Aged Care Summary


Ethos Financial Advisers have specialist knowledge in the complex area of Aged Care.

Finding appropriate aged care can be emotionally draining. It is critical to have expert advice and representation when negotiating the application to facilities for your loved ones. Ethos Financial Advisers ease the stress and process to ensure your time is allocated to caring for loved ones in a time of need.

 

Facility Types:

What many people are unaware of is the difference in Aged Care Facilities. There are a number of accommodation choices in retirement. These options are:

  • Own home.
  • Granny flat rights.
  • Retirement village.
  • Hostel (Low Level Care).
  • Nursing home (High Level Care).

 

The choice of accommodation option is based on:

  • Personal preference.
  • Costs and need to access capital.
  • Required living assistance.
  • Health and medical conditions.
  • Family situation.
  • ACAT Assessment

 

Generally the first three accommodation options are lifestyle decisions and are based on personal and financial preferences, while the last two are based on medical needs.
The checklist which follows can be used as a braod list of considerations. Each issue should be considered in isolation, and then holistically, to see the interactions and determine any necessary trade-offs.

Hostels and Nursing Homes

Entry costs in hostels and nursing homes:

What is a hostel or nursing home?

A hostel is a residential facility that provides low level care to residents. A nursing home is a residential facility that offers high level care to residents. The level of care reflects the amount of assistance needed, with low level care meaning residents need less intensive care. Residents in nursing homes need a greater level of medical supervision and/or assistance with daily living needs, eg dressing, bathing, feeding.

Entry to government-subsidised hostels and nursing homes must be approved by an aged care assessment team (ACAT). Hostels and nursing homes must provide a range of basic services, including:

  • On-call staff for assistance.
  • Meals.
  • Basic accommodation-related services such as furnishings.
  • Cleaning services and general laundry.
  • Bedding.
  • Maintenance of buildings and grounds.

 

They can also offer other services at an additional cost; for example, hairdressing. Some nursing homes will provide a higher standard of accommodation, meals and services. These are called `extra service places', and they may charge an accommodation bond.

Hostel and nursing home - decision checklist

Before a person moves into a hostel or nursing home, there are a number of steps to follow and issues to consider.

  • Organise ACAT assessment (through your doctor);
  • Complete an “Application for Respite Care or Permanent Entry to Aged Care Homes”;
  • Complete the “Request for an Assets Assessment Form”;


We aim to make the process as simple as possible.

Please contact our office on (03) 9853 1676 for more information