what is residential aged care

Residential aged care

Welcome to our Care Communities

When you move into one of our Care Communities for residential aged care, we strive to help you feel at home every day. Each one of our Care Communities is fully accredited by the Australian Aged Care Quality Commission and has a registered nurse on every shift, every day and night.

As we age, we need a safe and supportive environment where we can continue to live our best lives. At our residential aged Care Communities, we believe that ageing is not always about slowing down, but about embracing new opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Residential Aged Care - where Ageing is Living

Aged Care Near Me

Commonly asked questions about Residential Aged Care

  • Once you have received your ACAT assessment, you can begin applying to as many care homes as you wish, but once you accept a place, it’s important that you let the other homes know that you no longer require their services.

  • Visiting a range of Care Communities is often one of the best ways to decide which one suits your needs. To help you assess the suitability of the Care Communities you visit, we have attached a short checklist at the end of this section. This will help you assess each Care Community and ask some important questions to the providers you meet with.

  • The Department of Human Services (DHS) is the body that determines your financial situation. To do this, DHS conducts a Combined Income and Assets Assessment, which is a form that you need to complete and submit to the government.

  • The Combined Income and Assets Assessment form (SA457) is an extensive questionnaire with over 140 questions about what you and your partner/spouse own and earn. It’s important to understand that you are considered to own half your assets with your partner/spouse regardless of who holds the title to the assets. As part of your assessment, you will be asked to provide details of all assets owned by both of you.

  • Accommodation Charge (the cost of your room) - These are set by individual homes and varies from home to home

    • Basic Daily Care Fee (meals, laundry, cleaning and other day-to-day costs) – These are set by the Australian Government and is the same across every home in Australia.
    • Means-Tested Care Fee (to supplement the cost of your overall care) - These are set by the Australian Government based on an assessment of your personal financial situation.
    • Additional Services Fee or Extra Services Fee - (higher-end services and accommodation) These are set by individual homes and varies from home to home.In some homes, Additional Services or Extra Services are optional and in other homes, residents are required to purchase these services as a condition of entry

    For further information download our 5-step guide. 

  • Family pets are welcome to visit, although we ask our families to ensure that pets don’t enter the dining room during mealtimes. In some circumstances, you may be able to bring your pet to live with you although this needs to be agreed in advance with the General Manager. For more information, click here

  • Dementia isn’t a single disease, but a term used to describe the symptoms of a range of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in the ability to think and perform everyday tasks. It can also lead to changes in personality and behaviour. While there is no cure for dementia, it’s important to keep in mind that it is possible to continue to maintain a good quality of life for many people. For more information, click here.

  • There are many types of dementia but the most common causes include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Understanding the symptoms associated with each type of dementia can help in ensuring each person’s care needs are met.

  • Respite care is short-term care, including day respite, to provide your caregivers a break from caring when they need it. It can be planned or on an emergency basis and can be used for up to 63 days in a financial year. Many Care Communities offer day respite, which offers caregivers some flexibility to attend to personal needs and obligations as they arise.