Moving into a residential Aged Care home can be a drastic change for the elderly, but it also can be the best decision at a certain point in life. By understanding how Aged Care homes in Melbourne and Geelong work, you can have more confidence about moving your elderly loved one into a home.
Some individuals are hesitant to live in an Aged Care facility because of incorrect or mixed information about these environments. The truth is that there is nothing to be afraid of or anxious about. In this article, we share further information about living in Aged Care.
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Aged Care Accommodation is not Like a Hospital
Aged Care facilities are designed to provide residents with high-quality, safe, homely and comfortable accommodation, unlike the sterile atmosphere that is very apparent in hospitals. Aged Care residences want to ensure that their residents feel relaxed in their new surroundings.
What makes nursing homes in Geelong and Melbourne ideal for aging residents is finding a community of like-minded people around the same age. Certain areas of the facility encourage socialisation and friendly engagement with others, which helps residents to form friendships and have a strong sense of community within their home.
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Living in an Aged Care Facility Doesn’t Have to Be Costly
Australia has a system that allows everyone to access Aged Care services. Some of the fees that you might be required to pay include:
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Care (Fee Set by the Government)
The basic daily fee covers meals, laundry, cleaning, and other necessities. The basic daily fee is calculated based on 85% of the full single aged pension. A fee that everyone is obligated to pay when entering an Aged Care Facility. If eligible, a means tested care fee is a contribution towards the cost of care. This is determined by the Department of Human Services.
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Accommodation (Fee Set by the Provider)
Not all residents are eligible to pay an accommodation payment. The accommodation payment is based on a person’s income and assets. Those that are required to pay for the accommodation payment can pay it as a Daily Accommodation Payment (Daily Charge), Refundable Accommodation Deposit (Lump Sum) or a combination of both.
The accommodation payment only covers for the resident’s room and bathroom. The total amount that will be charged depends on the chosen accommodation.
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Extra Services/ Additional Services (Fee set by the Government and Provider)
A provider can offer an additional service/s to a resident at an additional cost. This may include services such as a telephone, WIFI or Foxtel.
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Staying Independent in an Aged Care Residence
Whilst care and activities are provided for residents throughout the day, staff still encourage residents to remain independent. They do so by allowing them to complete activities and tasks that are within their capabilities. This enables the residents to retain their sense of autonomy, which has a positive effect on their mental health.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, living in an Aged Care home in Melbourne or Geelong can be very beneficial for the elderly. They will receive the basic needs they require and get to engage with people their age in a community that makes them feel like they belong.
Homestyle Aged Care’s residential aged care homes in Melbourne and Geelong welcome seniors who have higher care needs rather than staying at home and seek some communal engagement. We offer quality aged care accommodation and services, including respite and dementia-specific care. For inquiries, contact us today on 1300 104 663.
** Photos from our Melville Grange home in Berwick**
