The steps to enter aged care

THE journey towards aged care can be a stressful time.

With this in mind, it is important to do the research early and understand the steps to take to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

The best place to start is the government-funded My Aged Care website, which is full of helpful resources. Muirfield Financial Services encourage you to browse myagedcare.gov.au and register yourself as a prospective aged care recipient.

The Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS)

Once registered with My Aged Care, people can apply for a health and needs assessment from Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS).

This is most commonly arranged via a doctor or by phoning the My Aged Care ACAS line on 1800 200 422. Wait times for an assessment can be lengthy, so plan ahead.

ACAS is a specialised team of healthcare professionals who assess the care needs of prospective aged care recipients. The assessment is free of charge and is usually done in the person’s home or hospital.

The ACAS results will determine eligibility for a home care package, approval for respite or permanent care. Please note, this assessment is required to access Commonwealth Government funded services.

If you find yourself in hospital and suspect you might need Aged Care assistance moving forward, you can request urgent help before being discharged.

What types of care is available?

Aged care can be broken down into three main categories:

Home care – Provides assistance to older people living at home who need help with daily tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, and personal care. Home care services can be tailored to individual needs and can include services such as nursing, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy

Residential aged care – Provides accommodation, meals, and personal care for older people who are no longer able to live independently at home, and

Respite care – Provides short-term care for older people to give their usual carer/s a break. Respite care can be provided in the person’s home or in a residential aged care facility.

Presently, care recipients have up to 63 days per financial year to use. Where home care is approved, a level of funding will be noted, and the next step is to find a home care provider in the area that may be able to provide the services.

Any decision regarding aged care will have financial implications. Seeking advice from a qualified aged care specialist can help provide an insight on how to fund the transition.

Phone Muirfield Financial Services on 5224 2700 or head to muirfieldfs.com.au

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