It’s common for people considering a move into aged care to be worried about the ‘rules’ they’ll have to live with. They may wonder if aged care will limit their freedom, restrict their movements and force them to do things they don’t want to do – or miss out on things they do want to do.
Of course, you have rights and responsibilities that you must abide by in an aged care home, but the ‘rules’ may not be as restrictive as you might think. Let’s dive deeper and discover just what rules you’ll need to follow once you move into an aged care home.
The rules you must follow
Firstly though, like anywhere else, there are certain foundational rules that aged care residents must follow – legal obligations and moral and societal responsibilities.
Rules of society
Of course, there are certain rules of society that everyone must follow, whether they live in an aged care home, their own home or anywhere else. You can’t harm other people, steal, commit fraud or other crimes, and you must respect the rights and privacy of others. And while life may look a little different in an aged care home, these standards of society must still be upheld at all times.
Legal rules
As well, there are certain legal rules that you must follow once you move into an aged care home. Prospective residents will be required to enter into a residential-care agreement before entering the facility, and will also need to sign an accommodation agreement. These agreements set out the terms, conditions, rights and responsibilities of both aged care providers and residents, and you will need to abide by them once you’ve signed them. These will involve things such as payment terms and occupancy.
The truth about aged care rules
With those non-negotiables out of the way, here are some other common areas people often worry will be affected by the ‘rules’ of aged care homes. To set your mind at ease, let’s take a look at some of the legislated statements contained in the Charter of Care Recipients Rights and Responsibilities and how these affect your life in aged care.
How you spend your time and what activities you do
Worried that your time will be regimented and organised for you? The Charter states that all aged care residents have the right to live in a safe, secure and homelike environment, and to move freely both within and outside the residential care service without undue restriction.
Here at Finley Regional Care, we believe that your life here should be just as it would be at home. Obviously, we have the responsibility of keeping you safe, but as long as you are safe, secure and happy, we will be happy. We recognise that each resident has their own unique likes and needs, and we do our best to tailor routines and activities to accommodate individual choices and preferences.
Visitors and the people you spend time with
Worried that you’ll be restricted to just spending time with the residents and staff of your home? Although you’ll be surrounded by a community of similarly aged individuals, you’re free to spend your time with whomever you wish. There are plenty of opportunities to socialise with your fellow aged care residents, but you can choose not to or limit your contact with other residents if you desire. The Charter states that all aged care residents have the right to be involved in the activities, associations, and friendships of their choice, both within and outside the residential care service.
Here at Finley Regional Care, we welcome visitors to come and spend time with residents or take them out, and we’re happy to support you in maintaining relationships with friends and family.
When you eat
Worried about having to eat at strict times, whether or not you’re hungry? This one’s a bit tricky, as it makes sense to have set mealtimes in a large facility such as an aged care home. However, the Charter states that all aged care residents have the right to be treated and accepted as an individual, and to have his or her individual preferences taken into account and treated with respect. At Finley Regional Care we set our mealtimes to the times most likely to suit older people, but if you require something different, we’re happy to try and find a way to make things work for you.
How you spend your money
Worried about losing control of your finances, or not being able to buy what you want? The Charter states that all aged care residents have the right to maintain control over, and to continue making decisions about, the personal aspects of his or her daily life, financial affairs and possessions.
Here at Finley Regional Care, we encourage you to control your own finances, and do not allow staff or management to have access or any control over your finances, pension payments etc. If you are unable to maintain financial control, we strongly suggest you organise an Enduring Power of Attorney in favour of a close friend, relative, your solicitor or accountant.
Medical treatment
Concerned that you won’t be allowed to see your regular doctor? As outlined above, you have the right to make decisions about the personal aspects of your daily life – and that includes your medical provider. While the aged care facility may have on-site or preferred medical providers, you’re entirely free to choose to receive medical care from whomever you choose.
At Finley Regional Care, we understand that your doctor plays an important role in your health, wellbeing and peace of mind. We encourage you to keep your own trusted doctor if you have one you’ve built a relationship with over the years, and we will do all we can to assist you in seeing that doctor. Your doctor may visit you here, or we can help to arrange transport to your doctor’s clinic if necessary.
Of course, if you want to change doctors, we’re happy to advise you about the local practitioners who visit our homes. But no matter what, the decision about which doctor you use will always be yours.
Your independence and privacy
Worried that you’ll lose your privacy and become dependent on others? Actually, you don’t have to give up your independence and privacy when you move into an aged care home. The Charter states that each residents has the right to personal privacy and to maintain his or her personal independence, and at Finley Regional Care we certainly put these ideals into practice. We respect the privacy of our residents, and you can be confident that your room is just that – “your” room. This means that we give you the same respect and consideration that you would expect in your own home.
Practicing your culture or religion
Worried that you won’t have the opportunity to practice your religion or express your culture anymore? The Charter states that residents have the right to continue their cultural and religious practices, and to keep using the language of their choice. We understand the importance of your culture and religion, and are happy to support you in their practice while you’re living at Finley Regional Care. We offer a range of religious services and studies that you’re welcome to attend, and we’re happy to assist you in accessing services outside our facility if necessary.
So, the rules about what you can and can’t do in aged care aren’t so restrictive after all, and aged care practices are designed to help you live the life you wish to, with the help and assistance you need to do so. Get in contact with us if you’d like to find out more.
