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My Aged Care

Entry into a Government funded residential aged care home requires an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). See page 49 for information about residential aged care, how to access it and what you may need to pay. There are also a number of non Government funded residential aged care homes, often referred to as supported and assisted living complexes. See page 85 for more information.

Retirement living Retirement villages are not nursing homes. They are clusters of villas, units or apartments, and you will need a reasonable level of independence to move into a retirement setting. Generally, the land is owned by the operator and residents enter into a lease type arrangement so that they can live there for as long as they choose to do so. Some villages may offer units to be purchased on a freehold basis. See page 86 for advice on retirement accommodation. My Aged Care

My Aged Care is a Government operated website and contact centre for people who would like Government support to access in home support, community or residential care.

The service can help you find information about subsidised aged care options including the different types of Government funded services available, eligibility for those services and the associated costs. To receive assistance, you, a family member, carer or client representative can register your details with My Aged Care and you will need to be assessed to access any Government subsidised services. My Aged Care then assigns you with an Aged Care user ID and keeps a central client record which includes your assessed needs and the Government funded care services being provided. Visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 for more information.

Aged Care Guide Western Australia 2021

Printed September 2020 RRP $44, inc GST

Managing Editor

Margot White margot.white@dps.com.au

Chief Executive Officer

Michelle Beech DPS Publishing Pty Ltd ● 1300 186 688 ● 145 South Tce, Adelaide SA 5000 info@dps.com.au ● AgedCareGuide.com.au ● ABN 53 090 793 730

Advertising Distribution Proudly produced

sales@dps.com.au distribution@dps.com.au and printed 1300 186 688 1300 186 688 in Australia The factual material contained in this publication has been obtained from information supplied by government departments, industry and organisations, by personal interview and by telephone and correspondence. At the time of going to press the publisher believed that all information submitted for publication was accurate and complete. However, the publisher can take no responsibility for inaccuracies or incomplete information that may have been supplied to them in the course of their enquiries detailed above. The facts published indicate the result of those enquiries and no warranty as to their accuracy can be given. The information in this publication is general in nature and does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice. Readers should consider whether the information is appropriate to their needs and seek professional advice tailored to their personal circumstances. Images within this publication may have been altered from their original format. © Copyright. No part of this publication can be used or reproduced in any format without express permission in writing from The Publisher. ® Aged Care Guide is a registered trademark.

Referral code Once you’ve been assessed and found eligible for services, you should be given a referral code. The service provider of your choice will need this referral code to access your information and manage the referral. The referral code is a five digit number linked to the type of service you are eligible to access. If you need the support of multiple services, you will need multiple referral codes, one for each service. If you are not given a referral code make sure you ask for one so you can discuss your needs with your preferred service provider. If you have been found eligible for a Home Care Package there may be a wait time before a suitable package becomes available. In the meantime you may be allocated an interim package at a lower level or choose to self-fund your supports. You will receive a letter from My Aged Care to advise you when you have been allocated an available package. To assist you in your search, an independent information source like the Aged Care Guide publications and the linked AgedCareGuide.com.au website can help. These resources give a comprehensive overview of all care options and care providers available. Through our online tool Care Opinion on AgedCareGuide.com.au, you can read stories from other consumers about their experience with specific providers to assist with your decision making.