If the ins and outs of the Aged Care sector is all Greek to you, you certainly aren’t alone. After all, most of us don’t think about it until it’s needed. Luckily, TriCare is here to help! Below, we’ll take a closer look at the three most common misconceptions about Aged Care and find to the truth behind the myths.
Myth: An Aged Care residence is like a hospital
It’s an easy mistake to make, because both options are designed to provide care, but an Aged Care residence differs from a hospital environment in several important ways.
Firstly, an Aged Care Residence is a home for your loved one, while a hospital can never be home. It is a place where they are part of the residence’s family and receive care. In contrast to a hospital setting, residents in an Aged Care community have their own rooms, which they can decorate and furnish with their own items. Many Aged Care services provide high quality accommodation options, with hotel-style décor and furnishings. Residents can enjoy activities and the company of other residents and visitors in communal areas and can take advantage of social and recreational opportunities organised for them.
Secondly, in a hospital, the focus is on providing medical care for a patient. In an Aged Care residence, the focus is on providing a full life for a person. Residents in Aged Care facilities have varying levels of ability and cognition and as such, an Aged Care facility caters to all of their needs – medical, emotional, psychological, social, and physical.
Myth: Living in a quality Aged Care residence is not affordable for most people
Again, it can be easy to become overwhelmed at the thought of navigating Aged Care services, and sometimes the kind of care you want for your loved one can feel out of reach. Let’s break it down.
The cost of Aged Care support services depends on the specific financial situation of the person requiring care. The good news is that the government subsidises the costs of Aged Care services for eligible people. You can check your loved one’s eligibility for subsidised care at the My Aged Care website.
To find out exactly what you will have to pay to access residential Aged Care, your loved one will have to undertake an Aged Care assessment, known as an ACAT. Dependent on the outcome of your assessment, some of the fees you may come upon are:
Basic Daily Fee: everyone is required to pay this fee, set at 85% of the rate of Aged Pension for a single person. This fee is set by the Commonwealth government and covers basic living costs, including meals, cleaning, and laundry services. An additional means-tested fee may apply depending on the income and assets of the person receiving care.
Accommodation Fee: this fee is set by the Aged Care provider and covers the costs of the person’s room, living facilities, and communal areas. The amount you pay will vary based on the type of accommodation you choose – premium options will likely attract a higher fee. There are options to pay this fee as a lump sum, a daily charge, or a combination.
Fees for Optional Extras: These fees may apply if your loved one wants access to extra services that aren’t covered under the basic provision of care. They include things like subscriptions to entertainment streaming services, some premium room features, and optional activities and services.
Myth 3: You will lose your freedom and independence if you move into Aged Care
The purpose of an Aged Care facility is only to maximise the independence of the person needing care. Typically, a person transitions to an Aged Care residence because they cannot manage household tasks and personal or medical care on their own. In an Aged Care residence, that support is provided around the clock. This means the person can still participate in all the activities that bring them pleasure and make life enjoyable while being consistently supported with the things they can no longer manage.
Family and friends are welcome to visit their loved one in Aged Care and where the person in care has the capacity, they are able to enjoy outings and social activities.
Make informed decisions about Aged Care based on the right information from trusted sources.
We understand that choosing the right Aged Care provider is a big decision, so we have a team of Aged Care Specialists to help guide you through the process. For a Free Consultation, call 1300 874 2273 or Book a Tour at your preferred residence today.
