| Becoming a Resident |
Step 1: Obtain ACAT approval
Step 2: Complete the application and assessment forms
Step 3: Accept an offer of placement
Step 4: Read the Residents Rights and Responsibilities |
| Step 1: Obtain ACAT Approval |
The first, and essential, step in becoming a Resident is to be 'approved' by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). ACAT is a multi-skilled team of health professionals who provide advice and assistance to people experiencing difficulties living at home.
To qualify for admission to the Home, an application obtained from ACAT must be completed. The person concerned, their family, their general practitioner or a Hospital may contact ACAT and ask them to do an assessment. If ACAT considers that someone requires residential and/or respite care, they will complete the necessary forms and inform the Home selected by the person that approval has been granted. No-one can become a Resident without going through this assessment process. |
| Step 2: Complete the Application and Assessment Forms |
All prospective Residents are asked to have completed the ACAT application and assessment forms. This will ensure a more appropriate bed allocation and care process immediately following admission. Once the Home has received the application and approval, your name will go on to the Home's waiting list. There may be a lengthy wait until a place becomes available. Commonwealth Carelink can assist you with completing the application and assessment forms if required. |
| Step 3: Accept an Offer of Placement |
When a place becomes available at The Good Shepherd Home, you will be contacted to see if you are still seeking a place. Once a place is offered and you accept, you have seven days from day of acceptance in which to enter the Home, provided you are not already residing in a residential aged care facility or on respite care. If you are already in a residential aged care facility, you are requested to transfer, where possible, within 24 hours of acceptance. Fees and charges are applicable from the day of acceptance.
You do not have to accept the first place that becomes available if you do not feel you are ready to move into the Home. A person may not need to be placed straight away, even though they are eligible to be placed, for example, they may have someone to help them. In this case, the ACAT assessment must be updated (by reassessment) every twelve months or when the person's circumstances change.
If you are coming in for short-term respite care, it is important that you inform the Home if you have received respite care in any other facility. Respite care is only available for a maximum of sixty-three days per financial year (i.e. 1 July - 30 June) unless an extension is sought from ACAT. |
| Step 4. Residents Rights and Responsibilities |
| On entering the home, residents are asked to sign a residential agreement, detailing their rights and responsibilities. |
Our residential care agreements reflect the Rights and Responsibilities set down by the Australian Government. For more information call 07 4772 9900 or send us an email. |
