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The Transition to Aged Care
The Decision to Move...“whilst
I never wanted my mother to go into residential care, the most recent events have
changed my mind”
An aged care placement
is challenging for the family at the best of times. The decision to move to residential
care is usually made when a traumatic event has occured or there is a major change
in the health of the person requiring extra care. Unfortunately, families often
leave the decision to move until they have a crisis facing them and this increases
stress on all concerned.
The Assessment...“our
doctor said that it was high time that my mother was in an aged care home ...
it was getting beyond us to keep caring for my mother ... finally common sense
prevailed and we realised that it had to be done”
In order to move to high care nursing home or low care hostel
accommodation, the person requires a current assessment by the Aged Care Assessment
Service. This will indicate the category of accommodation and care required.
A copy of the current assessment must be submitted to facilities if
you wish to be placed on their waiting lists. It is the key to admission to all
registered aged care facilities and government funding to the facility.
Searching for a Facility...“a
nursing home or low care hostel? it is unknown territory that I was not sure about
... they simply gave us a list of facilities and said make arrangements to find
a placement”
The assessment
team or social worker will provide you with a list of registered aged care facilities
which may have high or low care, extra services, or dementia specific services.
Choosing the Right Place...“the
real value of any facility is not the state of the building, but the quality of
the staff who work there and give the care”
Consider your requirements carefully. Single rooms
can be very isolating for some residents, but shared rooms do restrict privacy.
Visit as many facilities as you wish. Talk through concerns and issues with
social workers, assessment team members, doctors and friends who have been through
the placement process.
Moving In...“suddenly
somebody said we have a vacancy - you have a few hours to decide ... I rang them
and said we'll take it”
The waiting time may be
the most difficult as this can sometimes take months. Accepting a place when offered
can also be very stressful. But, most aged care facilities expect a quick response.
It is a time of high emotions, grieving and guilt, relief, regret and uncertainty
about the future.
Talking to someone
who is experienced in aged care placement will be a great benefit...
Contact us with your individual requirements. | |
“Thank you for all your assistance. Dad has settled in ok and now refers
to his unit as "the place where I used to live" so this is a good sign
that he has accepted it. I have passed your contact details to the retirement
village manager. As you did such a good job, I think others should know about
your service
Best Regards”
Ainslie (23 Sep 2005)
“Thank
you once again. I think your service is a God Send. Have a Merry Christmas”
Mrs. L. Booth
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