Aged Care Advice
When a family member is unable to remain in their own home, assisting them to move into an aged care facility can be daunting and stressful time for the family.
How does it work and how much does it cost?
The Australian Government funds many different types of organisations so they can provide subsidised aged care. No matter which organisation you choose, you will probably need some type of assessment to begin the process of receiving help at home or moving into an aged care facility.
There are two types of assessment:
- those conducted by the organisation that can provide you with aged care services
- those conducted by a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). These are called 'ACAT Assessments'.
The costs associated with aged care facilities will be dependent on your current situation, including your assets and income. They are assessed on an individual basis, so you will only be expected to pay what is determined to be affordable for your circumstances.
Remember, your wishes are always heard and considered, and you will never be forced to make any decisions about your future during your assessment. The assessment is an opportunity to identify options and you can make a decision once you have received the outcome of your assessment.
Some helpful resources
Aged Care Australia is the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing's premier online source of information for everything you need to know about aged care. This site provides essential information to help make decisions about aged care for your parents and the rest of your family.
http://www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au
The Carers Association in each state provides carers with information and referrals to services that help and support you in a caring role.
http://www.carersaustralia.com.au
Depression in older people is common and may occur for many reasons. Beyond Blue is an organisation working to address issues associated with depression. This site will provide you with some insightful information to understand if your parents or you might be going through depression and how to deal with it.
Ageing parents and options in care by Hilary Abrams is a handbook to assist you in making decisions for your parents at this challenging time. The book will assist you to understand the different living options to consider for your parents.
Contact us for an appointment to discuss how our Aged Care Specialist can help you make the right decision in this difficult time.
