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Your Guide to Residential Aged Care

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What is Residential Aged Care?

Residential aged care is an aged care home (also known as a nursing home or aged care facility) where older people live to receive care and support (as opposed to home care where care is provided in your own home).

If you or your loved one need assistance with day-to-day activities or health/nursing care, moving into residential aged care may be an option. Aged care homes are the best way for seniors to receive the help and support they need – along with the added bonus of staff on hand 24/7 and the companionship of other residents. You or your loved one can move into residential aged care permanently or for a short stay (known as residential respite care).

Nursing and care staff in residential aged care homes are there to assist you or your loved one with day-to-day activities from cooking, cleaning & laundry, to dressing, showering and even 24-hour care if needed.

Residential aged care homes in Australia are required to be approved by the Australian Government and are run by companies, charities and other not-for-profit groups.

Australia’s aged care system is one of the best in the world and aims to ensure that every single older person is able to receive high quality support and care.


How much does residential aged care cost?

The costs for residential aged care depend on a range of factors. Your current financial situation is taken into account and the Australian Government closely regulates the maximum costs you’ll be required to pay.

Click here to find out more about residential aged care costs.

What care & services are offered in a residential aged care home?

A range of care and services are offered in residential aged care homes, but will differ between each individual home. Care and services can include:

  • Basic toiletries
  • Bathing & showering
  • Cleaning & laundry
  • Eating, dressing, moving & communicating
  • Emergency assistance
  • Emotional support
  • Furnishings & bedding
  • Individually tailored care program
  • Meals
  • Social activities
  • Transport to & from social activities 

How can I find a residential aged care home near me?

Residential aged care homes are located throughout Australia. To begin your search, simply click on your state below and then enter in your desired suburb (or the name of the aged care provider if you already have a home in mind):

What are the steps involved with moving into residential aged care?

The first thing you’ll need to do, is have an assessment done by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT – or ACAS in Victoria) to determine whether you are eligible to receive financial support from the Australian Government for your residential aged care.

Click here to find out more about accessing residential aged care.

Are there any alternatives to moving into residential aged care?

If you or your loved one are not quite ready to make the move into residential aged care, but still need some assistance with basic everyday tasks, you may want to consider home care. Home care services are delivered to you in the comfort of your own home. Click here to find out more about home care.

 

 


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