Guide to care
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Care you can trust
Navigating the steps to support a loved one who needs care can feel like an overwhelming process.
In our Guide to Care, we will guide you through the steps to care, from tackling tough conversations to helpful resources.
Step 1. An introduction to care
You might have noticed small changes in your loved one’s health or support needs. They may have had a medical event, or their support system has changed.
When it comes to care, it’s not one size fits all and approaching your loved one about these changes and the possibility of needing support requires a caring conversation and often a consultation with their doctor.
At Summerset, we understand that moving into aged care can feel overwhelming. The following steps act as a simple guide to help you navigate the process with confidence.
Step 2. Get an assessment
Before entering residential aged care, assessment through My Aged Care is required. Aged Care Assessors visit your loved one to understand their needs, the environment they’re living in and outline what support services are available to help maintain their independence and quality of life. This step identifies the right level and type of care required.
You can complete the application yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend. There are three parts to the application. The first checks you are eligible, the second captures your details, and the third confirms who the assessment organisation should call to confirm your needs and arrange the assessment.
The assessors use an Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) which looks at multiple factors impacting support needs. It’s a good idea to have a support person in the room while the assessment is being conducted for moral support, and to help with providing accurate information where needed.
Based on the interview and assessment, assessors then issue a Notice of Decision Letter and a Support Plan outlining the level of funding a resident is assigned.
With this information, you, your loved one and family can discuss options. Once an assessment is complete, you’ll have a better understanding of the types of home your loved one can comfortably live in, based on the level of care they need.
My Aged Care Contact Details
1800 200 422
Helpful Links
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/
Step 3. Understand your finances
This is the time to review finances and work out what your budget is, which you will need to know before you can look for care. Consider engaging a financial advisor or accountant that understands aged care if you’re unsure where to start or just need a little help along the way.
Depending on your assessment, the provider and the type of accommodation you choose, costs will vary.
It is also worth looking into government subsidies as these may be available to assist with the payment of your fees.
The discussion around care and the financing of care can be overwhelming and can create tension within the family. When tensions are high or communication is challenging, it’s important to keep the focus singular - What is best for your loved one? Making the best decisions for, and with, the person going into care, is what you need to be focused on.
Summerset has specialist staff who can talk you through the process of applying for funding and moving into aged care.
Helpful Links
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/how-much-will-i-pay?fe_type_of_care=age_home_care
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/income-and-means-assessments
Step 4. Find the right home
The person moving into care needs to feel supported and respected through the process of finding the right home. Summerset brings over twenty-five years of trusted care experience to Australia.
When visiting residential aged care homes it can take a while to find one that feels right for you. There is a lot of jargon that is used in health care, and many providers use different names for the same types of accommodation and services. Booking a private appointment with the providers you’re considering will ensure you have the undivided attention of the team member who can show you around the facilities and answer any questions you may have.
If your loved one is unable to visit the villages, the decision will likely sit with their authorised decision maker. If this is you, make sure you talk to the person moving into care about what is important to them. It may be a suite with a view of the gardens, or somewhere close to the communal areas.
Your loved one may be feeling apprehensive about the move into aged care. Summerset village cafes are open to visit and can be a great way to introduce the village to them. Pop in for a coffee or a bite to eat and get a feel for the community.
Helpful links
Step 5. Admission agreements and the costs of care
When you have found the home that’s right for your loved one, you’ll sign a Residential Aged Care Agreement that outlines the costs and services.
The Residential Aged Care Agreement has information about your loved one’s personal preferences and circumstances. It will include information about the cost of care, who is paying and how payments are made. It should detail what services are included and what you must pay extra for, as well as safety and security details.
There are four main cost areas of accessing aged care. Our experienced village team will be able to talk through each of these and your individual circumstances.
1. A basic daily fee which is set by the government covers everyday living costs. It is approximately 85% of the pension
2. A hotelling contribution is an additional, means-tested fee contributing to daily living costs. It only applies if the resident can afford to pay it, and is means tested
3. A non-clinical care contribution paid by some residents to help cover personal care support like bathing and mobility assistance. This is means tested by Services Australia
4. Care accommodation cost, which can be paid in different ways:
A Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD), with a retention fee
or Daily Accommodation Payments (DAP), at a rate set by the government
or a combination of both
5. A Higher Everyday Living Fee is an optional fee for more comfort and services. This can be added after you move into the aged care facility
All of these costs are clearly laid out in your Residential Aged Care Agreement, so you have full clarity of the costs. Before signing, we recommend you take these agreements away to be reviewed by your solicitor, lawyer, financial advisor or family. It’s important that you and your loved one are comfortable with the decision you’re making, feel well informed, and have had any questions answered before making the decision.
Helpful links
Understanding the costs for care
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-home-costs-and-fees
Step 6. Making their new place feel like home
It’s likely that your loved one will need to downsize their belongings when moving into care. It’s important to know that the downsizing, moving and settling in changes can be emotional for everyone, this is normal.
Person-centred care is the cornerstone of Summerset’s approach to care and is lived daily by all staff that will provide care and support for your loved one.
Meeting with the Summerset care team prior to moving in is valuable to discuss the care plan tailored to their needs. They will work through the plan so you understand the support the person moving into care will receive. This is also a great time to discuss what furniture is provided with the care suite, and what items your loved one can bring with them to make it feel familiar and more like home.
It's important for the Summerset team to get to know the person moving into care so that they feel at home. From their cultural values, likes and dislikes, leisure activities and routines. This allows us to get to know them as individuals so we can ensure the care and support we provide is personalised – right down to how they like their cups of tea. We capture all this detail in a booklet called My Life Story.
Friends and family are always welcome to visit or take them on outings to ensure they continue to do the things they love, with the people they love the most.
If you need care for a loved one, order your free information pack here.
Care at Cranbourne North
Cranbourne North is the first of our Australian villages to start offering care. If you’re considering care options, we’d love to hear from you.
Book an appointment with our Care Sales and Admissions Manager today.