Steps of Entering Permanent Aged Care
Information based on fees and charges current as at 1 January 2023.
The journey towards Aged Care can be a highly emotional time, and with this in mind it is important to understand the steps to take to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.
The best place to start is ‘My Aged Care’. The Government’s My Aged Care website is full of helpful resources and information regarding the types of care that are available. We encourage you to browse their website by clicking on the logo below.
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. There are two types of residential aged care: permanent care for those who require ongoing support, and respite care for those who require short-term care.
Respite Care: Provides short-term care for older people to give their usual carers a break. Respite care can be provided in the person’s home or in a residential aged care facility.
The Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS)
Once registered with My Aged Care, you can apply for a health and needs assessment from 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 it is always a good idea to organise and prepare for this ahead of time.
ACAS is a specialized team of healthcare professionals who assess the care needs of older people who may require aged care services. 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 and or permanent care. Please note, this assessment is required to access Commonwealth Government funded services
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 you require.
For those requiring Permanent Aged Care the next step is to begin looking for a suitable facility.
To help with the decision on choosing a facility, please refer to our article ‘Choosing a facility’ on some tips to consider when making this decision.
Understanding the financial implications.
Any decision regarding Aged Care will have financial implications. If you are unsure of the costs involved, general information can be found via the My Aged Care website. Alternatively, seeking advice from a qualified Aged Care Specialist can help provide you with the fees relevant for your situation. Please refer to our other articles on further steps that should be considered or taken when looking at aged care.