Residential
When people can no longer live independently, even with support, they have the option of moving into one of our residential care facilities. UCH’s facilities range from low care to high care facilities, with some facilities offering special programs to meet the needs of people with dementia. Due to the current Commonwealth regulations on residential care facility entry it is impossible to guarantee admission to a residential care facility and it is subject to each applicant meeting minimum criteria.
Low Band residential care facilities provide personal care and assistance with the activities of daily living, such as showering, dressing, bed making etc. They also provide nursing care and therapy services including diversional activities.
High Band residential care facilities provide all of the above plus complex nursing care to people with a higher level of clinical care need.
Most of UCH’s residential care facilities have single rooms with private ensuite bathrooms or in some cases two units sharing a common bathroom. The rooms are furnished with the basic furniture and residents may bring their own furniture to their room, subject to an assessment of its suitability by the manager. Residents are encouraged to maintain their independence to the fullest extent possible. Meals are provided in a communal dining room.
Minimum standards are set by the Commonwealth and compliance with these standards is assured by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency (a government appointed agency). All care facilities must be accredited to receive government funding and support. Residential care facilities must apply to the Agency to be audited and the period of accreditation is determined by the success of the audit and can range from three years to one year. The most common period is three years and the results from compliance with 4 Standards and 44 Expected Outcomes. All UCH and the City of Bayswater facilities have been awarded three year accreditation.
Requirements to enter into a UCH Residential Care Facility
· Before applying for a place within one of our facilities, you are required to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This assessment is arranged by your doctor, and will determine what your needs are and assess your level of care requirements.
o The ACAT team is usually composed of a doctor, nurse and social worker.
o Members of this team will conduct interviews with you, and perhaps even visit you at your home.
o The ACAT team may suggest or recommend a particular facility or facilities which will meet your needs. In urgent situations they may contact facilities on your behalf to find out if there are vacancies.
· Interested applicants must then apply to Centrelink / DVA for an Asset Assessment once the ACAT assessment is complete and the applicant has been approved to receive residential care. The request form for an Asset Assessment will be provided by the ACAT at the time of the ACAT assessment.
· The income test from the 20th March 2008 has been simplified and treats all income in the same way. It no longer differentiates between pension and private income.
· The Centrelink / DVA Asset Assessment will assist the intending resident to negotiate an appropriate refundable deposit or accommodation charge amount to be paid to an Aged Care provider. The interested potential resident is provided with a letter with information about the value of their assets for aged care purposes and whether they are considered to be either a fully or partially supported resident or have concessional or assisted resident status.
· More information about the Asset Assessments is available by telephoning Centrelink Aged Care assessments team on FREECALL 1800 227 475 or DVA on 1300 550 452 or 13 254.
· Applicants must provide UCH with evidence of their pensioner status in order to assess fees correctly in compliance with the Aged Care Act.
· A statutory declaration about your details and financial status is required on application.