Canberra

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Aged Care and Support

Overview of aged care services, including residential care, in-home services, and geriatric health professionals.

Sections

1. Types of Aged Care Services in Canberra

Aged care services in Canberra are broadly categorized into home-based care, residential aged care, and community support services. Hereโ€™s an overview:

a. Home-Based Care (In-Home Support)

  • Description: Services provided to older adults in their own homes to help them live independently.
  • Examples of Services:
    • Personal care (e.g., bathing, dressing)
    • Domestic assistance (e.g., cleaning, laundry)
    • Meal preparation and delivery (e.g., Meals on Wheels)
    • Nursing care (e.g., wound care, medication management)
    • Allied health services (e.g., physiotherapy, podiatry)
    • Social support and companionship
  • Programs:
    • Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Entry-level support for basic needs.
    • Home Care Packages (HCP): Tailored packages for more complex care needs, ranging from Level 1 (basic care) to Level 4 (high-level care).

b. Residential Aged Care

  • Description: Full-time care in a residential facility for those who can no longer live independently.
  • Services Provided:
    • 24/7 nursing and personal care
    • Accommodation and meals
    • Recreational and social activities
    • Dementia care and palliative care (if required)
  • Facilities in Canberra:
    • Goodwin Aged Care Services
    • BaptistCare Carey Gardens
    • IRT Kangara Waters
    • Southern Cross Care facilities
    • Uniting Amala Gordon
    • Calvary Haydon Retirement Community

c. Respite Care

  • Description: Short-term care provided in-home or in a residential facility to give caregivers a break.
  • Options:
    • Day respite
    • Overnight or weekend stays
    • Emergency respite

d. Community Support Services

  • Description: Services that promote social engagement and mental well-being.
  • Examples:
    • Senior activity groups and clubs
    • Transport services for medical appointments or social outings
    • Support for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities
    • Mental health support for older adults

e. Palliative Care

  • Description: Specialized care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on comfort and quality of life.
  • Providers in Canberra:
    • Clare Holland House (operated by Calvary)
    • ACT Palliative Care Society

2. Costs of Aged Care Services

The cost of aged care services in Canberra depends on the type of care, the provider, and the individualโ€™s financial situation. Hereโ€™s a breakdown:

a. Home-Based Care Costs

  • CHSP: Subsidized by the Australian Government; clients pay a small co-contribution (e.g., $5โ€“$15 per service).
  • HCP: Costs include:
    • Basic Daily Fee: Up to $11.71 per day (optional for most providers).
    • Income-Tested Care Fee: Based on income; capped annually and over a lifetime.
    • Government Subsidy: Covers the majority of the cost, depending on the package level.

b. Residential Aged Care Costs

  • Fees:
    • Basic Daily Fee: 85% of the single Age Pension (currently $58.98 per day).
    • Means-Tested Care Fee: Based on income and assets; capped annually and over a lifetime.
    • Accommodation Costs: Varies by facility and room type; can be paid as:
      • Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)
      • Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)
      • Combination of RAD and DAP
    • Extra Services Fee: For additional amenities (e.g., private rooms, premium meals).

c. Respite Care Costs

  • Similar to residential care fees but typically charged on a short-term basis.

d. Financial Assistance

  • The Australian Government subsidizes most aged care services.
  • Seniors with limited financial means may qualify for additional support.

3. Steps to Access Aged Care Services

Accessing aged care services in Canberra involves the following steps:

Step 1: Assessment

  • Contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422 or www.myagedcare.gov.au) to register and arrange an assessment.
  • Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT): Conducts assessments for residential care, HCPs, and respite care.
  • Regional Assessment Service (RAS): Conducts assessments for CHSP services.

Step 2: Eligibility Determination

  • Based on the assessment, youโ€™ll receive an approval letter outlining the services youโ€™re eligible for.

Step 3: Choosing a Provider

  • Use the My Aged Care website to compare providers in Canberra.
  • Consider factors like location, services offered, and costs.

Step 4: Service Agreement

  • Once you select a provider, youโ€™ll sign a service agreement outlining the care plan and costs.

Step 5: Ongoing Review

  • Care plans are reviewed periodically to ensure they meet changing needs.

4. Local Centers and Organizations in Canberra

Canberra has several organizations and centers dedicated to aged care and support:

  • Goodwin Aged Care Services: Offers home care, retirement living, and residential care.
  • BaptistCare: Provides residential care, home care, and respite services.
  • Meals on Wheels ACT: Delivers nutritious meals to seniors at home.
  • Carers ACT: Supports caregivers with respite, counseling, and advocacy.
  • Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT: Advocates for older adults and provides information and resources.
  • ACT Seniors Card Program: Offers discounts on goods and services for seniors.

5. Cultural and Community-Specific Considerations

Canberra is a multicultural city, and aged care providers are increasingly sensitive to the needs of diverse communities. Here are some considerations:

a. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities

  • Many providers offer culturally appropriate care, including bilingual staff and culturally specific meals.
  • Organizations like the Multicultural Hub Canberra and Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS) provide support for CALD seniors.

b. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders

  • Specialized programs are available to support Indigenous elders, focusing on culturally safe care.
  • Contact the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services for more information.

c. LGBTQIA+ Seniors

  • Inclusive aged care services are available for LGBTQIA+ seniors.
  • Look for providers accredited under the Rainbow Tick Standards.

6. Additional Tips for Healthy Living in Canberra

  • Stay Active: Join senior-friendly fitness programs at local gyms or community centers.
  • Engage Socially: Participate in events organized by the ACT Governmentโ€™s Seniors Week or local clubs.
  • Access Health Services: Canberra has excellent healthcare facilities, including Canberra Hospital and Calvary Public Hospital.
  • Use Public Transport: Seniors can access discounted fares on Canberraโ€™s public transport system (ACTION buses and light rail).

7. Key Contacts

  • My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
  • Carers ACT: (02) 6296 9900
  • Meals on Wheels ACT: (02) 6287 4311
  • COTA ACT: (02) 6282 3777
  • Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health: (02) 6284 6222

By understanding the services available, their costs, and how to access them, you can ensure that you or your loved ones receive the best possible care in Canberra. Let me know if you need further assistance!