In Australia, there is a growing demand for aged care services. But, how does the process actually work?
Residential aged care includes accommodation as well as personal and medical care 24/7. In general, the aged care industry utilises different staff and health professionals who come together in order to provide the best care for an elderly individual who may also have additional high care needs such as dementia.
While we know most people would prefer to stay in their own home as long as they can, Scalabrini is available for support when this is no longer possible.
There are a few steps that need to be covered before we’re able to accept your loved one as one of our aged care residents:
• Assessment:
Individuals can apply through MyAgedCare for the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to approve someone based on the level of care and support they require. This is called the AN-ACC (Aged Care Funding Instrument) assessment where permanent aged care residents receive funding based on the determined level of care needed.
• Choosing a Provider:
It’s important after an assessment to research different aged care providers and their offerings to see if they suit your needs. If you have any questions about Scalabrini as a provider, please contact us at 1800 722 522 or enquiries@scalabrini.com.au
• Care Plan:
In conjunction with aged care and medical staff, the resident and their loved ones, a care plan is formed which outlines the medical needs and timings for an individual resident to ensure they get the support they need.
• Funding:
The price for residential aged care varies. There is a basic daily fee which is the same for all residents and is means tested by the Government. At Scalabrini, you can choose if you’d like to submit to a Combined Assets and Income Assessment. This assessment will help the Government determine what funding you maybe be eligible to receive based on your unique circumstances. This comprises a list of your assets and income which is assessed by the Department of Human Services. Depending upon your personal situation you may be classified as a ‘Fully Supported Resident’ or a ‘Partially Supported Resident’ and receive some financial assistance from the Government. It can take up to 6 weeks to receive the results of the assessment so you’re encouraged to complete this in advance before applying for care.
However, if you do not submit to the Combined Assets and Income Assessment, you’ll be charged the maximum price for the means tested care fee and accomodation price once your AN-ACC (Aged Care Funding Instrument) assessment has been received by the Department of Social Services. Then, there can also be additional costs for extra services that an aged care facility may provide such as in-house physiotherapy or podiatry.
For more information of the costs for residents at Scalabrini, please contact our staff who can answer your questions.
• Application:
The next step is to apply and move into the aged care facility of your choice.
If you have any questions or need some guidance through this journey, please contact our helpful staff today at 1800 722 522 or enquiries@scalabrini.com.au
