The steps to enter aged care

THE journey towards aged care can be a stressful time, and with this in mind it is important to do your 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. People interested are encouraged to browse their website at myagedcare.gov.au/ and register as a prospective aged care recipient.

The Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS)

Once registered with My Aged Care, you can apply for a health and needs assessment from Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS). This is most commonly arranged via your doctor or by calling the My Aged Care ACAS line on 1800 200 422. Wait times for an assessment can be lengthy, so plan ahead before care needs are critical.

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 are 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.

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 your area that may be able to provide the services required.

For those requiring residential aged care the next step is to begin looking for a suitable facility.

Perhaps you already have one in mind, or you can search the My Aged Care website under the ‘search for a provider’ page.

Understanding the financial implications

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.

Next month, Muirfield will be hosting an Aged Care Expo, bringing together a variety of providers in the aged care sector.

This includes representatives from the ACAS team, lawyers, home care providers, permanent care facilities, funeral homes, and many other health and professional services.

For more information turn to the cover of this magazine.