Columbia Aged Care Services

This information is designed to assist you, your family, friends and carers to better understand what residential aged care is and how to access it.

Residential aged care is for older people who can no longer live at home as a result of illness, disability, bereavement or an emergency. Depending upon your individual needs, it can be either short-term (respite) or long-term, and include low or high level care.

There are 5 Steps to access Residential Aged Care:

1. Assessing your aged care needs
Your care needs will be assessed by a team of health professionals – the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The ACAT assessment will show if you are eligible for residential aged care and is valid for 12 months. Referrals to ACAT can be made through your doctor, health centre, hospital, family or by self-referral.

2. Selecting a Residential Aged Care Facility
Commonwealth Carelink Centres and ACAT can provide you with information about the residential aged care facilities in your area that suit your particular care needs. You may need to visit a number of facilities in order to find one that you think can best meet your needs. You may find it useful to take the Checklist provided in the 5 Steps booklet with you on your visits (only available in English). You can apply to as many services as you wish.

3. Working out the cost of Residential Aged Care
The Australian Government helps with some of the cost of residential aged care, but you will be asked to pay Daily Care Fees and possibly an Accommodation Payment, depending on your income and assets. Information about income and asset testing can be found in the 5 Steps booklet.

4. Applying for Residential Aged Care
You will need to complete an application form for either permanent or respite residential aged care. An application form can be obtained from your ACAT, the Aged Care Information Line, the Aged Care Information Line or the Commonwealth Carelink Centre. The information you provide will be treated confidentially. You will also need to show your ACAT assessment at the time of applying for a place in a residential facility. The Aged Care Facility will contact you when they have a place to offer you.

5. Moving into Residential Aged Care
When you move into an aged care facility you will be given a Resident Agreement and Charter of Rights and Responsibilities. You should discuss this agreement with your family and friends or consult with your legal practitioner before signing it.

The Aged Care Facility will advise you about personal belongings you can bring with you, laundry services, meal times, activities and the physical layout of the service. A Care Coordinator will discuss you care needs with you, your carer, a friend or family member to develop an individual care plan. Staff will also strive to support your specific and cultural needs.