an assessment to access government-funded respite services. My Aged Care can help you with this. 
• Emergency Respite: If you need care urgently, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737. 

Respite care can be a helpful way to experience aged care services before making a long-term decision. It allows you to explore different options and find the best fit for your needs. 

 

How long is the waiting time for a place? 

It's important to understand that waiting times for aged care in Australia can vary significantly depending on several factors, including: 

1. The type of care needed:  

• Home Care Packages have different waiting times depending on the level of care required.    

• Residential aged care wait times depend on the availability of beds in specific facilities. 

1.  
2. The urgency of the need:  

• Those with urgent care needs are typically prioritized.    

1.  
2. Location:  

• Wait times can vary between metropolitan and rural areas.    

1.  
2. Availability of services:  

• The demand for aged care services can fluctuate, affecting wait times.    

Here's a general overview: 

1. Home Care Packages:  

• Waiting times for Home Care Packages can vary significantly. My Aged Care provides estimated wait times, but these can change.    

• Information from My aged care provides a breakdown of estimated wait times based on the level of package required.    

1.  
2. Residential Aged Care:  

• Waiting times for residential aged care depend on the availability of beds in aged care homes. 

• Factors such as location and the specific facility's popularity can influence wait times. 

 

1. Key points to remember: 

• Having an aged care assessment is the first step in the process, which will help determine your priority level.    

• Keep in regular contact with any potential care providers.