What is residential aged care? When should you move into aged care? How much does aged care cost? There are so many questions and things to consider when facing a change in care needs. Whether your move to aged care is temporary, in the form of respite, or permanent, these are some of the questions our team are often asked.
If your question isn’t answered here, please give us a call on 1300 109 109. We’d be happy to help.
Residential aged care is for elderly people who can no longer live independently at home due to health reasons. Carinity operates Government-accredited aged care homes that provide care for you or your loved ones. Residential aged care can be offered as either short-term respite care or permanent care. We also provide dementia care in most of our sites, with spaces designed to be calming, safe and engaging.
If you’ve had experience with aged care in the past, you might have heard the terms ‘low care’ or ‘high care’. There are no longer different rules for levels of care. You will be able to access any residential service subject to availability and the agreement of the approved provider. An assessor from My Aged Care will help determine what type of care is most suitable for your needs.
Funding and care services are based on an assessment of each person’s individual needs, which is managed by Carinity. If you feel you don’t require a more intensive level of care, Carinity also offer retirement villages and home care, which assists people to maintain their independence in their own homes.
Carinity residential aged care centres offers a full range of aged care services, including permanent residential care, respite care, memory-assisted living for people living with dementia, and palliative or end of life care. By offering a full range of care you’re able to stay in one location even if your care needs increase. This is often referred to as ageing in place. Although you may be able to remain at the same residential aged care community, on occasion you might need to move to another room which is specifically designed to cater for differing care needs more appropriately.
The cost of aged care and how to pay for aged care are two very common questions. We’ve put together a Guide to Fees & Payments that explains everything you need to know.
While we don’t provide financial advice, we can also provide you more detailed information based on your personal circumstances and preferred community – just call us on 1300 109 109.
The Australian Government contributes to the cost of care for all aged care residents, with each individual required to contribute an amount for their care and accommodation based on their personal circumstances. Residents who don’t have the financial means to pay for their care will be fully or partially supported by the government. A fully supported resident will only pay the Basic Daily Care Fee, while partially supported residents will also be asked to make a small contribution to the cost of their accommodation. The amount is determined by the Government.
Carinity welcomes applications from all residents, including self-funded, partially supported and fully supported residents.
Services Australia and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) undertake assets testing for people who will be entering permanent residential aged care or who have recently entered care, on behalf of the Department of Health and Ageing. The purpose of an assets assessment is to determine whether you are eligible for assistance with your accommodation payment. The Australian Government currently subsidises the accommodation costs of residents, either partially or fully, if their assets are below the upper assets threshold.
An aged care assessment, organised through My Aged Care, helps to determine the right type of care for your individual needs. Formerly referred to as an ‘ACAT’, My Aged Care assessors are health professionals such as nurses or social workers who assess and approve older people for government subsidised aged care. Aged care assessments are free, and essential step to entering aged care.
The assessment isn’t something to be worried about – an assessor will visit you and ask you some questions about your lifestyle and your health needs to help work out the best care option for you. You’re welcome to have a support person, such as a family member or friend, with you.
To book an assessment, visit the My Aged Care website or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
The My Aged Care assessment determines what level of care you require, and provides approval for access to Government-subsidised aged care services.
The assessment process:
– Approves your eligibility for entry into residential aged care;
– Gives you information about residential aged care and home care services in your area;
– Helps you arrange special respite care if this is what you require; and
– Approves your eligibility for home care to help you continue living at home, such as the home care offered by Carinity.
Arranging a My Aged Care assessment is easy. You can visit the My Aged Care website or call 1800 200 422. If you’re in hospital, the social work team can also organise this for you.
An aged care assessor will visit you and ask you some questions about your lifestyle and your health needs to help work out the best care option for you. Assessors are trained and experienced in the needs of older Australians. The process is supportive, and you’re welcome to have a family member or friend with you.
Once all the completed documents have been received in full, your application will be reviewed by our aged care services team. We cannot guarantee an exact timeframe, however, places are allocated based on care needs and suitability. If you require urgent care, please contact Carinity on 1300 109 109.
You may be given the option of accepting an alternative placement at one of our other locations until your preferred aged care centre or room choice becomes available. Carinity runs a priority waiting list system where we can contact you when your first choice of accommodation becomes available and arrange for your transfer.
Yes, you can transfer from another external aged care centre to a Carinity centre, but additional information and financial details will be required.
Carinity Aged Care communities also provide a much-valued respite service ensuring your loved ones are well looked after while you take a break from your caring role.
We know that as carers, you play a very important role in loved ones life and we understand it can be demanding. We are here to provide you that much needed support. Our dedicated respite care facilities and staff ensure every effort is made to meet your regular routine.
With our 24-hour nursing staff, we can offer day only, overnight or extended periods of respite to meet your individual needs.
There are respite suites in most of our Queensland locations, which enables you to experience the care and sense of belonging Carinity communities can provide. To find out more, please contact our Customer Service Centre on 1300 109 109.
If your My Aged Care assessment has determined that you are in need of residential aged care, either permanently or on a respite basis, you will need to complete some application forms. You can contact Carinity by sending an enquiry or you can call us on 1300 109 109.
To apply for aged care, you’ll need to complete an application form and provide some basic medical information, to help us determine your care needs.
At Carinity, you can either apply online, complete a downloadable PDF or fill in a paper copy of the form.
We’ve made our process simpler, as we recognise it can be a stressful time. We’re here to make this time as easy as possible.
