Residential aged care in Queensland can be searched for online with our aged care directory. You can also search for aged care homes in Brisbane, you'll be able to search by the level of care, region and can also take a virtual tour of some of the properties.
Where do I start?
If you're new to aged care, our comprehensive Understanding Aged Care Guide will give you everything you need to know about navigating the aged care system.
Once you find an aged care facility or nursing home that you are interested, and if the nursing home is Government funded, then you will need an Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS/ACAT) to determine their level of care.
What is a high level care and low level care home?
Whether it is due to financial, emotional or physical reasons, an elderly person can no longer care for themselves independently and may consider moving to a high level or low level care home. These homes have formerly been known as hostels (low level care) or nursing homes (high level care). The decision to move into a nursing home is made once other people (often family members) can no longer provide for an elderly person. You can read more about vacancies in residential aged care homes and how long you can be expected to wait before gaining a place. Family members need to know that finding a suitable home can be a 2-3 month process, sometimes even longer.
Finding a Place to call Home
Finding a nursing home is similar to finding any other home. Just as you would not buy the first house you see, or expect to find something suitable within a few weeks, the same applies to finding residential aged care in Queensland. It is important to decide upon the areas you feel would be suitable and then try to visit as many homes as possible within those areas. The home as well as the neighbourhood and other near-by amenities (i.e. shopping strips, public transport, post office et cetera) as well as the culture of the home will need to be considered before moving in.
What type of care is provided?
The type of services provided at residential aged care will vary depending on the type of care (low or high level) and if the home is an extra service home. If the resident is in low level care then generally accommodation and personal care is provided. Personal care refers to help with things such as occasional nursing or dressing and showering.
There are some services which must be provided at no additional costs, regardless of whether the resident is a low level or high level patient.
- Basic accommodation (i.e. chairs, beds, linen, mattresses et cetera)
- Meals (must also cater for special diets)
- Social activities
- Personal care (i.e. help with going to the toilet, bathing, dressing and eating)
- Mobility and communication assistance
- Building and grounds maintenance
- On-call staff and emergency assistance
- Laundry and cleaning service
High level care homes provide services for those who need continuous nursing care.
If the resident is a high level care resident, then the following services must be included (in addition to the basic services listed above)
- Oxygen and oxygen equipment
- Registered nurses trained to assess, plan and manage care
- Therapy services (e.g. speech therapy/physiotherapy)
- Sheepskins
- Water/air mattresses
- Wheelchairs
- Basic medications and dressings
- Continence aids
Search for Residential aged care in Queensland.
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Article posted:Jun 24, 2019 Category: Residential Aged Care
