Clients and their families often tell us that residential aged care is not for them, but it has become inevitable. Whilst residential aged care is not for everyone, there are practical issues to consider when exploring that path.
A read of Joanna Nell’s book ‘The Great Escape from the Woodlands Nursing Home’ sheds some light on this topic. Emotions exposed by people who have chosen, or been persuaded, to accept residential Aged Care as portrayed in the book are insightful.
The financial consideration is our primary role with clients when deciding how their Aged Care needs will be met. Highlighting some issues that need to be considered when trying to identify an appropriate facility the book is an interesting read. This article focuses on some of those issues because of the financial implications of that decision. The cost of residential Aged Care is very much dependent on the type of facility you choose.
Some important considerations are –
- Companionship/ mateship
- Health services access
- Support networks
- Lifestyle compatibility
…that you may not have thought through while focusing on room comfort, cleaning and laundry services, meals menu and affordability.
What are the issues?
Companionship:
Moving from a long-term home to a new residence is difficult for most people. Such a transition is more difficult for the elderly. At this stage of life familiarity is comfort. The geographical location of the facility chosen will impact the convenience and ability of family and long-term friends to visit.
More so than just companionship, the presence of, or access to ‘mates’ is very important. Mates in this context are those long-term, personal, good friends with whom experiences have been shared. The re-telling of these stories is a heart-warming pastime for older people in any environment.
These are the people who spend time with the resident and help them to feel comfortable, connected and relevant.
Health services:
This consideration will be important to most residential aged care residents. However, the state of health at the time of relocation is not the only issue to consider. As their age advances, health matters that had not surfaced earlier may now manifest themselves. This can arise at short notice and require prompt attention.
Not all health services will be available at these aged care facilities. There will be a greater range in the facility or its vicinity with some than with others.
Support networks:
Most intending residents of aged care facilities may think the staff will meet all their needs. This may be the case with some facilities, but not all. Personal shopping, special errands, transport to medical appointments etc. may be amongst those matters with which support will be necessary.
Not all support services will be required frequently, so how they are accessed can be problematic.
Lifestyle compatibility:
As is the case with any community, personal interests are impacted by where we live. The language we use in conversation is influenced by several social factors. These include the company we keep, the work we do, and the material we read. If the existing residents of the intended facility do not include people familiar with our conversational language the stay could be challenging.
Mitigating the effects of these issues.
Companionship: There are two key ways to reduce the effect of diminished companionship and access to “old mates”. These are to use a facility –
- within close distance of your home, that is easily accessed by existing transport infrastructure; and
- with an active events program available, covering interests that you currently have.
Health services: This is more challenging in regional/ remote areas but may be a factor that determines against a local facility.
It is important to be aware of the need, and its impact on the aged care facility resident.
Support networks: Checking the availability of these services will reveal different services available at different facilities. The biggest concern will be whether there are additional costs incurred for accessing them. They may be provided by community good Samaritans at no service cost, or through the facility’s administration at quoted cost.
Lifestyle compatibility: Some may find this a bigger issue than others. Consideration of it should not be flippant but getting adequate information to assess the situation may be difficult. Open Days at facilities in the preferred area provide opportunities to listen to and converse with existing residents.
Making the choice.
There are many matters to consider when researching how and where Aged Care is to be provided. There will be compromises made in coming to the final decision. A couple of approaches to getting the information on which to base the decision, include –
- consulting an aged care broker who may have experience in dealing with your personal concerns;
- speaking with your ContinuumFP Aged Care adviser for some guidance from their experiences with clients; and
- visiting some facilities in areas that appeal to you, on their Open Days.
It may be useful to build a decision-making matrix comprising –
- questions to ask,
- prioritised as to their importance in your circumstance,
- alternative solutions that may require compromise, and
- use some form of rating to then come down to a list of must haves, like to haves, and must not haves.
The decisions can more comfortably made when armed with such material, regarding:
- the choice of a facility – and
- the cost it will impose.
Your Aged Care Services provider.
The financial advice team at Continuum Financial Planners Pty Ltd have assisted several families and individuals with these decisions. They will work through the process of determining the affordability of residential aged care facilities in your individual circumstances. Our services include guiding you through the decision-making process and financial strategies to achieve your goals.
To enquire about our services in this area, refer to our website Aged Care services page and phone our office, on 07 34213456. To make an appointment with a member of our advice team or use our Book A Meeting facility to nominate an available time of your choosing.
(This article was first posted in August 2024. We may refresh and/or update it from time to time.)
