Aged care glossary: the terms you need to know
Organising aged care is hard, there’s no doubt about it. Not only is there the emotional turmoil involved, but dealing with the paperwork can be absolutely hellish. So, let’s break down some of the terms you need to know in words you can understand.
ACAT assessment (ACAS in Victoria) – the test conducted by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to assess an elderly individual’s caring needs.
Accommodation bond – just like when you rent a house, you must pay a bond to the aged care facility. The amount you pay is determined by a means test and is used to improve the quality of the facility.
Accommodation charge – the fee you pay each week on top of daily care fees.
Ageing in place – care options available to those who wish to stay at home.
Domestic assistance – hired help around the house to assist with day-to-day activities like chores, shopping and paying bills.
HACC funded service – a service which is paid for by the Government’s Home and Community Care (HACC).
High care – care services for those unable to look after themselves and require constant supervision.
Home Care Packages – the Government provides four levels of care funding to help elderly people remain at home longer. Level one and two are for low-care individuals, three is intermediate care, and four is for those with high care needs. All levels include supplements for veterans and dementia sufferers.
Low care – care services for those who require some assistance with personal care, meals, accommodation and maintenance.
Non-secure dementia care – facilities which do not offer a specific and secure wing for dementia patients
Palliative care – care services which offer pain management and mental health services for terminally ill patients.
Resident agreement – the contract between the aged care provider and the patient, outlining both parties’ rights and obligations.
Residential aged care – aged care facilities for those who are unable to safely remain in their homes.
Respite care – care services for people who temporarily require professional care due to a temporary illness, injury, or simply to give their family or friends a break from caring duties.
Secure dementia care – facilities which offer a specific and secure wing for dementia patients.
Supported living – a community of apartments and homes where care is provided in the form of meals, home maintenance and personal care.
Supported residential facility – an aged care facility that is not funded by the Government.
Supported residential services – aged care services that are not funded by the Government.
Transition care – care services for people who have had a recent hospital stay but would like to return to their home rather than permanently relocating to a residential aged care facility.