Frequently Asked Questions
What is Residential Care?
When the time comes that an older person is no longer able to care for themselves (even with in-home support) then moving into an Aged Care facility may need to be considered.
Aged Care facilities (also known as Residential Care) provide accommodation, some basic furniture, cleaning, laundry services, meals and refreshments. Residents are also welcome to bring some of their own furniture such as chairs, television, photos etc. Staff are available for assistance at all times and provide personal care (such as showering, dressing and assistance with meals) nursing care and a range of activities. What care is provided to each individual resident depends upon their assessed needs.
Many Residential Care facilities provide both low and high levels of care enabling people to remain at the one place even if their needs change (this is commonly called "ageing in place").
What do I need to do if I wish to access Residential Care?
Five steps required for entry into Residential Care are:
Where can I get financial information?
The cost of receiving aged care services varies depending on the type of care, the person's needs and their financial situation. Aged care facilities are subsidised by the Australian government to ensure they are affordable to everyone. Residents also make a financial contribution to the cost of their care.
The amount a person is required to pay will depend upon the type of care, their income and assets. All residents receive the same quality of care regardless of the level of fees paid. It is a good idea to obtain some financial advice to ensure you understand how a move to a residential facility may affect your assets. General information regarding fees and charges can also be obtained by phoning the NCCCA on (02) 49 933 100. Centrelink also provide a free financial information service which may be helpful to you.
What is an ACAT?
ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team. An ACAT assessment helps decide the level and type of care which you may be eligible for as well as which most suits your needs. ACAT also prepares information on appropriate care options and helps organise it for you. You can be referred for an ACAT assessment by your GP, hospital, aged care facility, community worker, family members or seek the referral yourself. An ACAT professional will contact you (it may take a week or two to arrange an appointment). This usually takes place in your home but can also take place where ever you are located in Australia. You will be asked questions and your situation discussed to assess your needs. Within a few days you will receive a letter stating the services you are eligible for.
An ACAT assessment is required for you to access Permanent Residential Care and Residential Respite Care (both high and low care). It is also required to enable you to receive Community Care Packages. An ACAT assessment is a free and confidential service. Your ACAT assessment is valid for 12 months after which time it requires renewal if you still wish to access services such as Permanent Residential Care or Residential Respite Care.
What level of care is provided by NCCCA?
We provide both high and low level care across our three facilities.
Do you provide respite care and how do I access it?
Yes... Jacaranda Grove Hostel has 2 beds and Mountain View Lodge has 2 beds allocated for respite. The length of stay varies from one week to several weeks with the average length of stay being a fortnight. As our respite rooms are in demand we advise people to book ahead, particularly if you know of a future date when respite will be needed. We are often booked up 4 to 6 months in advance so it is a good idea to plan ahead where possible. Respite bookings with NCCCA's Cessnock Facilities are made by contacting us on 49 933 100 for Jacaranda Grove Hostel or 49 933 000 for Mountain View Lodge Hostel. You will need an ACAT low care assessment before you can access our Residential Respite. This allows you access to 9 weeks respite care per financial year (July - June). You must apply to ACAT for an extension (which is granted in 3 week increments) if you need more than the 9 weeks allowed.
The fees for respite care are according to the Commonwealth Guidelines and you will be advised of these just prior to admission. a booking fee may also be charged to assist in securing a place. This is a pre-payment of respite care fees and not an additional payment. Moreover, it cannot be more than a full week’s fee, or 25 per cent of the fee for the entire stay, whichever amount is the lowest..
Are staff on duty 24 hours per day?
Yes... care is provided to all residents 24 hours a day.
Can I view the facility before I make a decision?
Definitely. Please phone NCCCA on (02) 4993 3100 during office hours Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm to arrange a suitable time.
Does NCCCA provide services or accommodation other than Residential Care?
Yes... we have 10 independent living units which are located at Jacaranda Grove and we also have 8 units at Buckland Avenue, Cessnock that we are in partnership with Housing NSW.
We also provide Home Care Services.
When the time comes that an older person is no longer able to care for themselves (even with in-home support) then moving into an Aged Care facility may need to be considered.
Aged Care facilities (also known as Residential Care) provide accommodation, some basic furniture, cleaning, laundry services, meals and refreshments. Residents are also welcome to bring some of their own furniture such as chairs, television, photos etc. Staff are available for assistance at all times and provide personal care (such as showering, dressing and assistance with meals) nursing care and a range of activities. What care is provided to each individual resident depends upon their assessed needs.
Many Residential Care facilities provide both low and high levels of care enabling people to remain at the one place even if their needs change (this is commonly called "ageing in place").
What do I need to do if I wish to access Residential Care?
Five steps required for entry into Residential Care are:
- Arrange an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) Assessment
It will determine if you are eligible for Residential Care (for both permanent and respite care). - Selecting an Aged Care Home
Consider location. You may wish to remain in your local area or choose a facility closer to family if they live elsewhere. Contact the homes of interest for more information and have application forms sent. You may wish to arrange a visit. - Working out the Cost
While the government subsidises Residential Care, the residential facilities charge a number of fees. These are calculated individually according to your income and assets. - Completing and submitting an application form
Once forms are completed and submitted, the residential facility will contact you if a place becomes available. - Moving to the Facility
The staff will provide you with information and support during the transition period to make it as smooth as possible.
Where can I get financial information?
The cost of receiving aged care services varies depending on the type of care, the person's needs and their financial situation. Aged care facilities are subsidised by the Australian government to ensure they are affordable to everyone. Residents also make a financial contribution to the cost of their care.
The amount a person is required to pay will depend upon the type of care, their income and assets. All residents receive the same quality of care regardless of the level of fees paid. It is a good idea to obtain some financial advice to ensure you understand how a move to a residential facility may affect your assets. General information regarding fees and charges can also be obtained by phoning the NCCCA on (02) 49 933 100. Centrelink also provide a free financial information service which may be helpful to you.
What is an ACAT?
ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team. An ACAT assessment helps decide the level and type of care which you may be eligible for as well as which most suits your needs. ACAT also prepares information on appropriate care options and helps organise it for you. You can be referred for an ACAT assessment by your GP, hospital, aged care facility, community worker, family members or seek the referral yourself. An ACAT professional will contact you (it may take a week or two to arrange an appointment). This usually takes place in your home but can also take place where ever you are located in Australia. You will be asked questions and your situation discussed to assess your needs. Within a few days you will receive a letter stating the services you are eligible for.
An ACAT assessment is required for you to access Permanent Residential Care and Residential Respite Care (both high and low care). It is also required to enable you to receive Community Care Packages. An ACAT assessment is a free and confidential service. Your ACAT assessment is valid for 12 months after which time it requires renewal if you still wish to access services such as Permanent Residential Care or Residential Respite Care.
What level of care is provided by NCCCA?
We provide both high and low level care across our three facilities.
Do you provide respite care and how do I access it?
Yes... Jacaranda Grove Hostel has 2 beds and Mountain View Lodge has 2 beds allocated for respite. The length of stay varies from one week to several weeks with the average length of stay being a fortnight. As our respite rooms are in demand we advise people to book ahead, particularly if you know of a future date when respite will be needed. We are often booked up 4 to 6 months in advance so it is a good idea to plan ahead where possible. Respite bookings with NCCCA's Cessnock Facilities are made by contacting us on 49 933 100 for Jacaranda Grove Hostel or 49 933 000 for Mountain View Lodge Hostel. You will need an ACAT low care assessment before you can access our Residential Respite. This allows you access to 9 weeks respite care per financial year (July - June). You must apply to ACAT for an extension (which is granted in 3 week increments) if you need more than the 9 weeks allowed.
The fees for respite care are according to the Commonwealth Guidelines and you will be advised of these just prior to admission. a booking fee may also be charged to assist in securing a place. This is a pre-payment of respite care fees and not an additional payment. Moreover, it cannot be more than a full week’s fee, or 25 per cent of the fee for the entire stay, whichever amount is the lowest..
Are staff on duty 24 hours per day?
Yes... care is provided to all residents 24 hours a day.
Can I view the facility before I make a decision?
Definitely. Please phone NCCCA on (02) 4993 3100 during office hours Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm to arrange a suitable time.
Does NCCCA provide services or accommodation other than Residential Care?
Yes... we have 10 independent living units which are located at Jacaranda Grove and we also have 8 units at Buckland Avenue, Cessnock that we are in partnership with Housing NSW.
We also provide Home Care Services.
