Aged Care Explained

This service is for seniors who need ongoing, high-level support with daily activities and health needs. Residents benefit from:
– 24/7 care and supervision from trained staff, including registered nurses.
– Mobility aids and assistive devices to help with movement and independence.
– Medication management to ensure safe treatment.
– Meals and nutrition plans tailored to dietary needs.
– Personal care support, including help with hygiene, grooming, and dressing.
– Continence management with respectful care solutions.
– Access to health services like physiotherapy, podiatry, speech therapy, and mental health support.
– Lifestyle Activities, Coordinator, Programs and Outings.
– Extra Service options at extra costs such as beauty treatment options and specialspecials meals.

Permanent care facilities offer a comfortable, community-focused living space, ensuring residents receive continuous help while keeping their dignity and independence.

Respite Care is a short-term solution for primary carers, providing a break while ensuring your loved one gets proper compassionate care. It can be:
– Planned respite – for scheduled breaks, like travel or personal commitments.
– Emergency respite – for unexpected situations, such as illness or urgent family matters.

Respite care can take place in aged care homes (residential respite) or through in-home services (not provided by TriCare), allowing individuals to stay in a familiar setting while receiving professional care. It can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the provider, carer’s needs, availability and available funding.

Find out more about TriCare’s Respite offering here.

For those living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, Secure Dementia Care offers a safe, structured environment tailored to their needs. This includes:
– Secure areas designed to prevent wandering and ensure safety.
– Staff trained in dementia care providing personalised support and communication.
– Sensory therapy and memory-support programs to help maintain cognitive function.
– Calming spaces and routines to lessen confusion and agitation.
– Family support services to help loved ones manage the challenges of dementia care.

Secure Dementia Care and Memory Support ensures residents receive the specialised support they need while promoting comfort and dignity in a caring environment. Find out more about TriCare’s Secure Dementia Care and Memory Support here.

Palliative care focuses on genuine care and support, comfort, dignity, and quality of life for those with life-limiting illnesses such as:
– Pain and symptom management for relief from discomfort.
– Emotional, psychological, and spiritual support for both the resident and their family.
– End-of-life planning, including advance care directives and personal wishes.
– Support for families and carers to help them during this difficult time.
– Coordination with palliative care specialists to ensure the best care.

Palliative care can be offered in aged care homes, hospitals, or private residences, providing a compassionate approach to end-of-life care while addressing emotional and medical needs. Click here for more information on TriCare’s Palliative care offering.

Begin by checking your eligibility for subsidised Aged Care using My Aged Care. You can do this online at www.myagedcare.gov.au or by calling 1800 200 422. This first step involves answering a few straightforward questions about your health, daily activities, and level of independence.

If you meet the basic criteria, you will be referred for an in-person assessment. You can apply online through My Aged Care or get help over the phone. If you’re approved, someone will contact you to arrange a face-to-face assessment.

A professional assessor from an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Aged Care Assessment Service in Victoria will visit your home. They will talk about your health, daily living needs, mobility, and support requirements. You can have a family member, carer, or friend with you during the assessment for support.

After the assessment, you will get a written notice about your eligibility and the types of care services available to you. If you are approved, you can start looking for an Aged Care provider that fits your needs.

Once you are assessed as eligible, you can search for Aged Care homes or Home Care providers. They will help you understand any extra fees, services, and availability.

Getting assessed is the first step towards receiving quality Residential Care and ensuring you or your loved one gets the support needed. If you require help with the process, reach out to My Aged Care or our TriCare Aged Care professionals, who can guide you through the next steps. Find out more here.

The first step is to apply for an Aged Care Assessment through My Aged Care if you have not already, which is the government’s entry point for aged care services. An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) evaluates the individual’s care needs and checks if they qualify for government-funded services.

After receiving ACAT approval through MyAgedCare, individuals can research and choose a Residential Care provider that fits their needs. Important factors include location, services, costs, and cultural preferences.

Aged care services may come with government subsidies, but individuals may need to contribute to their care costs based on their income and assets. Fees can include a basic daily fee, means-tested care fee, and accommodation costs. For more information, click here.

Once a provider is chosen and funding is set up, the individual can move into their selected aged care home or start receiving home care services. Care plans are regularly reviewed to ensure the individual’s needs are met over time. Please note, Respite Care does not include individualised plans.