Aged Care Residences, Separating Fact from Fiction 

Over 370,000 Australians are currently accessing aged care services to help them in their daily lives, this includes over 190,000 who live permanently in aged care facilities, like the homes we operate at Rural Northwest Health. Despite the high number of people accessing aged care, most Australians know very little about how aged care residences operate and tend to make assumptions based on what they see represented in the media. We’re here to help you understand more by separating the fact from the fiction, which is especially important if you’re currently looking into aged care residences as a care option for yourself or a loved one. 

Common Misconceptions About Aged Care 

You may have heard a lot about aged care residences, but never visited one – this means much of what you believe to be true about aged care may not be accurate. So, let’s clear up some of the most misconceptions people have about aged care residences: 

“Aged care homes are like hospitals” 

Many people assume that residential aged care facilities are clinical and sterile, like hospitals. However, while there are strict health and safety regulations, many aged care homes are designed to be warm and welcoming, with comfortable furnishings, gardens, and spaces for socialising and recreation. 

“All aged care residences are the same” 

Another misconception is that all residential aged care facilities are alike, offering the same services and levels of care. In fact, aged care homes can vary significantly in terms of size, location, staff, facilities, and services provided. 

“Aged care is only for people who can’t look after themselves” 

Some people believe that residential aged care is only for those who are completely dependent on others for care. In reality, aged care homes can cater to a wide range of needs and levels of independence, from those who require 24-hour supervision and assistance to those who need only occasional support. 

“Aged care is expensive and unaffordable” 

While aged care can be costly, there are a range of government subsidies and financial assistance options available to help cover the costs of care. In addition, many aged care residences offer flexible payment arrangements to help make care more affordable. 

The Reality of Aged Care 

Every person’s experience accessing aged care support through aged care residences will vary depending on the organisations they reach out to and the level of support they or their loved one requires. That being said, there are some general rules that hold true across most aged care facilities in Australia. 

Providing Quality Care 

Many aged care homes provide high-quality care and support to their residents, helping them to live as independently and comfortably as possible. However, there are also cases where the quality of care may be substandard, due to inadequate staffing levels, inadequate training, or other factors. 

Combatting Loneliness 

While some people may worry about social isolation in aged care homes, many facilities provide a range of social and recreational activities to keep residents engaged and connected. Activities can include games, music, exercise classes, and outings, as well as opportunities to connect with family and friends. 

Health and Medical Support 

Aged care homes also provide health and medical care, including assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and medical treatments as required. However, the level of medical care provided may vary depending on the complexity of the resident’s health needs. 

The most important thing to remember about aged care residences is that no two are identical – what is true for one facility may not be true for another. This is why it’s important when considering which aged care residence to move yourself or your loved one into, you must thoroughly research it and visit the facility to ensure the level of care provided is adequate and the home is comfortable.  

Finding the Right Residential Aged Care Facility 

Finding the right aged care residence for your loved one can be a challenging and emotional process. To support you in your journey, we have compiled a list of steps you should take to ensure you find a care provider that suits you and your family. 

1. Determine the level of care required 

The first step is to determine the level of care your loved one needs. This may involve consulting with a healthcare professional to assess their needs and determine the level of care required. 

2. Research aged care residences 

Once you have an idea of the level of care required, you can start researching aged care homes that provide the appropriate level of care. There are several resources available to help you, including government websites, online directories, and word-of-mouth recommendations. While researching homes, make sure you consider location – you want somewhere that will be convenient for friends and family to visit. 

3. Visit aged care residences 

It’s important to visit aged care homes in person to get a feel for the environment and to meet the staff and other residents. Take note of the cleanliness of the facility, the quality of the furnishings, and the overall atmosphere. 

4. Ask questions 

During your visit, ask questions about the services provided, the staff-to-resident ratio, the qualifications of the staff, the availability of medical care, and any other concerns you may have. 

5. Check compliance 

While some aged care residences may have nice websites and look good in person, there is still a risk that there are hidden issues relating to their quality of care or treatment of residents. You can give yourself peace of mind by checking whether the homes you are considering are complying to government standards and working towards improvements. The government has an online tool to make this easier, which you can find here: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/search-by-name  

Rural Northwest Health Provides Quality Care 

We have two residential aged care facilities at Rural Northwest Health, Yarriambiack Lodge and Hopetoun Nursing Home. These homes allow community members to stay in their community even as they age and begin to require daily support. We endeavour to make all our hospital campuses safe and inclusive environments so everyone in our community can receive the care they need, our aged care facilities are no different. If you’re considering choosing Rural Northwest Health to provide yourself or your loved one aged care, please review our pamphlet to get more information or contact us to speak to a representative.