If you feel unable to live independently at home – even with carers support or home care services to help you – you might consider moving into an aged care home. The first signs of needing assistance with daily living are when the normal day-to-day tasks have become too difficult to manage without help from others. The best thing to do is discuss it with someone who respects your situation and knows you well. Perhaps this could be a family member, or your local doctor. Another way of ascertaining your needs is to consult with the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Regardless of your situation you will need an assessment if you wish to go into residential aged care.
If you haven’t already done so, you can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to arrange an assessment.
If you are already receiving government-subsidised aged care services, you may need to be reassessed. You can talk to your current provider about reviewing your care plan.
To receive a Commonwealth subsidy for some or all of your care and accommodation costs, you must have a means test called the Income and Assets Test.
It can take four to six weeks to get the results so it’s a good idea to apply to have the assessment as soon as possible.
Remember:
- You can enter an aged care home before the income and assets test is completed because it may be that you don't have time to wait.
- It makes things much easier if you have done the assessment and you know the outcome - it will tell you how much you'll have to pay.
- You can do the assessment ahead of time and if your circumstances change by the time you enter the home then the assessment can be updated.
You can get the Combined Assets and Income Assessment test (SA457) form by:
- downloading it from the website
- Calling Services Australia on 1800 227 475 and having one posted to you.
When you have completed it, you need to return the form to Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The instructions are on the form.
Services Australia will send you a letter with the results of your assessment, including an itemised list of your income and assets. This will tell you how much, if anything, you need to pay towards the cost of your care and accommodation.
In the meantime, you can get an estimate of the fees and costs you may have to pay by using the Aged Care Fee Estimator.
Remember:
- It can take between four and six weeks for the assessment to come through but you can still move to an aged care home in that time, while you are waiting to hear.
- You can have an ACAT assessment while you are waiting for your income and assets assessment to come through. This will save precious time.
- Your income and assets assessment is valid for 120 days.
- You can be reassessed if your financial situation changes significantly.
- You don’t have to do separate income and assets assessment forms for each aged care home you want to apply for.
- If you are part of a couple you will each have to complete an income and asset assessment.
An assessment is an evaluation by a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) who is a health care professional in the area of senior care. They will visit you and ask you some questions about your life and lifestyle to find the best possible care options for you. If you wish, you may instruct your doctor to provide your medical history to the ACAT representative. These assessments are free.
Once you have completed your ACAT Assessment, you can contact Oxa Care Team to organise a meeting and discuss your needs and financial options.
Care is assessed and provided based on the individual needs of each and every resident. Care consultations are conducted with residents and family representatives facilitated by the General Manager and/or Care Manager of the home as the basis for developing a detailed care plan that meets your personal goals, needs and preferences.
The range of care and services vary according to the needs of the resident; however, the following are provided:
- Staff to provide help at all times including in emergency situations
- Assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, showering, dressing and mobility
- Assistance with medications
- Meals and refreshments, taking into account special dietary needs
- Basic furnishings including curtains, chairs, beds, bed linen, bath towels, soap and toilet paper
- Laundry service, cleaning service and maintenance of buildings and grounds
- Social activities
Yes, the Commonwealth Government’s My Aged Care website and hotline are available to help you understand and navigate the process of accessing aged care services. You can contact My Aged Care on
1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au
Depending on your financial situation, you may be asked to pay one or more of the following fees to cover your care:
- Daily Care Fees
All residents are expected to pay a Daily Care or Contribution to Care Fee. This equates to 85% of the single aged pension and covers your day-to-day living costs, including services such as meals, cleaning and some utilities.
- Accommodation payments
These costs apply to your accommodation expenses.
The Commonwealth Government will subsidise some residents, whilst others will be required to pay an amount agreed with their aged care residence.
To keep things flexible, there are three main ways for you to pay:
- Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)
- A lump sum paid upfront before you enter your residence.
- A fully refundable remaining balance should you decide to leave.
- Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)
- A daily fee paid at set periods during your time in the residence.
- This is based on the unpaid amount of your RAD, plus the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (4.07% as of 1 April 2022).
- A combination of RAD and DAP
- Pay a percentage upfront as a RAD and then pay the rest over a set period as a DAP.
- The higher your RAD, the lower your DAP—the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate will be applied to the lower unpaid amount.
- Means-tested care fee
This is an additional contribution towards the cost of care that some people may be required to pay. The Department of Human Services will work out if you are eligible to pay this fee based on an assessment of your income and assets.
The following website will provide you with a comprehensive description of all fees and charges in Aged Care as well as contact information for further assistance.
We invest in the latest in security and safety related technology so you can be assured your love one is in safe hands. Our CCTV System installed throughout the entire facility and common grounds, offers the latest technology from smart alerts to Artificial Intelligence. Our Nurse Call System has been developed using the latest technology available in the Healthcare Sector. All doors are secured with keypads that change outside of normal hours. Please do not share the pin codes with others and do not allow others to enter or exit once you have entered your code. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, please contact a member of staff.
First an interview will be conducted with our Facility Manager where we complete a pre-admission questionnaire. This is used to assist you or your representative(s) understand the Financial and other considerations that impact the admission. Upon completion, you may request a copy for your information. An Application for Admission, a more comprehensive document which provides us with all details required for addition to the waitlist and to offer a bed, will be provided. Please complete and return this important document as soon as possible.