Residential Care: An Introduction
Residential Care is another option to consider when making a decision about your future or that of a loved one. Providing all the care and assistance need at this stage of life, Residential Care offers the opportunity to live rewarding lifestyle, with companionship and in a community of like-minded individuals.
It's reassuring to know that Royal Freemasons aged care accommodation, sometimes referred to as nursing homes, are funded and closely regulated by the Commonwealth Government to ensure that they meet the requisite standards. Testimony to our reputation as a innovative leader in the aged care sector, all our Residential Care accommodation has consistently met all forty-four standards and achieved the maximum possible three year accreditation in the 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009 under the Government's accreditation system.
With individual choice at the forefront of everything we do, Royal Freemasons offers four different residential care options at a number of sites located across metropolitan Melbourne.
Low Care and High Care
Royal Freemasons offers two different types of residential care:
Low Care
Residential low care is for elderly people requiring some assistance with the demands of daily living but who do not have complex ongoing care needs. Low-level care facilities (sometimes referred to as Hostels) focus on personal care services, including helping residents with dressing, eating, bathing, accommodation, support services (cleaning, laundry and meals), allied health services such as physiotherapy. They also offer activities that encourage socialisation interaction and improve quality of life for the residents. At Royal Freemasons our low care accommodation is available at Coppin Centre, located at our original Moubray Street home, adjacent to St Kilda Road.
At Coppin Centre residents enjoy the privacy of their own room with en suite, enjoy delicious, nutritionally balanced, home-cooked meals and live an active and rewarding lifestyle, free from the burdens of attending to their own laundry, cleaning and cooking. There is a warm, friendly community environment with many social and recreational activities offered on site, as well as regular bus excursions. Residents are looked after by 24 hour care staff under the supervision of a Division 1 registered nurse and can also make use of a range of allied health, therapeutic and rehabilitation services offered by our highly regarded Day Therapy Centre.
High Care
For elderly people who require full nursing care, Royal Freemasons offers high care accommodation (sometimes referred to as Nursing Homes) through 4 facilities situated in Wantirna South, Noble Park, Moubray Street ( dementia Specific) and Flemington. Known as 'Lodges', each facility offers residents a warm and caring environment where individualised care needs are met under the direction of a Division 1registered nurse.
Some families have concerns about their loved one moving into aged care accommodation, however, once they seen how well looked after and content residents are, they know they've made the right decision. All residents have their own room and en suite facilities, enjoy a varied menu of freshly prepared meals and a wide range of activities to keep them active and entertained. The range of personal care services available is greatly enhanced and is provided depending on the needs of each individual resident.
High Care Dementia
Making the right choice for loved ones suffering from dementia can be a challenging prospect for many families. Thankfully, Royal Freemasons offers specialist accommodation options at most of our high care facilities. In a separate and secure dementia wing, specially trained staff provide support and care for those suffering the effects of memory loss, confusion and cognitive disorder. If your family member or loved one is struggling to continue to live on their own because of the effects of dementia, then our high care dementia facilities provide the help, advice and support you need to find the right solution for everyone involved.
High Care Extra Service
While all of our residential aged care facilities are required to provide a specified range of care and services to residents at no extra cost, those wanting something 'a bit more special' may like to consider High Care Extra Service. Extra Service means that residents will still be provided with high levels of care (such as medical and nursing services), but they will also receive those added extras such as a bigger room, an al la carte menu, sherry, beer and wine with meals, newspapers and complimentary services such as hairdressing or podiatry.
At Royal Freemasons, our Extra Service residence is available within Windsor House, adjoining Centennial Lodge in Wantirna South at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges. There are beautifully decorated shared spaces, spacious single and double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and a host of Extra Services to chose from.
How Much Does it Cost?
Low Care
Accommodation in residential low care typically requires the payment of an accommodation bond and a weekly service fee. The bond is refunded, minus a small retention amount, at the time of discharge. The bond amount and service fee is subject to income and asset testing through Centrelink. The amount varies amongst providers and is subject to determination by Commonwealth Government legislation. We are able to provide additional information regarding the financial aspects on request.
High Care and High Care Dementia
While the Commonwealth Government meets most of the cost of the provision of high level residential care, residents are required to pay a daily fee and, in some cases, may also be required to pay an additional fee known as an accommodation charge, depending on individual financial circumstances. The daily fee is determined following a financial assessment by Centrelink and varies depending on which aged care provider you select. We can provide further information on the financial aspects and are available to answer any questions or queries you may have.
High Care Extra Service
Residency in High Care Extra Service requires payment of an ingoing accommodation bond and the payment of a weekly services fee. The bond, minus a small retention amount, is returned to the resident or their estate, less a small percentage, when they cease to reside at the facility. These amounts vary amongst providers and further information is available on request.
What is the Next Step?
Admission to Residential Care, can only occur following assessment and approval by an Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS). The assessments are free of charge and by be arranged by referral from your doctor or by contacting the ACAS in your area directly. To obtain more information or contact details for your local ACAS call the Aged and Community Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.
