Aged Care

Aged care can be a minefield of acronyms, complex legal documents and unexpected costs. Keep it simple with the YOURLifeChoices Aged Care A to Z guide, which explains all of the industry terminology. We also provide the latest news on age care, health and aging, and the services available to help you understand the system.

Aged care facilities all offer different services and charge different fees. If you are moving a loved one into an aged care facility for the first time then it is important to understand your options, from residential aged care to assisted living. And if you want a real person on your side to advocate for Commonwealth funded services then why not get in contact with your local Aged Care Assessment Team?

Top 10 aged care websites

1. Start at the beginning
Understand what obligations different governments have when it comes to aged care. You can find out about government-funded places, programs in place to help you manage your aged care needs and what types of aged care are available within Australia. If you’re in need of urgent or emergency access to aged care facilities, this is where you should look for immediate information.
www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

2. Calculate the cost
One of the greatest fears and unknowns about aged care is how much it will cost. The government has a schedule of fees, which is updated regularly. However, as certain fees are asset and income assessed, this isn’t always easy to follow. Try this simple calculator, which after inputting a few figures, will give you an estimate of what you may need to contribute towards any aged care.
www.haaa.com.au 

3. Caring for ex-servicemen and women
Veterans may have different aged care needs as they get older, possibly as a result of certain injuries or health issues sustained while serving. Through the handy Carer’s Booklet which can be accessed online, veterans and their carers can access details of services available via the Department of Veterans Affairs and external resources.
www.dva.gov.au

4. Aged care at home
In a recent YOURLifeChoices study, 92.3 per cent of respondents said they would prefer to be cared for in their own home as they age. There are several services and programs available for those requiring care and their carers. The Home and Community Care program provides nursing care, respite care, transport services and personal care. This is a joint federal and state/territory government initiative.
www.health.gov.au

5. Providing care at home
One of the issues facing older Australians who wish to remain at home as they age is finding someone to provide care for them. Many people rely on family and friends to provide the bulk of home-care services. With 19 offices nationally, Home Instead can provide the services you need to stay at home and its website also offers useful information about caring, funding care and how you can become a caregiver.
www.homeinstead.com.au

6. Carer’s entitlements
Caring for a friend or family member often results in the carer having to give up work, or at least work reduced hours and this can have a negative economic effect. Carer payments, allowances and supplements are available to help ease the financial burden. Find out if you qualify for these payments.
www.centrelink.gov.au

7. Stand up for your rights
Individual voices are not always heard and this is where consumer advocacy can add volume to ensure your concerns are dealt with. When something goes wrong within the realms of aged care, whether its physical, mental or financial abuse, or an aged care facility or staff fail to meet the required standards, there is help available to assist with finding a resolution.
www.agedcarecrisis.com

8. News of National Health Reforms
A 2009 review of the Aged Care Complaints Scheme resulted in several reforms being endorsed and scheduled for implementation. Keeping track of such reforms isn’t easy, however, the Australian Government introduced the Complaints Principles 2011 in September 2011 and you can find out how these principles can help you resolve any issues. You can also find out the latest news on the reforms.
www.agedcarecomplaints.govspace.gov.au

9. Comprehensive contact list
While the internet may be great for finding contact numbers, the amount of searching you sometimes have to do negates any convenience. Find useful aged care related contact numbers in one handy place. You can access numbers for carer respite, health support organisations and community care organisations.
www.health.gov.au

10. The future of aged care
Last year saw the long awaited release of the Productivity Commission’s report Caring for Older Australians. If you wish to find out what recommendations were put forward and what they could mean for the future of aged care, there’s no need to wade through the jargon-laden document. Get information on the proposed changes to funding, the choices for aged care, care at home and the shortage of aged care professionals.
www.yourlifechocies.com.au

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