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Where to start

All common questions

We have listed the most frequently asked questions first. This should make it easier for you to find what you are looking for.

  ACAT assessments
  1. Do I have to get an Aged Care Assessment done to receive help with my care at home?
  2. How do I arrange for an ACAT assessment?
  3. How long will my ACAT assessment last?
  4. How many people will visit me to do the ACAT assessment?
  5. I am needing more help at home. I am even thinking that I might need to move to an aged care home. Who will arrange this for me?
  6. I don't drive and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get on the bus. How will I be able to do my banking and shopping, especially for clothing and larger items, not just groceries?
  7. Is there a cost associated with appealing against the ACAT assessment or their recommendations?
  8. What if I'm not sure whether I need to move to an aged care home?
  9. What sorts of things do the ACAT people assess? What questions do they ask?

Access and eligibility
  1. I have an allocated pension which does not allow me to get access to the capital. How is this counted in my assets test?
  2. How do I know if I 'm eligible for any of these programs?
  3. I am not ready to go into care but I would like to find out more about what is involved in entering into aged care for future reference. Where would be the best place to obtain this sort of information?
  4. What if I'm not sure whether I need to move to an aged care home?

Accessing care
  1. How do I find an aged care home that meets my needs?
  2. I need high-level care but I don't know how to track down Nursing Homes in my area. Is there a list of them anywhere?
  3. What is an ACAT Assessment and why do I need one?
  4. Who makes the decision whether I could receive community care at home or need to go into an aged care home?

Active ageing
  1. As I get older I don't want to eat as much as I used to - what foods should I eat to be sure I stay healthy?
  2. Because of my work I have moved around the country quite a bit, so I don't have a lot of friends in any one location, which limits my social life now.
  3. How do I know how much exercise is good for me at my age?
  4. How would I know if the person I care for would benefit from allied health support?
  5. I'd like to learn about the internet; where do I go?
  6. I'm fit enough physically, but now that I have retired the days seem to drag on and I feel I am getting mentally sluggish.
  7. I know I should get more exercise but I can't afford to join a fitness club.
  8. Why should I have an influenza vaccination every year?

Aged care homes
  1. I have an allocated pension which does not allow me to get access to the capital. How is this counted in my assets test?
  2. How many residents should be located in one room?
  3. I am needing more help at home. I am even thinking that I might need to move to an aged care home. Who will arrange this for me?
  4. I am not ready to go into care but I would like to find out more about what is involved in entering into aged care for future reference. Where would be the best place to obtain this sort of information?
  5. My mother's dementia has become much worse recently and my father, who is her main carer, can no longer look after her. She has been assessed as needing high-level care in a home with facilities for people with dementia. But I don't know where to start and the situation is urgent. What can I do?
  6. What happens if I can't afford to pay my fees once I'm in an Aged Care home?
  7. What if I'm not sure whether I need to move to an aged care home?

Aids and equipment
  1. How can I get talking books for Mum?
  2. I have a teletypewriter but my sister does not. How can I ring her if I need to?
  3. Mum uses a walking frame now. Is there help that I can get to make changes at home so she can move around more easily?
  4. We would like to get a special desk that can be adjusted to accommodate a wheelchair. Where can I find out about these?
  5. Where can I get information about equipment to help Mum manage at home now she is getting frail?

Allied health care, aids and equipment
  1. Are there additional costs if I swap to Telstra from my phone company to receive equipment from the Disability Equipment Program?
  2. How would I know if the person I care for would benefit from allied health support?
  3. I live alone and am getting older. My stove is worn out and I need a new one, but I need help to understand the technology they talk about in the shops. Is there someone who can help me?
  4. Mum has had a walking frame for a few years now. It needs to have the brakes adjusted. How can I find out where to get the walking frame 'serviced'?
  5. Mum uses a walking frame now. Is there help that I can get to make changes at home so she can move around more easily?
  6. We would like to get a special desk that can be adjusted to accommodate a wheelchair. Where can I find out about these?
  7. Where can I get continence management equipment free or cheap?
  8. Where can I get information about equipment to help Mum manage at home now she is getting frail?

Care options
  1. Dad has always made decisions about his care, but lately I've been worried that he is not considering all the options. What can we do?

Care planning
  1. How can I start to talk to mum about preplanning for her care needs?

Carer support
  1. I've heard of carer support groups - what can they actually do for me?
  2. If I am caring for someone, is it possible for me to go on a holiday without them? Will they still be cared for?
  3. My aunt is living at home, but only managing because I help her a lot. I have my elderly mother and my own family to care for as well and am finding it increasingly difficult to cope. Is there someone I can talk to about what I can do?
  4. What help is there for carers?

Caring for someone at home
  1. Dad has trouble eating. Is there someone who can help him?
  2. I don't have time to do all the housework at dad's as well as my own. I can't afford a commercial cleaning service. Can I get help?
  3. Mum lives alone and has some help from the local Council. She is supposed to have a case manager, but never hears from her and now the cleaner hasn't been for 6 weeks. What can we do?

Caring for someone in care
  1. I've looked after Dad since Mum died, but now he is going to an aged care home. Will they do everything for him?

Community care
  1. Do I have to let providers into my home if I don't want their service on the day they arrive?
  2. I am a Torres Strait Islander person and I have recently moved to a regional town in Queensland. Can I still get help through HACC or is it only for regional and remote areas?
  3. I live alone and am getting older. My stove is worn out and I need a new one, but I need help to understand the technology they talk about in the shops. Is there someone who can help me?

Complaints
  1. I'm not confident talking with people when it might be a difficult or complex conversation. Is there anyone who can support me if I have a concern about an aged care home?
  2. What do I do if I'm not happy with the care I'm receiving in an aged care home?

Complementary therapy
  1. Can I get allied health services for mum if she is in an aged care home?
  2. How would I know if the person I care for would benefit from allied health support?
  3. Mum lives in a rural area. How can I get a podiatrist for her?
  4. My father sees a lot of medical and allied health professionals who visit him at the home. I don't know why he needs to see so many people, and I don't know what they do for him. Dad doesn't seem to know either. I'm pleased dad is receiving care, but is there a way I can find out what it is all for?
  5. What is an 'alternative therapy'?

Continence management
  1. I am OK now, but how can I stop myself becoming incontinent later?
  2. Many people believe that drinking water will cause them to wet themselves and refuse to drink it to avoid the risks.

Cultural and identified needs
  1. I'm an Aboriginal person - is there a palliative care program that would suit me?
  2. I am a Torres Strait Islander person and I have recently moved to a regional town in Queensland. Can I still get help through HACC or is it only for regional and remote areas?
  3. I am a war veteran from another country but now an Australian citizen. Should I go to DVA or Centrelink for my income assessment?
  4. Mum is a war widow. Shecan't get on buses any more, and I live 600 kms away. How is she going to get to her medical appointments?
  5. Mum lives in a rural area. How can I get a podiatrist for her?
  6. We live in the country - is residential care available locally or will grandma have to go away from her family and friends?
  7. What help is there for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
  8. What is the meaning of a war widow or widower?

Culturally and linguistically diverse
  1. Do aged care homes provide care for specific cultural or linguistic groups?
  2. How do I find an aged care home with residents and staff who speak my language so I can communicate with them?
  3. My mother is of a non-English speaking background and is having trouble getting the staff at the home to understand her needs and preferences. How can I help her?
  4. Will dad lose his cultural ties to his community when he goes into an aged care home?

Dementia
  1. Dad has dementia. Is there any help we can get to look after him?
  2. Who can I speak with to get more information about Dementia?

Eligibility and standards
  1. I have an allocated pension which does not allow me to get access to the capital. How is this counted in my assets test?
  2. Some of my friends gifted their assets to their family before they had an assets test for aged care. Is this still allowed and how much can I gift?
  3. Can I participate in the Quality Reporting process so I can provide feedback on the services I receive?
  4. How do I know if I 'm eligible for any of these programs?
  5. How do I know if Mum is being treated properly by the care provider?
  6. What do I do if I'm not happy with the care I'm receiving in an aged care home?

Entering an aged care home
  1. I have an allocated pension which does not allow me to get access to the capital. How is this counted in my assets test?
  2. Once I go into an aged care home, do I have to stay there?

Falls prevention
  1. Mum lives alone. She manages well, but I'm worried that she might fall and need help. What can I do?
  2. Where can I get more information about Falls Prevention?

Fees and costs
  1. I have an allocated pension which does not allow me to get access to the capital. How is this counted in my assets test?
  2. Some of my friends gifted their assets to their family before they had an assets test for aged care. Is this still allowed and how much can I gift?
  3. Are there additional costs if I swap to Telstra from my phone company to receive equipment from the Disability Equipment Program?
  4. Do you pay fees before you move into an aged care home?
  5. How much does residential aged care cost?
  6. I'm not sure that I will be able to afford any form of care to assist me in my home. What can I do?
  7. I don't have time to do all the housework at dad's as well as my own. I can't afford a commercial cleaning service. Can I get help?
  8. If I'm receiving transition care will I have to contribute to the daily cost?
  9. Is there a cost associated with appealing against the ACAT assessment or their recommendations?
  10. My fee advice letter mentioned Class C hardship supplement - what does that mean?
  11. What happens if I can't afford to pay my fees once I'm in an Aged Care home?
  12. Who has to pay for mum's Webster packs?
  13. Will I have to pay for a Home and Community Care service?

Financial and legal
  1. I have an allocated pension which does not allow me to get access to the capital. How is this counted in my assets test?
  2. Some of my friends gifted their assets to their family before they had an assets test for aged care. Is this still allowed and how much can I gift?
  3. I'm Mum's legal representative but I wasn't involved in her care planning. I would like to be involved - how should I go about it?
  4. I am a war veteran from another country but now an Australian citizen. Should I go to DVA or Centrelink for my income assessment?
  5. What is a 'Resident Agreement'?
  6. What is Australian Government-susbidised aged care?
  7. What is the difference between the Aged Blind Pension and the Age Pension?

Financial assistance
  1. What benefits are available to me as a carer?

For carers
  1. How do I get in touch with other carers?
  2. I am currently looking after my mother and am finding it a real handful on top of a full working week. Will I ever get a break!?
  3. What benefits are available to me as a carer?
  4. What if my carer or I need a break?
  5. Where can I get more information about caring for someone with dementia?

Health and well-being
  1. How do I know how much exercise is good for me at my age?
  2. I have arthritis in my legs and am often tired. How can exercise help me feel better?
  3. I want to stay healthy as I get older. What are some of the things I should look out for?
  4. Why should I have an influenza vaccination every year?

Health conditions
  1. Even though I have a disability I have coped pretty well at home but now I am having trouble keeping the house clean and doing the laundry. I know other people get help with these things. How can I find out about it?
  2. How do I find services to help me look after someone with dementia?
  3. I'm an Aboriginal person - is there a palliative care program that would suit me?
  4. I have arthritis in my legs and am often tired. How can exercise help me feel better?
  5. I have complex chronic health problems. Most of the time I am reasonably well and manage at home. How can I get looked after at home at the times I am unwell?
  6. I have several chronic health problems, with quite complex medication. My medication is in a Webster pack, but I often drop pills or leave them in the pack by accident. What help can I get with this?
  7. I have several chronic health problems, with quite complex medication. My medication is in a Webster pack, but I often drop pills or leave them in the pack by accident. What help can I get with this?
  8. I need more information about diabetes, where can I get it?
  9. Is incontinence more common in women or men?
  10. My mother's dementia has become much worse recently and my father, who is her main carer, can no longer look after her. She has been assessed as needing high-level care in a home with facilities for people with dementia. But I don't know where to start and the situation is urgent. What can I do?
  11. What is a chronic disease?
  12. Where can I get continence management equipment free or cheap?
  13. Where can I get more information about caring for someone with dementia?
  14. Where can I get more information about Falls Prevention?

High-level care
  1. I need high-level care but I don't know how to track down Nursing Homes in my area. Is there a list of them anywhere?
  2. My mother's dementia has become much worse recently and my father, who is her main carer, can no longer look after her. She has been assessed as needing high-level care in a home with facilities for people with dementia. But I don't know where to start and the situation is urgent. What can I do?

Home modifications and maintenance
  1. Mum uses a walking frame now. Is there help that I can get to make changes at home so she can move around more easily?

Home safety
  1. Mum keeps forgetting that she has turned electrical appliances on - I'm scared that something will catch fire one day. What can I do?
  2. Mum uses a walking frame now. Is there help that I can get to make changes at home so she can move around more easily?
  3. What sort of changes to the home can make life safer for older people?

How to access help
  1. Even though I have a disability I have coped pretty well at home but now I am having trouble keeping the house clean and doing the laundry. I know other people get help with these things. How can I find out about it?
  2. How do I get help with depression?
  3. How do I know if I 'm eligible for any of these programs?
  4. I am starting to need a little help with everyday things at home. I know there is all of this help available but how do I find it?
  5. I don't drive and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get on the bus. How will I be able to do my banking and shopping, especially for clothing and larger items, not just groceries?
  6. Mum is a war widow. Shecan't get on buses any more, and I live 600 kms away. How is she going to get to her medical appointments?

Independent living
  1. I live alone and am getting older. My stove is worn out and I need a new one, but I need help to understand the technology they talk about in the shops. Is there someone who can help me?
  2. Where can I get information about equipment to help Mum manage at home now she is getting frail?

Information services
  1. I have an excellent doctor who has looked after me for many years. I would be comfortable talking with her about the help that I need at home. Does my doctor know about these services or who should I talk to?
  2. Who can provide services for me in my home?

Legal issues
  1. I know from arranging my husband's funeral that there are papers and things you have to have after someone dies. I want to get these ready for when I die. Where can I find a list of what I need?

Living in an aged care home
  1. At home I have my routine of things I do each day. What will I do all day when I move to a home?
  2. Can I take my furniture and pet with me?
  3. How private are rooms in aged care homes? Will staff just come in like they do in hospital?
  4. I've just gone into care and I want to know if there are any restrictions on what I am allowed to do in Aged Care. Where can I find this sort of information?
  5. I am in a low-level care home and have coeliac disease. Should I be paying extra for gluten-free foods?
  6. What happens if I move from one low-level (hostel) care to another low-level aged care home?

Low-level care
  1. I am in a low-level care home and have coeliac disease. Should I be paying extra for gluten-free foods?
  2. What happens if I move from one low-level (hostel) care to another low-level aged care home?

Medications
  1. Can I give medications to the person I care for?
  2. I have several chronic health problems, with quite complex medication. My medication is in a Webster pack, but I often drop pills or leave them in the pack by accident. What help can I get with this?
  3. I have several chronic health problems, with quite complex medication. My medication is in a Webster pack, but I often drop pills or leave them in the pack by accident. What help can I get with this?
  4. If I am concerned about the effect medication is having on the person I care for, who can I talk to for advice?
  5. My regular medicines are in a Webster pack, but those I use only occasionally are still in the original packaging. I'm having trouble opening the bottle or the foil packet. Who can help me with this?
  6. My regular medicines are in a Webster pack, but those I use only occasionally are still in the original packaging. I'm having trouble opening the bottle or the foil packet. Can anyone help me with this?

Mental health
  1. Depression. If it happened once, will it happen again?
  2. How do I get help with depression?
  3. I'm fit enough physically, but now that I have retired the days seem to drag on and I feel I am getting mentally sluggish.
  4. I'm worried about Mum. She is losing her sense of perspective and fretting excessively about things she can't influence, like international events. What can I do?
  5. What causes anxiety disorders and is treatment available?
  6. Where can I find more information about depression?

Palliative Care
  1. I'm an Aboriginal person - is there a palliative care program that would suit me?
  2. Palliative care - if Mum is in pain, can it be eased?

Planning for the future
  1. I have an allocated pension which does not allow me to get access to the capital. How is this counted in my assets test?
  2. Some of my friends gifted their assets to their family before they had an assets test for aged care. Is this still allowed and how much can I gift?
  3. How do I raise the need for care in the future with someone who is still healthy?

Programs and services
  1. Are there additional costs if I swap to Telstra from my phone company to receive equipment from the Disability Equipment Program?
  2. Even though I have a disability I have coped pretty well at home but now I am having trouble keeping the house clean and doing the laundry. I know other people get help with these things. How can I find out about it?
  3. How can I find out about programs to help me care for someone?
  4. How can I tell which of these programs are best suited to my needs? Is there someone who can help me?
  5. How do I find out about services for carers?
  6. How do I find services to help me look after someone with dementia?
  7. How do I know if I 'm eligible for any of these programs?
  8. I am a Torres Strait Islander person and I have recently moved to a regional town in Queensland. Can I still get help through HACC or is it only for regional and remote areas?
  9. I have an excellent doctor who has looked after me for many years. I would be comfortable talking with her about the help that I need at home. Does my doctor know about these services or who should I talk to?

Rights and responsibilities
  1. How do I know if Mum is being treated properly by the care provider?
  2. How private are rooms in aged care homes? Will staff just come in like they do in hospital?
  3. I've just gone into care and I want to know if there are any restrictions on what I am allowed to do in Aged Care. Where can I find this sort of information?
  4. My father sees a lot of medical and allied health professionals who visit him at the home. I don't know why he needs to see so many people, and I don't know what they do for him. Dad doesn't seem to know either. I'm pleased dad is receiving care, but is there a way I can find out what it is all for?
  5. Once I go into an aged care home, do I have to stay there?
  6. What happens if I move from one low-level (hostel) care to another low-level aged care home?

Services for carers
  1. How do I find out about services for carers?

Short-term care
  1. How long does Transition Care last?
  2. I am about to be discharged from hospital and need some additional support to fully recover. Who can help?
  3. I am currently looking after my mother and am finding it a real handful on top of a full working week. Will I ever get a break!?
  4. I need to arrange respite care for Dad. Who can help me?
  5. If I'm receiving transition care will I have to contribute to the daily cost?
  6. The doctor says I am ready to leave hospital, but I'm not sure I'll be able cope at home immediately. What can I do?
  7. What does a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre do?
  8. What happens if I suddenly get sick?
  9. What if my carer or I need a break?
  10. What sort of services will be provided under Transition Care?
  11. Where will the transition care be provided?

Standards and complaints
  1. Can I participate in the Quality Reporting process so I can provide feedback on the services I receive?
  2. How do I know if the aged care home provides quality care?
  3. I'm not confident talking with people when it might be a difficult or complex conversation. Is there anyone who can support me if I have a concern about an aged care home?
  4. If I am concerned about the effect medication is having on the person I care for, who can I talk to for advice?
  5. Mum lives alone and has some help from the local Council. She is supposed to have a case manager, but never hears from her and now the cleaner hasn't been for 6 weeks. What can we do?
  6. My father sees a lot of medical and allied health professionals who visit him at the home. I don't know why he needs to see so many people, and I don't know what they do for him. Dad doesn't seem to know either. I'm pleased dad is receiving care, but is there a way I can find out what it is all for?
  7. The home has rung to say I need to buy a helmet for mum to wear as she is continually having falls. I don't know whether this is good practice or not - how can I get more information and find out if the home is doing the right thing?

Transport
  1. How will I get to and from the Day Therapy Centre?
  2. I don't drive and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get on the bus. How will I be able to do my banking and shopping, especially for clothing and larger items, not just groceries?
  3. I don't drive. The Home and Community Care (HACC) people will take Dad to his medical appointments, but I need to go with him as he never remembers what the doctor says. Will they take me too?

Types of care and services
  1. At home I have my routine of things I do each day. What will I do all day when I move to a home?
  2. Can I find a home that will cater for all of my care needs as I get older or need more assistance, so I don't need to move around?
  3. I am in a low-level care home and have coeliac disease. Should I be paying extra for gluten-free foods?
  4. What are 'Specified Care and Services'?
  5. What sort of accommodation and care is available in residential aged care homes?

What help is available?
  1. Even though I have a disability I have coped pretty well at home but now I am having trouble keeping the house clean and doing the laundry. I know other people get help with these things. How can I find out about it?
  2. How would I know if the person I care for would benefit from allied health support?
  3. I am starting to need a little help with everyday things at home. I know there is all of this help available but how do I find it?
  4. I don't drive and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get on the bus. How will I be able to do my banking and shopping, especially for clothing and larger items, not just groceries?
  5. I have complex chronic health problems. Most of the time I am reasonably well and manage at home. How can I get looked after at home at the times I am unwell?
  6. I have several chronic health problems, with quite complex medication. My medication is in a Webster pack, but I often drop pills or leave them in the pack by accident. What help can I get with this?
  7. I really can't manage at home any more. What can I do?
  8. What if I'm not sure whether I need to move to an aged care home?

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