seniors pathway guide
your guide to Aged Care
If you’ve been considering aged care options for your loved one and feeling confused about how it all works, you’re definitely not alone.
This guide is designed to give you some information about the different types of aged care services available and when it’s the right time to apply.
Select any of the arrows below to learn more.
What are my aged care options?
There are different types of aged care services to assist your loved one with their daily activities and health care.
Home care services and short-term care can help your loved one continue living at home with some extra support. When this becomes too difficult, moving into residential aged care may be the best option to provide them with around-the-clock care.
- Home care services
There are services available to support the elderly person’s independence, keep them safe at home and connected to the community. This is an ideal option if they’re struggling with their memory, mobility or daily tasks.
- Short-term care
Short-term care supports your loved one with continued care while allowing their usual carer to take a break. There are different types of short-term care to make sure that they’re covered for long periods or at short notice and this care can be delivered in their home or in an aged care facility.
- Residential aged care
When living independently is not possible anymore, moving into an aged care home means that your loved one can receive continuous support with their health care and everyday activities. There are many aged care homes to suit different budgets, locations, availabilities, needs and preferences.
Learn more about your aged care options.
What is an ACAT assessment and when should I arrange one?
An ACAT assessment involves a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team meeting with the older person (plus their support person/s) to understand their health care and mobility needs, medical history, what assistance is currently being provided and how they’re managing with everyday tasks. They’ll use the information to complete an Application for Care form, and develop a support plan to make recommendations about the services and care options that will best support your loved one.
The outcome of the ACAT assessment will determine what kind of care your loved one has been approved to receive and whether they are eligible for government assistance with home support service fees and/or aged care accommodation.
Your loved one should undergo an ACAT assessment as soon as the need for additional care or services is considered. If you’ve come across this article as part of your research into aged care services, it is likely time to arrange an ACAT assessment now.
Do you need an ACAT assessment? We can submit the referral on your behalf.
When should I help my loved one move into permanent residential aged care?
Helping a loved one permanently move into aged care is a difficult decision. If you feel your loved one’s health, safety and wellbeing is at risk despite part-time nursing care and informal care arrangements by other family members and friends, then you have most likely reached the right time for permanent residential care. Some examples of circumstances that mean residential aged care is required include:
Behaviour changes
- They are often wandering off and getting lost
- They are more frequently upset, angry or aggressive
- They’ve become isolated, withdrawn or less sociable than usual and they avoid social activities that they used to enjoy
Deteriorating health
- They have chronic health problems and require around-the-clock specialised care
- They’re taking longer to recover when they are unwell or injured and need closer attention
Physical or cognitive impairments
- They are struggling to complete day-to-day activities by themselves
- They have difficulty moving around
- They have an increased frequency of falls
- They have memory issues or dementia
Contact Seniors Pathway for an aged care advisory consultation.
Let us help you navigate the aged care system and get the best possible outcome for your loved one.
Call our experienced team on (08) 8379 5006 or tell us what you need below.