Where can I get information about aged care?
There are several avenues by which information can be obtained - your doctor, council, hospital, health facility, and aged care services providers. Other sources include Commonwealth Carelink Facilities (call 1800 052 222 to find nearest office) or The Aged and Community Care Information Line (1800 500 853).
The Department of Health and Ageing produce a range of brochures and information sheets, available in English and several other languages, which you can get by phoning the Information Line (1800 500 853) or on the website.
What is Respite Care?
Respite services can be provided as daily care in a program run in an adult day care facility or as a short-term stay in a residential setting. Respite is designed to give the carer of an aged person time to rest, attend to domestic or social duties, or have a holiday.
To access respite, the client must usually be assessed and approved by Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria and the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) in NSW. Bupa Care Services provide respite care services for stays up to 63 days. Please take the time to discuss your requirements with us.
What is accreditation?
Accreditation is an external evaluation process that all aged care facilities must undergo in order to be recognised as approved providers under the Aged Care Act 1997. For more information on accreditation, visit the Aged Care Standards & Accreditation Agency website online.
Who does the assessment of the level of care I need?
Everyone entering an aged care facility in Australia is assessed by a government representative from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Your doctor, the Dept of Health & Family services, a social worker or a community nurse can arrange an assessment. After the assessment ACAT will recommend the level of care required and provide advice on what the assessment means.
What is high and low care?
At Bupa Care Services we offer both high level and low level care at our facilities. High level care (previously known as ‘nursing facility’ care) is for people who need regular assistance with most daily activities. At Bupa Care Services, residents receive the very best nursing care from our dedicated staff.
Low level care is for people who need accommodation services such as laundry, room cleaning as well as additional help with personal care, with nursing care provided if required. Bupa Care Services provides personal care to our low care residents, as well as giving them the opportunity to keep living the life they want.
What is an Extra Service Facility?
An extra service facility is one that offers residents a higher standard of accommodation, services, food and recreational activities. These can sometimes be called 'hotel services'.
Extra service facilities provide another element of choice for people entering residential aged care who may wish to choose and pay for a higher than average level of hotel services. It does not mean that residents will be provided with a higher level of nursing care as all facilities must provide the same standard of care.
Residents of an extra service aged care facility may receive, for instance, a bigger room, a greater choice of meals and/or wine with your meals.
Not all aged care facilities provide extra service and only those facilities that have been approved by the Australian Government to provide extra service may do so.
ACCOMMODATION BONDS
How is the bond determined?
Most aspects of the operation of accommodation bonds are closely regulated by the Commonwealth Dept of Health and Ageing. Bupa Care Services’s extra service facilities have determined various accommodation bond amounts. The amount of each bond relates to the standard of accommodation available within the facility e.g. single or double rooms, a private or shared ensuite etc.
Are there any advantages in paying an accommodation bond?
Yes, there are advantages in paying an accommodation bond. Amounts placed in accommodation bonds are not deemed to be an asset and therefore provide significant taxation and pension benefits. It may be helpful to contact a financial advisor before making a decision.
What happens to the accommodation bond?
Bupa Care Services will hold the bond in a secure and accessible form which meets the Commonwealth Government Department’s prudential arrangements. We deduct a small amount each month for the administration of your bond.
The accommodation bond is refunded on discharge, less retention fees charged under your Resident's Agreement.
What if I need to transfer from a Bupa Care Services facility?
If you need to transfer to another facility, the balance of your bond will be transferred to the other facility as per the requirements of the Aged Care Act.
DAILY FEES
How is the daily fee calculated?
The daily fee is comprised of 3 possible components. They are:
A Basic Daily Care Fee – calculated by the Government on the basis of your income
An Extra Service fee – for the additional services provided and
An Income Tested Fee – for part-pensioners and non-pensioners
What is the Basic Daily Care Fee?
This fee is paid by all residents entering into an aged care facility.
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