Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to wait?
Anglicare deals with each application according to assessed need and the availability of places. We advise you not to apply for residential care until you need it, as we ask you to be in a position to make a decision about moving in as soon as a place becomes available.
We do urge you to keep in touch once your application has been sent in. A telephone call every month will assure us that you still require a place — contact our Client Liaison Manager on 8305 9279.
How much does it cost to live in an Anglicare home?
Our fees are determined by the Federal Government, and are calculated on whether you have a pension, an independent income and/or other assets.
Every resident pays a daily fee, and may pay a bond or other charges according to their ability.
It is different for every individual, and Anglicare assesses each person individually according to the guidelines set down by the Dept of Health and Ageing
The best guides are the information sheets issued by the Federal Government:
Basic information:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-rescare-index.htm
The cost of residential care:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-rescare-costs.htm
Information sheets:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-publicat-qcoa-qcoaindx.htm
Are Anglicare homes the same as retirement villages?
No. Anglicare homes provide a level of care according to people’s needs: from people with low care needs to those requiring a high level of care. Retirement villages are designed only to provide accommodation.
I have Anglicare Community help in my own home. Can I automatically move into an Anglicare home if I need to?
We endeavour to provide a ‘continuum of care’, believing that you should not have to change providers if your care needs change. We make every effort to provide accommodation in an Anglicare home if that becomes necessary.
Are Anglicare homes checked, and do they comply with any standards?
There is a national standard — the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency undertake three yearly reviews and spot checks of all Anglicare homes. We are pleased to say that all homes are fully compliant with the 44 standards, and have been accredited for the full three years.
Anglicare is also assessed by the Quality Improvement Council and is a QIC accredited organisation.
Can I have visitors, and are there visiting hours?
Anglicare believes that this is your home and you are welcome to have visitors as you do at home. There are no visiting hours.
We do ask that your visitors respect the rights and privacy of other residents.
You are also welcome to have visitors to have a meal with you for a nominal charge – but please let us know in advance.
Can I have a pet?
Unfortunately, we do not allow residents to bring their own pets. Many of the Anglicare sites, however, have resident birds and dogs for people to enjoy.
Can I keep my own doctor?
If your doctor is prepared to visit you in your new home, we are happy to support this. Some doctors are not able to do this, however, and we are in contact with a number of local doctors who are able to visit the sites.
Are all the staff nurses?
There is a huge team of people who maintain aged care facilities, from registered and enrolled nurses to administration, lifestyle, maintenance and hospitality staff.
Your care will be under the supervision of a registered nurse. Most Anglicare staff choose to wear our uniform, and are identified by name badges.
What about special diets?
Your dietary needs are assessed on admission and we are very careful to take into account your needs and preferences. This is part of your whole care plan.
Do I have to bring furniture?
There are different requirements for each site, but we encourage you to bring personal effects, like photographs, bedspreads, a television or radio — to make you feel at home. We do not encourage you to bring valuable items.
What about laundry?
Anglicare does your laundry, but we do not manage special items like handwashing or dry cleaning. A family member may be able to do these for you.
What if I need to make a complaint?
Residents are encouraged to write their concerns on a Compliment, Complaints & Suggestions for Improvement form, or you may wish to discuss this concern with a staff member who can help you to complete the form and refer it to an appropriate management person.
What are my rights as a resident? And responsibilities?
Each resident of a residential care service has the right:
- to full and effective use of his or her personal, civil, legal and consumer rights;
- to quality care which is appropriate to his or her needs;
- to full information about his or her own state of health and about available treatments;
- to be treated with dignity and respect, and to live without exploitation, abuse or neglect;
- to live without discrimination or victimisation, and without being obliged to feel grateful to those providing his or her care and accommodation;
- to personal privacy;
- to live in a safe, secure and homelike environment, and to move freely both within and outside the residential care service without undue restriction;
- to be treated and accepted as an individual, and to have his or her individual preferences taken into account and treated with respect;
- to continue his or her cultural and religious practices and to retain the language of his or her choice, without discrimination;
- to select and maintain social and personal relationships with any other person without fear, criticism or restriction;
- to freedom of speech;
- to maintain his or her personal independence, which includes a recognition of personal responsibility for his or her own actions and choices, even though some actions may involve an element of risk which the resident has the right to accept, and that should then not be used to prevent or restrict those actions;
- to maintain control over, and to continue making decisions about, the personal aspects of his or her daily life, financial affairs and possessions;
- to be involved in the activities, associations and friendships of his or her choice, both within and outside the residential care service;
- to have access to services and activities which are available generally in the community;
- to be consulted on, and to choose to have input into, decisions about the living arrangements of the residential care service;
- to have access to information about his or her rights, care, accommodation, and any other information which relates to him or her personally;
- to complain and to take action to resolve disputes;
- to have access to advocates and other avenues of redress; and
- to be free from reprisal, or a well-founded fear of reprisal, in any form for taking action to enforce his or her rights.
Each resident of a residential care service has the responsibility:
- to respect the rights and needs of other people within the residential care service, and to respect the needs of the residential care service community as a whole;
- to respect the rights of staff and the proprietor to work in an environment which is free from harassment;
- to care for his or her own health and well‑being, as far as he or she is capable; and
- to inform his or her medical practitioner, as far as he or she is able, about his or her relevant medical history and his or her current state of health.
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