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Your questions answered
- What can I take with me?
- How long can I stay?
- What about my personal privacy?
- What about my health and personal care?
- Can I keep my doctors or dentist?
- What about my carer and family?
- Who will manage my money?
- What will the food be like?
- What activities will be offered?
- Can I leave the home for a break?
- Can I change my room?
- Can I move to another home?
- What if I feel lonely?
- How do I make a complaint?
What can I take with me?
Your move to an aged care home will probably be quite different from any previous change of homes, because you’ll most likely not be able to take all your belongings with you. However, along with your clothing you will be able to have your important photos and memorabilia, and favourite books, music and videos with you, as well as one or two small items of furniture and a TV, radio, CD player or something similar.Read more: About what you can take with you
How long can I stay?
Your place in residential aged care is secure for as long as you need it. However, there might be several reasons why you would leave one aged care home and move to another. One is if the care you need changes significantly, and your present home is unable to provide the right care. If you do have to move, the circumstances will be discussed with you first.Read more: About how long you can stay
What about my personal privacy?
You are entitled to expect that your personal affairs will remain private and that you can spend time with family or friends in reasonable privacy in the aged care home.Your right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality must also be recognised and respected. Staff members of an aged care home must respect your wishes concerning your care and your belongings.
Read more: About your personal privacy
What about my health and personal care?
The care manager of the home will discuss your care needs with you or your carer, family members or friends if you wish after you have moved in. A care plani will be drawn up so that all staff members know your needs.Read more: About your health and personal care
Can I keep my doctors or dentist?
You are entitled to choose your own doctor. The home will help you to obtain any other health care services you need.Read more: About continuing to see your doctor or dentist
What about my carer and family?
No matter how difficult caring for another person may have been, a carer may have a sense of loss and very mixed feelings as his or her role changes, and this is particularly the case when the person being cared-for enters an aged care home. Help and support is available for carers adjusting to these circumstances.Read more: About your carer's needs
Who will manage my money?
Your aged care home will encourage you to maintain control over your finances. All aged care homes have a staff member who looks after financial matters and this person can help you to make the financial arrangements you need.If you need longer-term help managing your financial affairs, you can arrange for someone you trust to look after them for you.
Read more: About how to manage your money
What will the food be like?
You should have varied, healthy and well-balanced meals that take into account your likes and dislikes and your medical needs. The meals will also comply with your dietary customs or religious beliefs.Read more: About what the food will be like
What activities will be offered?
You will be encouraged to take part in social and other activities in your aged care home. You and your family will have a say in what activities are planned. Many aged care homes have activity officers or therapists who will discuss your hobbies and interests with you, and help you to continue with them.Read more: About which activities will be offered
Can I leave the home for a break?
You can leave the home at any time, say to stay with family or friends. This is called social leave, which you can use up to 52 nights each financial year without paying extra charges. It only counts as leave if you stay away overnight.Read more: About whether you can have a break
Can I change my room?
The manager of your aged care home must consider any request to change rooms or change to another bed. Generally, you can only be moved at your request and with your agreement.Read more: About whether you can change your room
What if I want to move to another home?
You can move to another aged care home if you have the offer of a place there. There are some conditions which apply.Read more: About whether you can move to another home
What if I feel lonely?
If you’re lonely a volunteer community visitor who shares some of your interests and background can probably be located, and can be asked to visit you regularly.Read more: About what to do if you are feeling lonely
How do I make a complaint?
If you’re unhappy with the care you receive in the aged care home and cannot sort out the problem by talking to the staff or the manager, you’re entitled to make a complaint and to receive help and support in resolving the matter.Read more: About how to make a complaint
Common questions on this topic:
- Recently I took mum some moussaka I made to her recipe. The home said the food I brought mightn't be safe for mum. Its one of her favourite meals. Is there anything I can do?
- How can I find out about the organisation that owns a home and whether they are 'for profit' or 'not-for-profit' or what their philosophy of care might be?
- My mother has gone into an aged care home. Now my father has been assessed as needing care. How can I ensure they can stay together?
See more common questions on this topic | See all common questions
