FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Where can I get information about aged care?

Your doctor, hospital discharge planners, respite care centres, Aged Care Assessment Teams and aged care services providers are a good place to start. Other sources include Commonwealth Carelink Facilities (call 1800 052 222 to find nearest office) or The Aged and Community Care Information Line (1800 500 853). The Department of Health and Ageing produce a range of brochures and information sheets, available in English and several other languages, which you can get by phoning the Information Line (1800 500 853) or on the website.

What is Respite Care?

Respite services can be provided as daily care in a program run in an adult day care facility or as a short-term stay in a residential aged care setting. Respite is designed to give the carer of an aged person time to rest, attend to domestic or social duties, or have a holiday. To access respite, the client must usually be assessed and approved by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) in NSW. Hillside at Figtree provides respite care services for stays up to 63 days. Please take the time to discuss your requirements with us.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is the process whereby all Commonwealth funded residential aged care services are assessed and receive accreditation against the outcomes of the Aged Care Act 1997. For more information on accreditation, visit the Aged Care Standards & Accreditation Agency website online.

Who does the assessment of the level of care I need?

Everyone entering a Commonwealth funded aged care facility in Australia is assessed by a government representative from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT assessed-1). Your doctor, social worker, community nurse or hospital discharge planner can arrange an assessment. In the assessment process the ACAT team will recommend the level of care required and provide advice on what the assessment means.

What is high and low care?

Hillside at Figtree has both High level and Low level care places. In our first stage (the fully renovated “Hillside” residence) we will be offering quality residential apartments for Low level care residents.

Low level care is for people who need accommodation services such as laundry, room cleaning as well as additional help with personal care, with nursing care provided if required. Low level care residents enjoy a high level of independence and are less reliant on advanced nursing care.

High level care (previously known as ‘nursing facility’ care) is for people who need regular assistance with most daily activities.

The second stage of development of Hillside at Figtree will include a further 45 “ageing-in-place” apartments and 12 “couples” apartments all catering for the advancing care needs of care recipients.

What is an Extra Service Facility?

An extra service facility is one that offers residents a higher standard of accommodation, services, food and services. These can sometimes be called ‘hotel services’.

Extra service facilities provide another element of choice for people entering residential aged care who may wish to choose and pay for a higher than average level of accommodation and services. It does not mean that residents will be provided with a higher level of nursing care as all facilities must provide the highest level of care as set out in the legislation.

Hillside at Figtree for example provides a setting within heritage gardens, larger room sizes, a higher level of appointment and furnishings, a wider choice of meals and personal services.

Not all aged care facilities provide “extra service” and only those facilities that have been approved by the Australian Government to provide extra service may do so.

ACCOMMODATION BONDS

How is the accommodation bond determined?

The Commonwealth Dept of Health and Ageing regulate how accommodation bonds are managed by aged care facilities.

The amount of accommodation bond payable generally reflects the quality and style of accommodation sought and is negotiated with Hillside at Figtree in consultation with your family and/or financial advisor.

For example: – the amount may vary depending the availability of the vacant accommodation at the time of entry – or it may be tailored to optimise your personal circumstances in relation to annuities, pension etc.

Are there any advantages in paying an accommodation bond?

Everyone’s circumstances are different and that is why Hillside at Figtree would encourage you and your family to seek independent advice to achieve an optimal outcome tailored to your circumstance. There may be significant advantages in paying a higher level of accommodation bond as amounts placed in accommodation bonds are not deemed to be an asset and therefore provide significant taxation and pension benefits.

Our experienced care team are able to help you to gain a thorough understanding, provide you with further literature or assist you in gaining independent advice in regard to accommodation bonds.

What happens to the accommodation bond?

Under the Aged Care Act as an aged care provider Hillside at Figtree is responsible to the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing for the prudential management of all accommodation bond monies held.

Full details in relation to accommodation bond, retention amounts on discharge and the timing of refunds is regulated by the Commonwealth and disclosed in the residence agreement you will enter with Hillside at Figtree.

What if I need to transfer to another aged care facility?

This is also regulated under the Aged Care Act and if you need to transfer to another facility, the balance of your bond will be transferred to the new provider.

DAILY FEES

How is the daily fee calculated?

The daily fee is comprised of 3 possible components. They are:

A Basic Daily Care Fee – calculated by the Government on the basis of your income
An Extra Service fee – for the additional services provided and
An Income Tested Fee – for part-pensioners and non-pensioners

What is the Basic Daily Care Fee?

This fee is paid by all residents entering into an aged care facility irrespective of whether it is high or low care. The amount is determined by the Dept of Health and Ageing and is dependent on your income.

What is the Extra Service Fee?

This fee is paid by those who have chosen residency at an Extra Service Facility. It is approved by the Department of Health & Ageing and may vary depending on the room type within Hillside at Figtree (eg Single Ensuite or Couples accommodation)

What is the Income Tested Fee?

The Commonwealth Government income tests all residents permanently entering any Commonwealth funded residential aged care facility. This fee is determined by Centrelink and is based on a calculation of non-pension income as per Commonwealth government regulations.

Is there a Residency Agreement?

Yes, there is a detailed Resident Agreement that outlines your rights and entitlements and all conditions of residency.

If you are interested in accommodation or if you have any other questions, the Hillside at Figtree Care Team would be delighted to assist you.

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