Some frequently asked questions about finding the right Aged Care home for your parent, friend or relative.
I am looking for a Residental Aged Care home for my mother/father/relative, where do I start?
Firstly, you’ll need to arrange an assessment of your loved one by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT or ACAS in Victoria). This team, which is made up of health professionals, will assess their daily care and current lifestyle needs. The assessment is a free service offered by the government. For more information you can contact the Aged and Community Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.
After the assessment is complete, if your parent, friend or relative is eligible for Residential Aged Care, you can then organise a visit to any one of our Embracia Aged Care homes. Simply call to speak to one of our Directors of Care for a guided tour of our facilities, and set up a time to ask any questions you may have.
What do I tell my relative/loved one when they require nursing home care?
We would always recommend that you tell the truth. Our staff recognise and acknowledge that this is one of the most difficult emotional life decisions you may have to make, and we offer support for carers too. Our Director of Care and Family Support Coordinator are here to assist you with any questions you may have.
Do you offer short-term Respite Care?
At Embracia, we also offer short-term respite care. This is ideal when your parent, friend or relative may need either planned or emergency care in an Aged Care home. This can be used when as a carer you are ill, stressed or going on holidays. It’s also a great way for your parent, friend or relative to ‘test the waters’ and experience what life is like in an Embracia Aged Care home.
How do I put my parent, friend or relative’s name on the waiting list and how long will we have to wait?
When you’ve chosen a home, ask for an information kit that contains application forms and information about the home. Simply fill out these forms, to put your relative on the waiting list.
It is very difficult to say when a vacancy may become available, but all applications are considered. When there is a vacancy, it often depends on the needs of the potential resident and the suitability to the community/ household. Eg: high care extra service, supported care or dementia care.
Once you receive an offer from a home, you’ll need to confirm your acceptance promptly and discuss the move in process with the Director of Care or Family Support Coordinator.
What happens when we move in?
On your first day, a Nurse or Personal Care Attendant will welcome you, take care of the required paperwork, and answer any questions you or your relative may have. They will also introduce you to other residents and staff and show you around the home.
Our policies and processes reflect our belief in quality care and individual choice. We encourage each of our residents to participate in planning their care, approach to daily activities and lifestyle choices.
As this will be their home, we want them to have a say in the decisions that are made. A care plan will be drawn up so all staff are aware of individual care and emotional needs on a daily basis.
Living in an Aged Care home
When your relative moves into an Aged Care home, they will be living with many new people all under the one roof. They will also receive care and assistance from staff with daily tasks that may have become a little more difficult. At Embracia, our homes are divided into communities or households of about 20 residents. We have permanently assigned staff to ensure all our residents’ needs are met and your relative feels comfortable with having the same people caring for them on a regular basis. A familiar face is comforting.
It is important to remember your relative still retains their rights as a citizen and has control and decision making power over their personal daily care needs and living arrangements. This is encouraged at Embracia.
What sort of meals will my parent, relative or friend receive?
Meals are prepared by qualified chefs/cooks and are prepared in a “home-style” fashion. All our residents have a daily choice of meals and capacity to have input into menu planning.
Special diets are catered for. Morning and afternoon tea, as well as supper are served at appropriate times, and snacks and drinks are available at any time. Alcohol may be available with lunch and dinner if supplied by you or your family. Special ‘theme’ days are also celebrated e.g. Melbourne Cup, Christmas, Monthly BBQ, Weekly Happy Hour, etc.
Kitchenette facilities are available in the household lounges for residents 24 hours a day.
Friends and relatives are most welcome to dine with residents also, for a nominal fee.
We have a private dining room available for special occasions / family functions that can be booked in the diary and a menu can also be prepared for you.
What is ‘Extra Service’ and do you offer it?
Extra Service offers residents a higher standard of accommodation, food and services. We refer to this service as ‘hotel style’ services and this is provided for an additional fee.
These services may range from a larger room, daily newspaper delivery, wider selection of menu choices and wine with meals. The types and amount of extra services can vary from home to home, so it is best to check directly with the Aged Care home. We will happily provide an Extra Service agreement for you to read.
Please note that Extra Service does not mean residents will be provided with higher quality care (nursing) as all residents receive the same level of care.
What are the visiting hours and how often can we take our parent, friend or relative home?
At Embracia, we don’t have formal or restricted visiting hours. Friends and families are welcome to visit any time. Although we do ask that you be considerate and conscious of your fellow residents.
Overnight leave is available for 52 days per year, without losing high-level care funding. However, many families take their loved ones out for a walk, a drive or home for special family functions.
Need to know more? Contact us, or better still, come and see us at Embracia.
We hope this has helped you on your way to finding the most suitable Aged Care home for your family member/loved one, however if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at Embracia.