Permanent Care (Step by Step Guide)
The thought of entering residential care permanently can trigger feelings of anxiety. Often the process is viewed as complicated and overwhelming and just knowing where and how to start is often the hardest part.
To assist you and your loved ones navigate through this new life journey, our Care Team has detailed what we consider are the key steps.
01
Determine your eligibility
The first step is to check if you are eligible for government funded care—be it in your own home, or a care facility such as St Catherine’s. If you are eligible, you can start using care services right away, or at a future date that suits you and your loved ones. The decision is yours, but the key is to start the process.
To determine if you or your loved one is eligible for Permanent Care at St Catherine’s or any care facility an assessment must be completed by the Single Assessment System (SAS) through My Aged Care (this is the Australian Government body responsible for aged care services).
A SAS assessment is normally organised through your Doctor (GP), a social worker or health professional. A member of the SAS team can be arranged to visit you at home, and talk with you in person about your current lifestyle and future care needs.
For more information, we suggest:
- you speak with your doctor (GP)
- visit the My Aged Care website or
- phone My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
02
Find the right home for you
Deciding which care facility is right for you or a loved one depends on your personal preferences and individual requirements.
We invite you to visit us at St Catherine’s for a tour, to meet residents and speak with members of our administrative and care teams. This will provide the perfect opportunity to discuss the care, support and lifestyle you are seeking and to see if St Catherine’s is the right fit for your respite care. We encourage you to ask any questions, talk to us about your interests, and importantly to share your feelings about permanent care.
We also recommend you look at other care providers in Wangaratta and the surrounding region to ensure you have looked at all options, and considered the various types of care on offer.
03
Understand the costs
To assist us determine the costs applicable to your individual circumstances and financial situation we recommend completing a Department of Human Services Permanent Residential Aged Care Request for a Combined Assets and Income Assessment. Upon completion you will receive a determination letter which will assist the St Catherine’s administration team confirm the exact cost of care associated with your individual financial position.
We encourage you or your loved one to seek financial advice prior to making any decisions to get a full understanding of your financial situation.
The cost of residential aged care consists of care fees and accommodation fees which can be broken up into the following:
- Basic Daily Fee – covers living costs such as meals, cleaning, laundry, heating and cooling
- Means Tested Fee – an additional daily care contribution fee based upon an individual’s personal circumstances. This is based on the asset and income assessment you have submitted to the Department of Human Services
- Accommodation Payment – cost including the room you will occupy (this can be fully or partly covered by the government) made through an upfront amount, daily payment or a combination of both
- Additional Services – this is an optional fee for care or services that are in addition to those that St Catherine’s must provide to you (such as alternative therapies or hair and beauty appointments)
04
Register your name for permanent care at St Catherine’s
If you or your loved one would like to become a permanent resident, you will need to contact us to arrange a meeting. This will provide you with the opportunity to meet our management team and discuss your care requirements.
Prior to committing to a permanent care position, we encourage you or your loved one to trial respite first. This provides an excellent opportunity to experience the care and lifestyle we provide before making any decisions.
It is important that you understand, by registering your name for our waiting list you are not committing to St Catherine’s. Should another option offer a more timely or suitable care proposition, we completely understand and just ask that you let us know so your name can be removed from the wait list.
We appreciate filling in lots of paperwork and forms can be very overwhelming. Provided you bring with you your personal details and information relating to your eligibility assessment, our team can step you through the process and manage everything else on your behalf.
05
How do I know when I can move into
St Catherine’s?
When an opportunity becomes available we will contact you at the earliest opportunity to offer permanent residency and discuss a move-in date.
Whilst waiting for a room to become available, we encourage you to stay in touch and provide us with updates of any changes in your health or care requirements.
Prior to moving in we will provide you with a Resident and Accommodation Agreement outlining agreed fees and charges, services, rights and responsibilities. This is a legal document that needs to be signed prior to your move-in / entry date. We appreciate how complex and daunting this can be, and our Management Team will step you through the process with you to ensure you understand the agreement.
06
Moving-in Day
We have had many residents call St Catherine’s home since 1967 and over all the years we have asked for feedback on the little things we can do to make moving into care an easier, gentler, more welcoming experience.
We have listened and improved our processes and procedures so that on your agreed move-in day your bed, bedside table, television, linen and any high care equipment requirements will all be ready in your room. As well as your clothes and toiletries, we encourage you to bring any small items of furniture, decorations or bedding from home so that you can create your own little home away from home.
A member of our dedicated Care Team will be available to meet you on the day, explain everything, answer any questions and assist you to settle into your room.
Do you have any questions about care for you or a loved one?
Please contact us for a friendly chat or to book a personal tour.
