NSW is a great state to live in, and has plenty of wonderful aged care facilities to choose from. But if you’re thinking about starting your journey into aged care, it can be confusing knowing what you need to do, and when. Here’s where you need to start if you’re looking for aged care in NSW.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Finding out if you’re even eligible for a place in aged care is the first step, as there are certain criteria that need to be met. These include:
- Being an older person who is no longer able to live independently at home
- Being a younger person with a disability, dementia or other special care needs that cannot be met through other specialist services
If you’re seeking aged care in NSW, you will need to be assessed for eligibility by ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team). You will be assessed by a team comprised of specialist aged care doctors, social workers, community nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. A trained assessor will assess you in your home, or in hospital if you are unable to return home, and will talk with you to get an accurate picture of your care needs.
You will need to contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply online here to organise this assessment.
Once the assessment is complete, your assessor will recommend whether you need to live in residential aged care or not.
Step 2: Get a financial assessment
If you have been assessed as eligible for an aged care place, you will then need to undergo an income and assets assessment. This will determine whether you need to pay a means-tested care fee or if you’re eligible for government assistance.
You’ll need to complete a form to apply for this assessment, which is available on the Services Australia website here or by calling 1800 227 475. Allow at least two weeks for turnaround.
Step 3: Decide where in NSW you want to live
Once these steps are complete, you’ll then need to decide exactly where in NSW you would like to live. For many people, their choice is to remain in the town or city where they currently live. For others, it’s an opportunity to move to a new place, perhaps to be closer to family members. Either way, it’s a decision you’ll need to make early on in the process.
Step 4: Find your ideal aged care home
Once you’ve chosen the location you want to live in, it’s time to narrow it down to the aged care facility that’s right for you.
There are plenty of options to choose from, each offering different services and levels of care, so it’s vital to find one that works for you. Make a list of aged care homes in your chosen area and spend some time researching online or asking around for referrals. Narrow down your list to a few facilities that you would like to visit in person. Then make a time to visit each one, making sure you find out what care, services and activities they offer, as well as relevant costs. Pay particular attention to the feel of the place, and what the facilities and accommodation are like, to help you decide whether you would be happy living there.
Once you have chosen the right place for you, you can then begin the process of applying for a place in the facility. For a more in-depth look at the steps to enter an aged care home, click here.
To find providers in the NSW town or city where you wish to live, go to the My Aged Care provide search function here.
To arrange an appointment to view Finley’s facilities, contact us on 02 5504 6508.
