Is there a vacancy at one of the care facilities?
Each facility holds its own list of upcoming vacancies (a waiting list). Vacancies vary depending on the geographical location of the care facility and the type of care provided (e.g. accommodation care, nursing or independent living). It is recommended that you contact the care facility you are interested in to discuss availability and your requirements. Each facility has a person that is able to assist you with your enquiries.
How long will I need to wait for a vacancy?
Unfortunately our sites will not be able to quote a time frame due to the nature of a vacancy arising. However we do place our prospective clients on our waiting lists in order of priority of need. After application is made, the ACAT is viewed, and the current living arrangements are assessed, our sites' Senior Supervisors / Care Managers will be able to inform you where on the list your application has been placed. We also encourage you to ensure that the ACAT is current and depicts a true picture of your current needs.
What do I need to do to be eligible to apply for a Hostel or Nursing Home place.
Anyone who applies for residency in a Hostel or Nursing Home must have a current ACAT assessment. This is a formal document that outlines the applicants needs. This document is completed by an Aged Care Assessment Team member(s) in the hospital. You will need to obtain a referral from your family GP. Once you obtain and ACAT assessment you can complete an application, the social worker at the hospital may help you. The ACAT assessment must be reviewed annually as it is only valid for 12 months from commencement date. If your current ACAT does not truly depict your needs you may make a request to your GP to be re-assessed prior to the 12 month expiration date.
When can I come and look at a facility to see if it suits my needs?
People interested in residential care are encouraged to make an appointment to come and visit a site. This enables a staff member from the care facility to give you a comprehensive guided tour and answer any questions you may have. Weekend visits are generally not available.
Refer: For further information contact the administration section of the care facility you are interested in.
If I get sick and require on-going care, do I have to leave?
Not necessarily. Uniting Church Homes has a formal discharge policy.
For residents already living in a Uniting Church Homes facility, staff will assist residents to locate a suitable vacancy and make an application if a resident requires a change in living arrangements. Uniting Church Homes, however, is under no obligation to provide alternative accommodation and it cannot be guaranteed.
Financial
How much does it cost to live in a care facility?
Costs depend on a number of factors including current income and assets. Residents are required to pay a weekly rent (fee) and an accommodation bond upon entry to the facility.
The Commonwealth Department of Health and Aging determines the amount of rent that you will be required to pay (fees) and is means tested. Usually, however, the fee is about 85% of the aged care pension.
Why do I have to pay an accommodation bond?
Accommodation bonds are standard practice in Aged Care facilities in Australia. The monies generated from Accommodation Bonds are used to build new facilities and refurbish existing care facilities within Uniting Church Homes. The amount of the accommodation bond you pay is means tested.
If the resident pays a bond, how much will they get back?
This depends on the amount of bond paid. Generally the retention (draw down amount is taken over 5 years (low and high band care facilities) and 10 years for Serviced Unit and ILU The balance of the bond paid after discharge from the accommodation.
Rent assistance and Retirement Villages
What is rent assistance?
Rent assistance is a non taxable allowance to help individuals meet the cost of rented accommodation. Rent includes the amount paid by a person on a regular basis for occupying a residence and includes fees paid for services in a self-care retirement village. To determine your eligibility status and more information please contact your local Centrelink office of click the following link www.centrelink.gov.au › Individuals › PaymentsHome ›
What happens if I paid an entry contribution to live in a UCH retirement village?
You will need to provide the “entry agreement” - you agreement with UCH, to Centrelink in for them to calculate the amount of Rent Assistance you may be entitled to receive. It is calculated based on the Extra Allowable Amount which is the difference between the non-homeowner and homeowner asset test limits at the time the contract was entered into.
Do I have to sell my home?
Not necessarily, A variety of payment options are available
Refer: The administration staff at the care facility you are interested can discuss the options with you
Refer: Discuss with the facility care manager
What services does the Resident get for their money?
Uniting Church Homes' aged care facilities provide a range of services to residents. Quality nursing and care staff are employed to provide residents' daily needs. Meal services, laundry, recreation and chaplaincy services are generally provided at all sites. In addition, some facilities provide specialist services such as allied health, linen service and hairdressers.
Refer: The administration staff at the care facility you are interest in can provide you with more detailed information about the services provided at that facility.
Facilities and Services
What rooms and units are available?
Facilities generally offer a range of accommodation which can include one or two bedrooms. Two bedroom units are not restricted to couples but available to anyone who is interested. Most care facilities also have private ensuite. The accommodation options available are best discussed with the administration staff at the facility you are interested in as they do vary from site to site.
What furniture do I bring?
Residents are encouraged to bring personal items of furniture so that their rooms are to their liking. When inspecting accommodation options, individuals are welcome to discuss furniture layout with staff to ensure residents feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
Who is responsible for my personal laundry?
Laundry services are provided by care facility staff (high band, low band and serviced units only) with the exception of dry cleaning. All bed linen is also provided in all high band, low band and serviced units. In addition, laundry facilities are available for those residents who wish to do their own laundry.
Is there a carport? Can I still drive my car?
Carport facilities are available at most facilities on a limited basis. Individuals are encouraged to discuss their car parking arrangements with the staff of the care facility they are interested in to ensure this can be accommodated.
Are all types of accommodation suitable for wheelchairs?
All sites have provision for wheel chair access, however, the scope and nature of this varies from facility to facility. It is best to talk to the administration staff in the facility you are interested in to discuss wheelchair access both in and around the facility - as well as in the surrounding area (i.e. footpaths, access to shops etc).
Do any doctors visit? When?
All facilities provide access to medical services. If you do not have a regular GP, the care facility staff are able to arrange for a visit by a GP who regularly cares for other residents in the facility (sometimes you may have choice from a number of GPs who visit -metro area only). The care facility manager will be able to provide you with information about the medical services available.
What are the visiting hours?
Generally there are no set visiting hours however discretion and courtesy is requested for visits late at night when other residents may be sleeping. Residents are encouraged to maintain relationships with relatives and friends and participate in outings and excursions off-site.
What recreational services are available?
Outings are offered to residents on all sites. Activities are provided free of charge in all low and high band facilities. There may some charge for additional activities and services. The type, cost and frequency vary, however, further information can found by contacting the facility administration of the individual sites.