GETTING STARTED

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STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Whether your need for care is short term or long term, before moving to an Aged Care Home the steps outlined below will help you understand the process.

STEP ONE

> Aged Care Assessment

You will need an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to determine your eligibility for Residential Aged Care services.

A member of an ACAT will discuss your current situation and the available care options with you. You can arrange an Aged Care Assessment by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or by visiting www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment/apply-online. ACAT assessments are provided free by the Australian Government.

There may be a wait of a few weeks for the assessments to occur, so it’s best to organise this as early as possible.

STEP TWO

> Search for a provider

While you are waiting for your Aged Care Assessment it can be a good time to do some research on Aged Care providers located in your preferred area. A good place to start is the My Aged Care website, www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200422

STEP THREE

> Understand Aged Care Costs

When moving into an Aged Care Home, one will need to undergo an Assets and Income Test by the Government to determine their fees obligations. How much you pay depends on your financial situation, and there are rules in place to make sure that care is affordable for everyone. This assessment will determine if a consumer qualifies for a government supported place or if they need to make a contribution towards their care and accommodation.

For more information contact Centrelink on 132 300 or My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to help you estimate the fees and charges that may be appropriate to you. The fee estimator on the My Aged Care website can also help.

STEP FOUR

> Make an Application

Following Aged Care approvals by an ACAT member and research on providers in your preferred area, you can complete an admission application form with your chosen Aged Care provider. There may be other important admission documentation to be completed, your chosen provider can guide you through those.

STEP FIVE

> MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME

On the availability of a suitable room and completion of admission documentation, you can now move into your new home. Upon admission, a provider will present to you a “Resident Agreement” covering things like services, fees and your rights and responsibilities. The Resident Agreement is a legally binding document.

We hope the above has helped you understand the process of arranging Care services to moving into your home. If this information has helped you and you would like to make an enquiry with The Alexander Aged Care Centre about future care options, please complete the form below and we will be in contact.

CONTACT US REGARDING GETTING STARTED

Sometimes as I sit at home alone, I realise that my life has passed in a blink I have had a wonderful life, for want of a better one, I could not think. But now my health is failing fast, I’m unable manage my care, what will become of me I ask myself, life can be so unfair. One day I made a call, one I was afraid to make, The Alexander was the next step I knew I had to take. I packed my prized possessions, the things that I held dear and began a new chapter in my life, one I really began to fear. But worried I shouldn’t have been, the staff and residents were a sight to be seen. They made me feel welcome, loved and at ease and I have made new friends and family if you please. While the fond memories of my life are embedded in my brain, my new life at The Alexander is something I worried about in vain. My family has grown and brings me great joy, “how are you today” says one kindly young boy. My independence remains, my needs are all met, so if you’re concerned about aged care, please do not fret. I have a new lease on life, I have so much to do, this next stage of my life is exciting and new. So please come along and meet us, join in for lunch or a game, I can certainly assure you so much enjoyment in life is still to remain!