Aged Pensioner Needing to Afford a Nursing Home

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  holdenmg on 19/05/2017 - 20:14

  http://www.agedcareonline.com.au/2015/10/Residential-Aged-Ca…

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  iratepirate on 19/05/2017 - 20:19

  +15

  1) Start planning well before they are ready to go into care. Put all their assets into a family trust well before they are ready to go into care or they will lose everything they have worked all their lives for when the aged care facility takes it as a deposit. They are best off going into care with not a penny to their names.

  2) Visit the home at different times unannounced. First thing in the morning - check that residents are being showered and pads changed. At lunch time check the food is good and portions are okay. Visit at night and check that there is the correct amount of staff rostered and they aren't bludging.

  3) Go to the government accreditation web site http://www.aacqa.gov.au/ and check if the aged care provider has any problems.

  4) When they are placed visit regularly and at different times - it's important that staff think you could check up on mum and dad at anytime - if you see problems speak up and put it in writing.
  Get to know the RN/CNC and Care Manager be friendly but let them know you are watching and you care.
  Treat the floor staff well - bring in the occasional box of chokies for kitchen, AIN's and cleaning staff and say they are from your loved one. Make friends with the floor staff they will tell you if there is a problem when they can't report it themselves, for fear of losing their job.
  Again put all complaints in writing and keep a copy.

  5) Watch for signs of mistreatment; is there always water available, when were they showered/changed last, any bruising, bed sores, skin tears…

  6) Are there a variety of activities for the pares to take part in if they want, outings, clubs, exercise.

  7) Are the grounds and facilities in good condition - if they can't care for the grounds do you really trust them with mum and dad?

  • 

    firedragon on 19/05/2017 - 23:27

    Thanks for this iratepirate. Really good points. My parents are probably a while off from needing a nursing home, but these are great tips.

    • 

      iratepirate on 20/05/2017 - 00:51

      +2

      Plan ahead now! The department goes back 5 years into their finances looking for the disposal of any assets.

      If they are on a pension start them gifting the maximum amount into a bank account in a grandchild's name to help them later.

      Some places require a deposit of $1Mil+ and depending on how many years of care they need you'd be lucky to get anything back.

  • 

    Worf on 19/05/2017 - 23:35

    +1

    Great points!
    Bed sores (aka pressure injuries) can kill.
    Facilities should be super clean too, like cleaner than a hotel for hygiene. a gastro outbreak in a RACF is a real safety risk.

    If you can, link in with a social worker who works with older adults in the geographical area where you are thinking of having your mother placed… They have stacks of inside knowledge if they have the right experience. Sometimes you can do a block of respite for a few day/weeks (if you have ACAT approvals). I've heard that can be a good way to 'try before you buy'

    Op:
    Another thing worth considering is a home care package, which might be enough to keep your mum in the home with services coming in. The aged care reforms kind of stuffed things up and now There's a national waitlist and it can be difficult to access a home care package. You might be able to use CHSP subsidised services in the interim…

    OP: what state/city Is your mother in? You mentioned low care. What sorts of things does she need help with? Does she want to be placed?

    • 

      hsk on 20/05/2017 - 00:02

      Hello she is thinking yes to going into care now. She is tired alot of the time and has a fear of falling that she never used to have 😣 She is well overall and she lives on the Central Coast NSW.

      • 

        Worf on 20/05/2017 - 06:28

        Right. Respect.
        Hmmm, I don't know much about the central coast in terms of RACFs etc. (or preserving assets… Maybe an accountant might have ideas?)

        Good luck with it all

  • 

    hsk on 20/05/2017 - 00:06

    Thank u what an awesome replies. I have sent you a message iratepirate ☺

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  hsk on 22/05/2017 - 11:49

  Morning I have been reading that mums home can not be included as an assest if there is a dependent living in me home. I wonder whether this would include my daughter she is 12 and registered at the local High School I can't be sure myself so if anyone knows with that please give me some advice thank you

  • 

    AlloAllo on 22/05/2017 - 12:14

    +1

    Your (mum's) home wont be included as an asset if it is occupied by a "protected person" who is:
    Your (mum's) partner or dependent child;
    Your (mum's) carer who has lived with you in the home for the past two years and is eligible for an income support payment;
    A close relation, such as a sister, brother, parent, child or grandchild who has lived with you in the home for the past five years and is eligible for an income support payment.
    I suspect your daughter (your mum's granddaughter) won't qualify here (because your daughter probably isn't eligible for an income support payment).

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  AlloAllo on 22/05/2017 - 12:41

  +1

  The Government's MyAgedCare website provides a useful calculator for Aged Care Fees:
  https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/fee-estimator/residential-care…
  Whether your mum will be required to pay an accommodation contribution or payment will depend on her assets and income. Depending on assets and income a "low means" resident could only be required to pay a basic daily care fee. Residents with more means will have to pay an accommodation contribution or payment and a means-tested care fee.
  Most Aged Care providers have a set allocation of places available for "low means" residents.
  The following is a useful article on Aged Care for low means residents:
  https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/healthy-ageing/age…