Choosing an Aged Care Home

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 residential aged care, 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.  A low level care hostel, on the other hand, is for people who may only require minimal assistance. 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 wise. 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. Each one is different, so assessing several will help you determine the level of services and accommodation they offer.

Bring along a friend or family member for support and a second opinion. 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.

Take a notebook and keep track of your likes and dislikes of each home. 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?
• Is the accommodation clean, well presented and well maintained?
• 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?

Choosing to switch from independent living to full time care is a very large choice to make. There are an assortment of aged care homes, so it is important you choose one that feels right for you and your preferences. 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 consider.

Article from Seasons Supported Living, provider of Tuncurry nursing home facilities.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Related posts:

1. Cypress Springs Residence – Leading Tulsa Alzheimer’s Care Tulsa Nursing Home There are several options for an Alzheimer’s care facilities in the Tulsa Oklahoma area. There are assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities...
2. Choosing Retirement Villages   After you’ve worked hard your whole life you deserve nothing better than a place to relax and enjoy the good things in life. In...
3. The New Face Of The Retirement Home “Retirement home” used to be a euphemism for nursing home. Retirement homes were places where people went to die. However, now that people are retiring...
4. Explaining Retirement Home That Is Best Suited To Your Needs If you’re planning to hire or purchase a retirement home, concentrate on some awfully fascinating and significant facts before you come to an enduring call....
5. Choose A Retirement Home That Is Best Suited To Your Needs If you are planning to rent or buy a retirement home, pay attention to a few very interesting and important facts before you come to...