Aged care homes cater for the elderly who, for whatever reason, can no longer live in their home independently. If you are considering moving into a residential nursing home, there are various factors you need to carefully consider. Make sure you are fully informed and familiar with all your options, before making your decision.

Types of Care

Aged care facilities are government funded, and are either managed by private companies, religious or community organizations, or state or local government.

There are two types of aged care facilities; high level or low level.  A high level care nursing home, caters for people who need full nursing assistance 24 hours a day. If your only need occassional assistance then a low level care hostel might provide a more cost effective choice as well as providing a more active environment. This may include needing help with household duties, washing, or cooking.

Applying for Aged Care Homes

When you have made a decision to move to a hostel or nursing home, it is a requirement that you are assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Once you are assessed and approved, you can begin to apply for aged care facilities.

Their are often waiting lists on the most popular homes so applying in advance is advisable. A good place to start is to gather information about the ones in your area. Your friends, social workers, and doctor may also be of assistance.

How to Select An Aged Care Home

The easiest way to find a suitable aged care facility is to visit a variety of them. Don’t stop after seeing one home, you need to review several so you get a fair comparison of services and facilities.

Take a friend or family member with you for moral support. It will help you remain relaxed and able to focus on how you feel. Also, having someone else with you to evaluate the facility is always a good idea, as you can discuss the pros and cons with them afterwards.

Write some notes on what you like and don’t like about each facility. Take home a copy of their brochure for your reference later.

Check off these considerations when visiting potential aged care facilities:

  • Is the location handy to transport, facilities, and local amenities?
  • Are the staff friendly and are they happy working there?
  • Were you given access to view all areas, as well as the available accommodation?
  • What qualifications does the staff have? Are they registered nurses, enrolled nurses or trained carers?
  • What services are not provided by this facility?
  • Are there outdoor areas and/or gardens for residents to enjoy?
  • Are there suitable access areas for people with walking difficulties?
  • How is the presentation and maintenance of the accommodation?
  • Can you live in a single dwelling or do you have to share?
  • Do they cater for married couples?
  • Do the residents look happy to live there? How does the facility make you feel?

Making your mind up to move into full time residential aged care is a major decision. Most regions are catered by a wide range of aged care homes to select from so research is important. If you are still active and don’t need full time nurse staff on hand then other types of retirement villages may be an option to think about.

Article from Seasons Supported Living, provider of Kallangur aged care facilities.

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