Aged care
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All the up-to-date news in Australian Aged Care Information
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What’s new in Australian Aged Care Services
Find the latest aged care information by browsing through our selection of important aged care information news and updates. Can’t find what you need? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us to work with our specialist team.
Planning for the future – guardianship and enduring power of attorney
It’s unfortunate but not uncommon for people to lose their ability to make decisions related to the handling of their care, health and money as they age. Sometimes this is due to ill health, but it can also be because of mental awareness difficulties. Keep reading...
Technology in Aged Care
Technology is changing the world around us, and the aged care industry is no exception. New innovations make life safer for people who live in care, and easier for those who work in aged care homes, while also bringing peace of mind to those who have a loved one in...
Election support for older Australians
Voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens over the age of 18, and with a federal election just around the corner, it can be a stressful time for those who may have concerns or need assistance. The voting process can be confusing for everybody and making sure...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RAD?
Can someone enter aged care temporarily?
Short answer, yes.
There are typically two types of admissions into residential aged care.
The first is a permanent aged care admission. That means the person entering care will do so on a permanent basis – meaning they will reside at the aged care facility until they decide to transfer to another aged care facility, or otherwise depart.
The second type of admission is for a respite stay. This is a short term stay in an aged care facility – and typically lasts a few weeks. This type of admission is heavily subsidised by the Australian Government, and allows carers and other families to obtain a respite break.
Respite stays are organised in a slightly different manner. If you are seeking a short term respite stay Aged Care Decisions can prepare a customised list of suitable aged care options in your area.
Let us help you Find Aged Care.
What is Power of Attorney & Guardianship?
Both ‘Power of Attorney’ and ‘Guardianship’ are legal terms relating to the authority that one person has to make decisions on behalf of another person. Both are relevant to aged care placement.
Power of Attorney
A person can appoint another person as their Power of Attorney, or ‘POA’ for short.
The decision to appoint another person as a POA is done through a formal written document. That document differs state by state, as do the laws relating to how a POA is created.
A POA can make both personal decisions (e.g. relating to medical care) and financial decisions (i.e. sign contracts) in place of another person.
There are typically two types of Power of Attorney that can be created:
General Power of Attorney – this appointment is typically done for a set period, or for a set reason
Enduring Power of Attorney – this appointment tyipically has no end date, and is done when a persons health or mental capacity may be decline.
Importantly, the person who has appointed a POA still retains their legal right to make decisions on their behalf.
Guardianship
Guardianship is a formal legal process that is commenced in a court or tribunal, the end point of which is to have a person appointed as the legal guardian of another person.
The exact process and requirements of guardianship differ state by state.
In an aged care context, a guardianship process may be used to appoint one or several people as legal guardians of an older person who has impaired capacity to make decisions in their own best interest.
In plain english, guardianship allows one or several people to override the legal decision making capacity of another person.
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Aged Care News
Aged Care Royal Commission: What is the Royal Commission?
The Aged Care Royal Comission is here. Our industry is experiencing an important period of change to make sure our loved ones are receiving the best possible care. What is the Royal Commission into Aged Care? The Royal Commission was established on 8 October...
How is COVID-19 affecting aged care?
How is COVID-19 affecting aged care? The government and aged care providers are working together to ensure we are all protecting older Australians as best as possible during COVID-19. But what does this mean for people in aged care and their families? Below you will...
What do our elderly think of Coronavirus in relation to how it has impacted aged care?
Covid Impact on Aged Care As Australia is starting to see the light at the end of the Coronavirus tunnel, it has made us reflect on how COVID-19 has been affecting our elderly. Whilst older Australians are indeed more vulnerable to the virus, it is important not just...
Aged Care Fees
What is a RAD?
What is a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)? Up until a few years ago, anyone entering aged care would pay a bond for their accommodation, as tenants do when renting a home. Today you pay a Refundable Accommodation Deposit instead, at a price set by the facility....
Aged Care Accommodation Fees: Making sense of it all
What is the difference between a DAP and a RAD and who pays what? Getting your head around the different aged care accommodation fees can be difficult but, in this article, we’re going to make it a lot easier to understand.In our last article we talked about...
Residential Aged Care
Occupational therapy in residential aged care
Occupational therapy is an important part of quality care in aged care. Its value has become even more evident throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and occupational therapists are in high demand within the aged care industry. But what exactly is occupational therapy and...
What is My Aged Care?
When it comes time to receive aged care support, whether at home or in a residential facility, the options can feel overwhelming. My Aged Care offers seniors and their families a place to get started. Essentially, it helps you or a loved one check your eligibility and...
How to deal with resistance in elderly to move to the aged care home?
As we age, our needs change, often becoming more complex the older we get. An ageing relative might suddenly find that they need help with tasks that they previously managed alone. When this happens, many elderly Australians choose to receive in-home care to ensure...
Respite
Pros and cons of respite in aged care
Respite in aged care (residential respite care) offers both you and your loved one the chance to have a break and re-energise, but it does come with pros and cons that you should evaluate before booking a short-term stay at your chosen residential nursing home. Our...
Top tips for finding the best respite care
When you’re a carer for someone who needs support, it’s a big responsibility. It can be easy to put their needs ahead of your own, but it is essential to engage in self-care to maintain your health at the same time. It can feel equally overwhelming to be in...
How to find the best short term respite care in Melbourne?
When you find yourself needing long-term support from a loved one, it can feel overwhelming and stressful. Carers take on a huge responsibility and it can feel like you lose your independence and become a burden. Finding respite care in Melbourne can help make it a...
Home Care
Are there any alternatives to residential aged care?
 Residential aged care can be the perfect option for many seniors once they start needing full-time care, but it’s not the only option available. Home care services enable you to stay in your own home longer while receiving care from professionals in the aged care...
Am I eligible to receive home care for the aged?
As you age, it can become difficult to live a safe and healthy life at home. Home care enables you to stay at home longer by providing in-home care and support. It helps you maintain independence and lets you enjoy life at home. If you are considering home care for...
More home care packages are being released for elderly Australians
Home care packages allow elderly Australians to access subsidised care services so they can continue living in their own homes. These packages are designed to help those with basic to complex care needs and covers services such as nursing care and personal support,...
Health, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
Celebrating Christmas in Aged Care This Year
It’s that time of year when families get together and celebrate Christmas by enjoying food, gifts and each other’s company. If it’s your first Christmas with your loved one in aged care, this can be a particularly tough time. Simarly, if you’re just about to have a...
Pet Therapy in Aged Care: How it can help
What is pet therapy in aged care? Pet therapy – as like any therapy – is used as form of treatment. Pet therapy, which is also known as animal-assisted therapy involves the interaction with animals as its primary treatment method. The ultimate goal is to improve...
Music Therapy in Aged Care: The benefits for residents
What is music therapy? Music therapy is much like many other alternative therapies that aim to help improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing through interaction and engagement. In this type of therapy, music is used to help residents communicate, express...
Have more questions about our Aged Care Facilities or Home Care Providers?
Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Aged Care Decisions team