Article posted:Mar 24, 2011
Category: Residential Aged Care
Where do I start?
To begin searching for nursing homes in Tasmania, the first question that will be asked is if your loved one has ‘been assessed’.
If you are going to a Government funded nursing home the nursing home , then you will need an Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS/ACAT) to determine what type of care they need. However, there are also non-government funded residential aged care homes which usually do not require an assessment.
By talking to a doctor you can then be referred to an ACAT/ACAS assessment. You can also use the ACAT/ACAS Service Provider from the Federal Government Department of Health and Ageing website.
If you are happy with the decision (and if you can appeal the decision) then you can begin to look for a home.
What is the difference between a high level and low level care home?
When someone can no longer care for themselves independently due to age, they may have to enter a high care or low level care home. The high and low level care home doesn’t refer to the quality of care, but how much nursing care a resident needs. For those who are fairly independent and might only need some help with cleaning, laundry and occasional nursing care they will be placed in a low level care home. However if the resident needs 24 hour nursing care and assistance to function daily, then they will need to be placed in a high level care home. High level care homes have formerly been known as nursing homes and low level care homes used to be called hostels, it is important to keep these new terms in mind when searching for residential aged care.
Often the decision to move into a nursing home is made once other people (often family members) can no longer provide for an elderly person. The process of finding an aged care home might take at least 2-3 months. You can read more about vacancies in residential aged care homes and how long you can be expected to wait before gaining a place in a home.
What type of care is provided?
The type of services provided at residential aged care will vary depending on the type of care (low or high level) and if the home is an extra service home. If the resident is in low level care then generally accommodation and personal care is provided. Personal care refers to help with things such as occasional nursing or dressing and showering.
If the resident is a high level care resident, then the following services must be included (in addition to the basic services listed above)
High level care homes provide services for those who need continuous nursing care.
- Oxygen and oxygen equipment
- Wheelchairs
- Sheepskins
- Water/air mattresses
- Registered nurses trained to assess, plan and manage care
- Therapy services (e.g. speech therapy/physiotherapy)
- Continence aids
- Basic medications and dressings
There are some services which must be provided at no additional costs, regardless of whether the resident is a low level or high level patient.
- Basic accommodation (i.e. beds, mattresses, linen, chairs et cetera)
- Laundry and cleaning service
- On-call staff and emergency assistance
- Building and grounds maintenance
- Mobility and communication assistance
- Personal care (i.e. help with going to the toilet, bathing, dressing and eating)
- Social activities
- Meals (must also cater for special diets)
Finding a Place to call Home
Finding a nursing home is similar to finding a home to rent or buy. Just as you would not buy the first house you see, or expect to find something suitable within a few weeks, the same applies to finding residential aged care in Tasmania. It is important to decide upon the areas you feel would be suitable and then try to visit as many homes as possible within those areas. The home as well as the neighbourhood and other near-by amenities (i.e. shopping strips, public transport, post office et cetera) as well as the culture of the home will need to be considered before moving in.
Residential Aged Care can be searched in Tasmania with an aged care online directory. You can also search for aged care in Hobart. With online directories you can search by level of care, region and can also take a virtual tour of some of the properties.
For further help check out the Aged Care Online’s 5 Step Guide to Aged Care
