The decision to leave home and transition into a residential aged care facility, whether it’s you or someone you care about, is never easy. With plenty of aged care homes in your area, it can be one of life’s most stressful and emotional periods.
Although adjusting will take some time, aged care centres provide residents with a welcoming environment that transcends beyond “nursing.” Older Australians can maintain their health and well-being while receiving professional, personalised care and support outside their homes.
Here are key factors to consider so you can make an informed decision and avoid becoming overwhelmed when choosing an aged care facility. Let’s dive right into them.
Location
Social relationships tend to decline as people age; this is the same for older Australians in aged care facilities. A good location of a residential aged care facility is essential for residents, especially those who suffer from loneliness, depression, and isolation.
It’s also helpful to know about visiting hours and if the facility is pet friendly. You can also ask if there’s a shopping centre, café, movie theatre, church, and other shops that residents can visit when they want to get out.
Environment
Make sure you get a sense of the overall environment when visiting a facility. Take note of cleanliness, smell, comfort, staff ratio, and anything that stands out as exceptional or disruptive.
Other questions that will help you with your decision include:
- Does the residential aged care facility offer the option of individual and shared rooms?
- Do the staff members look happy and content?
- Do the residents look well cared for?
- Is the facility pleasant to be in?
- Will there be outings and bus trips to foster a sense of social connection?
- Are the bathrooms sanitised well?
Remember: first impressions always count, so if you don’t get a positive feeling right from the moment you step into the facility, look for another aged care home.
Quality and Level of Service
Assessing the facility’s compliance with the required standards is imperative for determining whether it will provide the level of care and support you require. You may also need to consider accessibility to a wide range of healthcare professionals. Some facilities even offer access to massage therapists, hairdressers, and other services.
The residential aged care facility must have proper accreditation established by the federal government to guarantee approved care.
Your or your loved ones’ needs may also change over time, so enquire whether the facility can move you to a new suite when necessary to cater for your needs. Examples of the types of care you may need are additional services and specialised dementia or palliative care.
Activities
You should also check whether the activity you plan to participate in suits your needs and interests. Most residential aged care homes offer programs of activities to stimulate residents’ social, mental, and physical well-being. Examples are floor games, discussion groups, pet therapy, music sessions, art classes, and exercise programs. They may also have outdoor activities, including walking groups, shopping trips, and local school visits.
Food
Food plays a huge role in the residents’ day-to-day life. The right facility should offer great food and dining options. Some residents need easily digestible and even pureed food, while others want solid meals cooked fresh and presented in an appealing way.
As a resident of a residential aged care facility, you will pay a basic daily fee that covers your daily expenses. So, ask relevant questions about the food to get value for your money.
Cost
The Australian Government sets the daily fee arrangements, but the equivalent periodic payments vary from facility to facility. Choosing a facility that is way out of your budget is pointless.
To determine whether the facility fees will fit your budget, start by assessing your financial situation and be realistic about your expenses. You must also learn about the RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit) and DAP (Daily Accommodation Payment) at each facility. List these
items to compare. You can also seek the professional help of a financial advisor to make the process more straightforward.
Key Takeaway
If you or a relative are considering moving into a residential aged care facility, you should clearly understand your reasons for doing so so you can make the right choice. The factors listed above will help you reduce the pressure you feel at this emotional time for you and your family.
Although there is no such thing as a perfect place, you can find the facility that best fits your needs if you do your homework, ask relevant questions and pay close attention to the environment. Most importantly, the facility should offer services aligned with your budget and circumstances.
Look for the Right Residential Aged Care Services with the Right Services
There’s no doubt that moving into a nursing home is emotional. Add it to the fact that there are plenty of facilities in your local area, and you will find yourself overwhelmed by the choices. You can get advice from your family doctor on navigating aged care in Australia and making it quick and easy by heading directly to Aged Care Made Easy.
Aged Care Made Easy’s online portal will get you a customised list of available residential aged care services across Australia. Begin searching now. Find residential aged-care options here.