Retirement Living Options
need for asset testing or income testing, and there is no need for an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team/Service (ACAT/S) that Government funded nursing homes require. Supported living providers may offer additional home care services at an additional cost or you may be eligible for Government funded in home support. If you already receive home support benefits before moving to a supported living community you can stay with your current provider.
Supported Residential Services and Facilities Supported Residential Services (SRSs) or Supported Residential Facilities (SRFs) (as they are known in South Australia) are generally private businesses that provide accommodation and care for residents on a fee basis. While they provide similar care to Government funded aged care facilities, they are not funded by the Australian Government. This means you don’t need to meet the Government’s eligibility criteria to access care in a SRS/F.
If you are unable to continue living independently you may choose to move into an aged care home to ensure you have the quality of care you deserve. The care provided by SRSs and SRFs usually includes assistance with showering, personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, meals and medication, as well as physical and emotional support. Some SRSs/ SRFs also provide nursing or allied health services. The fees, standards and services provided by SRSs/SRFs vary, so it is important to look at as many as possible to ensure you find the one that best suits your needs in terms of level of care and services. While SRSs and SRFs do not receive direct Government funding, you may be able to access some subsidised services. These services may include allied and mental health, disability services and Veterans’ Affairs.
As a SRS/SRF resident you’ll need to meet the same eligibility criteria for Government funded home care services as other people in the community.
Residential aged care If you are unable to continue living independently you may choose to move into an aged care home to ensure you have the quality of care you deserve. Some retirement villages offer aged care accommodation to residents on site in another purpose built complex within the community. Entry into a Government funded aged care home requires approval from an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria. There are also private nursing homes where you will be responsible for the payment of all associated costs. These can vary between different providers and areas across the country. The Aged Care Guide offers a detailed explanation of accessing residential aged care and lists all Government funded aged care homes in Australia. Visit AgedCareGuide.com.au or call 1300 186 688 for more information or to order a printed copy of the Aged Care Guide for your State or Territory. YourRetirementLiving.com.au
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