I’m helping my parent manage changes to their aged care home services, and we’re considering a move or a room change. What should we know about their rights, responsibilities, and the process?
It’s great that you’re supporting your parent through potential changes in their aged care home. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you manage their services smoothly while ensuring their rights are respected.
Aged Care Home Responsibilities
Your parent’s aged care home is responsible for:
- Respecting Their Rights:
- The Charter of Aged Care Rights protects your parent, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the type or location of care.
- Providing Quality Services:
- Care must comply with the Aged Care Quality Standards, reflecting the level of care and services your parent can expect.
- Read more about Aged Care Quality Standards.
- Reviewing Their Care Plan:
- Regular reviews ensure their care plan continues to meet their evolving needs. This approach, known as ‘ageing in place,’ allows them to stay in the home as their needs change.
Taking Time Away from the Aged Care Home
Your parent can take leave for various reasons, including:
- Social Leave: For holidays or family visits.
- Hospital Leave: For medical treatment.
- Emergency Leave: In crisis situations.
To manage leave effectively:
- Notify the Home: Inform them of the dates your parent will be away.
- Discuss Fees: Ask how fees will be affected during the leave period.
Managing Changes in Care Needs
If your parent’s needs change:
- Speak with the Manager: Request a review of their care plan.
- Specialised Care: If the home can no longer meet their needs, they may need to consider moving to a new aged care home that can provide the appropriate level of care.
Changing Rooms
Your parent can request a room change, for example, to move to a private room. Steps include:
- Discuss Options: Speak with the home’s manager.
- Updated Agreement: The Accommodation Agreement must reflect the new room and any changes in cost.
Sometimes, the home may ask your parent to change rooms for reasons like medical necessity or renovations. If this happens, and you have concerns, raise them with the manager.
Moving to a New Aged Care Home
Your parent can move to a new aged care home for reasons like proximity to family or dissatisfaction with current arrangements. Here’s how to manage the move:
- Confirm Availability: Ensure the new home has a place and confirm the moving date.
- Accept the Offer: Formalize the arrangement with the new provider.
- Notify the Current Home: Inform them promptly to coordinate the move and discuss fees or refunds (for lump sums).
- Prepare for the Move: Both homes have a duty of care to ensure the transition is smooth and safe.
Lump Sum Refunds
If your parent paid a lump sum for accommodation:
- Before 1 July 2014: The balance can be transferred to the new home or adjusted to new fee arrangements.
- After 1 July 2014: The refund will be issued within 14 days of leaving, but the notice period can affect the timing.
Security of Tenure
Your parent has the right to stay in the aged care home unless:
- The home is closing.
- The home can no longer meet their care needs.
- Fees are overdue by more than 42 days (for reasons within their control).
- They cause serious damage or harm.
If asked to leave, the home must provide 14 days’ notice and ensure suitable alternative accommodation is available.
Addressing Complaints and Advocacy Support
- Raising Concerns:
- First, speak with the aged care home’s manager.
- If unresolved, contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
- Advocacy Assistance:
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) provides free support to help navigate complaints and rights.
- Learn more about OPAN Advocacy.
Final Thoughts
Your parent’s care and comfort are the top priorities. Staying informed about their rights, understanding the processes, and knowing where to seek support can make managing these changes much smoother.
