Some retirement villages also provide on-site residential aged care, offering residents a continuum of care in a familiar environment.
Other retirement villages may not be able to provide such services, so it’s important to ask about the provision of such care, before making any decisions.
As the Commonwealth Government subsidises much of the cost associated with the provision of residential aged care, regional Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT’s) determine eligibility for admission.
An ACAT assessment can be arranged through your own doctor, community health centre or hospital. Information about how to arrange an assessment and all information about residential aged care can be found at the Aged Care Homes.
LOW CARE ACCOMODATION
Low care accommodation provides a balance of independence and support for those who enjoy leading their own life, but require access to care and assistance when needed.
Residential low care, sometimes referred to as hostel accommodation, is for elderly people requiring some assistance with the demands of daily living, but who do not have complex ongoing care needs.
Accommodation in a low care residential facility typically requires the payment of a residential bond and a weekly service fee. The bond is refunded, less a small percentage, at the time of discharge. The bond amount and service fee is subject to income and asset testing. The amount varies amongst providers and is subject to determination by Commonwealth Government legislation.
Typically, residential low care includes resident’s accommodation requirements and related services.
These consist of the provision of a bedroom, bathroom and access to shared facilities such as lounges, dining rooms and other shared spaces. Bedrooms and communal spaces are fully furnished, bedding is supplied, clothing washed and dried, cleaning services and all meals provided.
All maintenance of buildings and gardens is taken care of and qualified staff are ‘on call’ to provide emergency assistance as may be required. Recreation activities are also offered, including regular outings and trips to local community facilities.
HIGH CARE ACCOMODATION
Residential high care is for elderly people requiring assistance with the demands of daily living and who have ongoing care needs.
Accommodation in a high care residential facility, sometimes referred to as a nursing home, typically requires the payment of a weekly service fee and, in certain cases, an accommodation charge. These amounts vary amongst providers and are subject to income and asset testing as determined by Commonwealth Government legislation.
Like residents in low care accommodation, high care residents enjoy a bedroom, bathroom and access to shared facilities such as lounges, dining rooms and other shared spaces. Bedrooms and communal spaces are fully furnished, bedding is supplied, clothing washed and dried, with cleaning services and all meals provided.
All maintenance of buildings and gardens is taken care of and there are usually, recreational activities offered.
Additionally, the range of personal care services available is more extensive and is provided depending on the needs of each individual resident.
Many residential high care facilities include a separate and secure dementia section, where specially trained staff support and care for those suffering the effects of memory loss.
HOME CARE PACKAGES
As we get older, the familiar and comforting surroundings of a home environment and a friendly local community become more important.
In your own villa or apartment you can still largely lead an independent lifestyle and still feel safe and secure.
For many elderly people, however, as one ages the daily challenges of looking after oneself can become increasingly difficult. Government subsidised Home Care Packages assist the elderly by providing the quality care and professional services they need, to enable them to remain in their retirement villa or apartment for longer.
Four different packages of care are available catering for the varying needs of residents who choose to continue to live in their retirement villa or apartment.
As the cost associated with delivery of Home Care Packages is subsidised by the Commonwealth Government, residents must first be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) as to what level of care is required. The ACAT assessments are free of charge – you can find an ACAT near you at the ACAT Assessments.
The Aged Care Assessment Team will determine which type of Home Care Package best suits your needs.
Please see the section on ‘Home Care Packages’ on our website for further information.
Please use our Business Directory Search facility if you require assistance in finding ‘Retirement Villages‘, ‘Home Care Packages’, or ‘Aged Care Home‘ providers in your local area.
