|
Q. We are worried that our relative can no longer manage at home. What are the signs we should look for in order to decide if they may need residential care?
A. Some conditions are more likely to result in the need for residential care. The key signs that indicate when caring at home may no longer be appropriate include:
- Difficulties with personal care management such as medication management, showering and/or general hygiene;
- Poor nutrition and dietary intake
- Continence problems;
- Reoccurring falls or mobility difficulties;
- Increasing physical frailty;
- Challenging behaviours;
- Safety risk such as forgetting to turn the gas off; wandering;
- Communication problems;
- Thinking, planning and memory difficulties.
It is often a combination of concerns that lead families feeling their relative is at risk and therefore they need to consider residential care.
Q. I believe my elderly family member may need to go into residential care. What would be my first step in going about this?
A. Before you can begin looking at residential care facilities your relative will need to be assessed by an aged care assessment team (ACAT). The GP or hospital doctor can arrange this or you can phone the Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) yourself. ACAS will complete the required paperwork to confirm that your family member is eligible for residential care. This paperwork, called the aged care client record, outlines the health and care needs of your relative and specifies which level of care is appropriate. The ACAT worker will provide you with a list of facilities in your preferred area and/or a copy of the DPS Guide to Aged Care that provides a comprehensive listing.
Q. Do I need to put my relatives name on a waiting list for a residential care facility? How do they decide on accepting my relative into care?
A. Residential care facilities are unable to consider anyone unless they have had an aged care assessment. This will determine whether your relative is eligible. The assessment is valid for 12 months although it may need to be renewed if circumstances change. If you put the relatives name on a waiting list for a particular place and a vacancy comes up within a year they will need to be in a position to accept it or the place will be offered to the next most suitable person. The Facility Manager chooses from the waiting list on the basis of multiple factors which relate to individual applicants needs, the current residents care needs, staffing skills, the facilities specific service focus and environment.
Q. How do I make sure my relative is accommodated in the most suitable place for their needs?
A. The first step toward finding the right residential care facility is to start making inquiries. For mecwacare inquiries call the General Manager, Residential on 9563 6226. They will provide information about our services, send you an application and information brochures, and book you in for a facility tour. Before calling make a short list of questions. This might include:
- Could the facility manage the particular care needs of my relative? (eg daily injections, diabetes care)
- Are there Registered Nurses on 24 hours per day every day?
- What are the lifestyle activities offered and can I have a look at the program?
- Are the rooms single or shared?
- Do all the rooms all have their own bathrooms?
- Are there garden areas to sit?
- Is the facility secure for those who wander?
- Are there other residents from the same cultural background?
- What are the costs associated with having my relative in care?
If you like what you hear, make an appointment to view the facility. When you have seen what is available in your area make a short list. Once you know which residential care facilities you prefer, you need to place your family member on the waiting list. To do this you will need to provide the mecwacare General Manager, Residential, with:
A copy of the aged care client record. This is completed during the aged care assessment and outlines the health and care needs of your family member. It confirms that they are eligible for residential care.
A copy of the facility's application form.
A copy of your Centrelink financial details.
Q. How can I be sure the care is from a reputable provider?
A. Aged care homes must be accredited under the accreditation standards for residential aged care in order to receive subsidies from the Australian Government. Make sure you are only considering accredited facilities. The standards cover such things as management, care, lifestyle, quality and safety issues. All mecwacare residential aged care centres are fully accredited by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency. | 
