Transitioning into Aged Care Facilities: What You Need to Know

Thanks to wonderful medical advancements that protect our health well into older age, Australians are living longer than ever. Whilst this brings many benefits, such as having longer to spend with grandparents and other beloved older people, it has also increased the demand for high quality Aged Care providers. The age at which one is typically considered an ‘older person’ in Australia is 65, however some people may need Aged Care earlier or later than this, based on their health and ability to live independently. 

Each year, around 335,889 people receive Aged Care in Australia, be that in their own home, community settings, or in respite or full-time residential care. At some point in most of our lives, we will need to navigate the process of transitioning ourselves or a loved one into an Aged Care facility.

This journey can be confusing, challenging and emotionally draining, but don’t worry – there are plenty of support options available to you. Here are some key ways you can prepare yourself and your loved ones to transition into the next phase of your lives empowered with knowledge and confidence. 

Types of Aged Care Services in Australia

To determine the best Aged Care options for you, your client or loved one, it’s important to understand the range of options on offer. Doing plenty of research and building relationships with service providers in your area will help to build support networks that you can rely on for information and guidance through your decision-making process. 

The Australian Government provides Aged Care support to people in Australia who can no longer safely live independently at home.

Depending on your unique circumstances, this can be provided by professional support staff helping you at home, or by moving into a staffed residential facility, be that part-time or full-time. Once you have decided on the best type of support for your needs, you can apply to My Aged Care, Australia’s central Aged Care portal, who will assess your circumstances and advise whether you are eligible for Government-funded care. 

The assessment process is an important first step in understanding potential costs, funding options, and the types of care mose suitable for your situation. Assessment teams are also great sources of information, support and linkages to other essential service providers.

People typically have a smoother and more positive experience moving into an Aged Care facility when it is done holistically, with the support of a diverse team of health professionals, so building these networks of support as soon as possible is a great idea.

Finding the Right Facility for You and Your Loved One

Once you have begun the assessment process, and have an understanding of what type of Aged Care facility might be best for you, it’s time to start exploring facilities. There are an abundance of options in most areas of Australia, which you can start browsing either with a generic web search or online directory of providers.

You can also read user reviews of many facilities on Australia’s largest Aged Care review website, providing valuable insights from people with direct experience of what it’s like to live there, and removing some of the fear of the unknown.

It’s a good idea to start contacting facilities as early as possible, asking any questions you have, and scheduling tours or visits to those you think may be a good fit.

Every Aged Care facility is different, so it is a good idea to tour more than one option, and start to take note of things you like and dislike to inform your decision. 

Respectful Communication

Maintaining open and honest discussion with the person you care for throughout the process is very important for upholding their dignity and autonomy, as well as protecting your relationship.

People have many valid fears or worries at the prospect of entering Aged Care, so it is important to listen to and acknowledge these feelings. Try to understand their main concerns about the transition, so that you can explore ways to make them feel more comfortable or confident about the move, and remember these feelings when considering or shortlisting your options.

You may also wish to bring your loved one along to the tours, so they can get a feel for the environment and meet some of the staff and residents they may interact with in the future.

It’s also a good idea to walk or drive around the broader neighbourhood of the residence, getting a feel for the area and whether it will be suitable for you and your loved one.

Touring several facilities, meeting multiple staff and answering questions about your personal circumstances can be overwhelming, and once you have seen several options you may struggle to remember your impressions of them later on.

Writing yourself some simple notes, or creating a checklist of features you expect to be provided can make a big difference. This checklist can be something you create yourself based on your knowledge of the person entering care. 

Be kind to yourself throughout this process, avoiding placing excess pressure on yourself to make decisions before you are ready, and be sure to reach out for advice and support when you need it.

Understanding Potential Costs

Finding the right team and environment to care for your loved one is a complex journey, and it is often difficult to understand the costs and options for funding support available.

The cost of Aged Care in Australia depends on the type of support you need, the provider you choose, services utilised, and your financial situation. Your funding options should be clearly communicated to you following a My Aged Care assessment, however if you need further financial advice or support, there are plenty of other options.

The My Aged Care website offers a simple fee estimator tool that you can use to determine if a particular facility is financially feasible for you, but be mindful that this is an estimation only and not a substitute for tailored advice from your assessment team or provider. If you are not eligible for government-funded care, or cannot afford the fees and costs presented to you, you may be able to apply for financial hardship assistance. The financial and administrative aspect of finding the right care facility is complex and often confusing, so it’s also a great idea to seek independent financial advice.

Service Australia offers a free Financial Information Service (FIS) that can guide you to make informed financial decisions and understand how these decisions will impact you and your family’s finances, including other support payments you may receive. 

Respite and Trial Stays

If the idea of moving into an Aged Care facility full-time or permanently is too daunting for you or loved one at this stage, trial stays or respite care can be a great option. Respite or short-term Aged Care is a valuable way to provide you some relief in your caregiving role, protect yourself from burnout, and improve your relationship with the person you care for.

It is also a great way to gently introduce your loved one to an Aged Care facility, allow them to meet other people in their age group, participate in activities, and alleviate some of the fear or anxiety they may feel about the change of scenery and living arrangements.

Not all facilities offer both permanent or long-term stays and respite options, so make sure to clarify this with a staff member or your assessment team to avoid any disappointment or confusion.

Alternatives to respite or short-term stays could include ‘drop-in’ days where you and your loved one visit for the day, meeting some key staff and participating in some of the activities on offer, so be sure to explore all your options to make sure the next step is right for you.

Relationship and Emotional Challenges When Going into Aged Care Facilities

Making the decision to step back from sole responsibility for the care of someone dear to us is never easy, and in some cases will prompt disagreement or upheaval in our relationships.

Everyone feels differently about how to navigate care for older people we love, so some differing opinions or concerns are to be expected. For the person entering care, common concerns are feeling helpless or a fear of the unknown, so be sure to continuously acknowledge and address these feelings to protect their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Seeking the support of professionals such as a counsellor or psychologist can be a great way to ensure the transition takes place in a way that respects the needs and wishes of all involved. 

The decision to transition into Aged Care usually involves more than just the caregiver and the person entering care. Other family members or close friends may have thoughts about the move, and may even disagree with your decision.

This can place additional stress on you, and make you start to question or feel guilty about your choices. It’s important to remember that you are acting in the best interest of your loved one, and that if you don’t take care of yourself, eventually you will be unable to look after the person you care for. Relationships Australia offer mediation and dispute resolution services for a range of conflicts, including decisions about care for family members, and also offer specialised senior relationship support services to help improve or maintain healthy relationships with beloved older people in our lives.

Having a neutral third party can help keep the dialogue constructive and respectful, avoiding unnecessary escalation of disagreements that only add stress for everyone involved. As difficult as it may feel at first, delegating some of your caring responsibilities will remove an enormous amount of strain and pressure from you, allowing you to fully enjoy your time with your loved one and spend quality time with them without being distracted by constant thoughts of caregiving responsibilities. 

Staying Connected and Maintaining Routine When Transitioning to Aged Care Facilities

As much as possible, you should try to minimise the amount of disruption to your loved one’s routine throughout the process, especially immediately after they move into a residential care facility. It’s natural for the person entering care to worry about being lonely or isolated in their new home environment, so try your best to reassure them that they will be well supported.

It’s also important to keep up with any usual activities your loved one was engaged in prior to this transition, such as social clubs or groups, regular outings or physical activity sessions. The more engaged, active and connected older people remain, the better for their long-term independence and physical and mental wellbeing.

Routine can be a huge comfort in times of upheaval, so try your best to maintain a regular schedule for when you and others will visit your loved one. Particularly in the first few weeks or months after entering care, try to visit as often as is practical, or encourage other family and friends to do so.

Highlight all the positive aspects about their new living environment, and show enthusiasm in the social or recreational activities on offer. Get to know the staff at the facility, and communicate any key information such as the date of your next visit, so they can relay this and reassure your loved one when you are not there.

Staff can also help you to decorate or arrange your loved one’s room to create a homey, comforting environment, with personal touches like handwritten notes from family and friends, or framed family photographs to serve as a reminder that they are loved and cared for. 

Technology is increasingly being used to bridge physical distances and keep us connected to people we love when we can’t physically be together.

Making the most of these advancements to support a loved one entering care can be a great way to keep in touch, even when life gets busy and prevents us from visiting as much as we would like. Consider using devices like smartphones or tablets to schedule regular video calls, or send video or audio messages from those close to your loved one.

Technology can also help keep older people engaged in activities that may be difficult to access in person, such as concerts, theatre or sporting events. Think outside the box with how technology can help you and your loved one stay connected and engaged, and don’t be shy to ask your care team for advice and guidance.

Caring for You Whilst Caring for Someone Else

Taking a step back from the direct care of someone you love is never easy, even when it is for the best. It’s natural to feel some tension, stress, or even guilt at the idea of someone stepping in to provide the care you usually offered, however it’s important to take care of yourself so that you can be your best and continue to be there for your family member, friend or client.

Confide in trusted friends and family about how you are feeling throughout this process, or reach out for support using the Australian Government’s Carer Gateway, a one-stop portal for a wide range of carer support services available. 

If you are looking for care options in the comfort of your own home, you can consider Homage as an alternative. We provide qualified nurses and support workers who are able to engage and care for your loved one in the comfort of your home. Fill up the form to reach out to one of our Care Advisors. We would love to help you through this!