GETTING STARTED

Elderly man speaking about the decision of aged care.

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.

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