Respite care

Yes. Helping Hand can arrange residential care home tours by appointment. Visiting a home can help you understand the environment, rooms, shared spaces, lifestyle activities and whether the home feels right for you or your family member. Entry requirements may change depending on current health or government advice. Virtual tours are also available for some homes on the residential care locations page.

Next step: Call 1300 653 600 or book a tour online.

The Australian Government developed the Charter of Aged Care Rights in July 2019, which you can download here in several languages. It gives information about your rights as a user of aged care services in Australia.

If you would like more detailed information about your rights as an older person, the Legal Services Commission, in partnership with the Office for the Ageing, has developed a guide called Know Your Rights.

The cost of residential aged care varies from person to person, depending on which home you are moving into, and your own personal financial situation. The Government may contribute toward your care costs, and you may be asked to contribute towards them too if you can afford it. My Aged Care provides an overview of the costs involved on their website, and we also have an overview on our website, and publish our fees for our homes on each of our residential care home pages.

All residents at our residential aged care homes have access to the following services and assistance:

• Staff onsite at all times to assist where needed, including in emergencies
• Assistance with daily living activities including, showering, dressing and help to move about
• Assistance with medications
• Meals and refreshments, including catering for special dietary needs
• Laundry and housekeeping services
• Building and grounds upkeep and maintenance
• Social and lifestyle activities program
• Basic furnishings including curtains, chairs, beds, bed linen, bath towels, soap and toilet paper are also included, and residents are encouraged to bring items of furniture or personal possessions with them to personalise their home.

In-home care allows you to continue living independently at home. You can tailor the care you receive to meet your needs, and support is offered on a sliding scale from basic to high care needs.

Residential care is there for people who are no longer able to live independently at home, either due to physical frailty or the need for increased support due to conditions such as dementia. Support and care is provided 24/7, including meals, assistance with daily living activities, and lifestyle and activity programs.

Retirement living is designed for people over 55 who are still active enough to live independently, providing a close community of like-minded people. An aged care home provides an increased level of support for people who are no longer able to live independently, with round the clock care available.

If you are considering moving into a residential aged care home, you will first need an assessment with a member of an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). A member of an ACAT will talk to you about your current situation and help you work out what your options are. Once you have completed the ACAT assessment, you will receive a letter to let you know if you have been approved as eligible for Australian Government subsidised aged care services, including home care services and residential aged care accommodation. Your letter will tell you what type of services you’re eligible for and approved to receive, as well as the reasons why.