Request a tour
Call
Menu

Aged Care in Melbourne & Victoria

8 ways to support a loved one transitioning to aged care

Moving a family member into aged care is a significant and often emotional step. Whether they are transitioning to one of our Melbourne aged care homes or our regional facility in Swan Hill, your support is crucial. Here are eight ways you can assist them in settling into their new environment.
Quick links

Aged Care in Melbourne & Victoria

1. Visit regularly, especially in the first few weeks

Frequent visits in the initial weeks can help ease the transition for your loved one. Your presence offers comfort and a sense of continuity. It reassures them that they are not alone and that their family is close by during this adjustment period.
“Another added benefit of visiting regularly is that you can observe how they are settling in and address any concerns they may have.”
Bashar Bitar
Bashar Bitar
Operations Manager at Hope Aged Care Melbourne & Swan Hill
It’s important to create a routine that your loved one can rely on, which helps establish a sense of normalcy.
Aged care in Melbourne

2. Research about us

Knowing more about Hope Aged Care can significantly help your loved one feel more at ease. Familiarise yourself with our services, daily activities, and the staff who will be caring for them. 

“When your loved ones have questions and you can answer them, it really helps reduce their anxiety about the unknown. We see this a lot; when family members can almost act as translators, it helps their loved ones settle in much quicker.” 

Bashar Bitar
Bashar Bitar
Operations Manager at Hope Aged Care Melbourne & Swan Hill

Find out if our facilities can support any special needs, quirks, or requests that may come their way. Organising a family meeting with key staff members before the move can also help address any anxieties and reassure your loved one. 

3. Bring personal items to their room

Help your loved one personalise their space by bringing cherished items from home. Family photos, favourite pieces of furniture, or sentimental knick-knacks can make their room feel more like their own. 

A familiar environment can provide a sense of security and comfort. Items like their favourite chair, a familiar blanket, or even some favourite books can make a significant difference.

Additionally, having personal items around can spark conversations with staff and other residents, fostering connections and easing loneliness.

4. Keep a diary of their activities and share it with us

Recording your loved one’s daily routines and preferences can be incredibly helpful. Share this information with our staff so we can tailor our care to meet their needs. 

“At Hope Aged Care, we provide care that fits around your loved one’s daily routines and preferences, like following their recipe rather than making them follow ours. By knowing your loved one’s hobbies and daily schedule, we can weave these into their new life, providing a comforting sense of continuity and familiarity.”
Bashar Bitar
Bashar Bitar
Operations Manager at Hope Aged Care Melbourne & Swan Hill

This diary can also include any specific medical or dietary needs, ensuring that we are fully aware of how to best support them. 

Aged care in Melbourne

5. Have meals and join in activities

Have a few meals with them; we don’t charge! Spend time, join in activities, and take them out. This reassures them that they aren’t forgotten, that they still have a life outside their new care home, and that they are still important to their families. It shows them they are wanted and included. 

6. Reassure them that their preferences will be met

One of the biggest fears for new residents is losing their independence and having their preferences overlooked. Reassure your loved one that their likes and dislikes will be respected and accommodated. This assurance can help them feel more in control and comfortable in their new home. 

“Let them know that their favourite activities, meals, and routines will be honoured. Discuss their preferences with the care staff to ensure they are integrated into their care plan.”

Bashar Bitar
Bashar Bitar
Operations Manager at Hope Aged Care Melbourne & Swan Hill

This reassurance can significantly reduce anxiety and promote a sense of wellbeing. 

7. Communicate openly and honestly

Transparent communication is key. Discuss the move and the reasons behind it openly with your loved one. Acknowledge their feelings and fears without dismissing them. Honest discussions about what to expect can help reduce anxiety and build trust.
“It’s important to listen to their concerns and provide truthful answers. If they are worried about certain aspects of aged care, address these concerns with empathy and provide practical solutions.”
Bashar Bitar
Bashar Bitar
Operations Manager at Hope Aged Care Melbourne & Swan Hill

Regular family meetings with the care team can also help keep everyone informed and aligned on the care plan. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings, and reassure them that it’s normal to feel anxious about such a significant change. 

8. Get involved in their care

Your involvement doesn’t stop once your loved one has moved in. Stay engaged with their care by maintaining regular communication with the staff. Share any concerns or changes you notice. This ongoing collaboration helps us provide the best possible care and ensures your loved one feels supported and valued. 

“Attend care meetings, participate in decision-making processes, and stay informed about their health and wellbeing. Your active participation not only benefits your loved one but also strengthens the partnership between you and the care team, enhancing the overall care experience.” 

Bashar Bitar
Bashar Bitar
Operations Manager at Hope Aged Care Melbourne & Swan Hill

Residential aged care in Melbourne and Swan Hill

Conclusion

At Hope Aged Care, we believe in person-centred care that respects and upholds the dignity of our residents. By actively participating in your loved one’s transition, you help us create a nurturing and welcoming environment where they can thrive. 

For more information on how we can support you and your loved one, please contact us or visit our location pages on our website.

Brunswick location
Sunshine location
Gladstone Park location
Swan Hill location

Request a tour
Call

Entry into Hope Aged Care Homes

There are two types of fees payable in the aged care

1: Daily Care Fee
2: Accommodation Payment

1: Daily Care fee: The daily fee consists of:

  • Basic Daily Care Fee: Every person in residential aged care is required to pay a Basic Daily Fee, which covers all levels of care and assistance. The basic daily fee is approximately 85% of the single person rate of the basic age pension. The government sets the price on 20 March and 20 September each year, changing in line with increases to the aged pension.

    Prices are published on the Department of Health website.

     

  • Means Tested Care Fee: The government requires those who can afford to contribute more towards their care to do so. As such, the Department of Human Services will determine if a resident is required to pay a Means Tested Care Fee in addition to Basic Daily Fee. This amount is based on an assessment of the new resident’s income and assets. Potential residents will be notified if a Means Tested Care Fee is payable when they receive their Centrelink Assessment letter. There are yearly and lifetime Maximum Means Tested Care Fees. The Maximum Means Tested Care Fee you can be asked to pay is $31,706.83 each year or $76,096.50 in your lifetime. These caps are indexed and change each time there is an increase in the aged pension. We recommend you seek independent financial advice.

2: Accommodation Payment:

The total Accommodation Payment amount will vary depending on the accommodation type chosen by the resident. The payment method is also determined by the resident, who can choose between paying a RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit), a DAP (Daily Accommodation Payment) or a combination of both.

  • Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD): A Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) is a one-off lump sum payment made to the aged care provider. It varies according to the room chosen by the resident. The RAD is fully refundable on departure. Upon payment of the RAD the resident must be left a minimum of $57,000 in cash / assets. If the RAD is paid in full within 7 days of admission no interest will be charged. The deposit is fully refunded when you leave the aged care residence, less any amounts you have agreed to have deducted. Those residents transferring to another aged care residence or returning home will have their RAD refunded within 14 days from discharge. In the case of a deceased resident, the RAD will be refunded within 14 days of receipt of a certified copy of the Grant of Probate.

  • Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) A Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) is a rental-type payment. Instead of paying for your accommodation in full (as a RAD) an ongoing daily payment can be selected. The DAP is calculated by multiplying the agreed RAD amount by the government legislated interest rate (currently 7.9% per annum)

  • COMBINATION PAYMENT (RAD + DAP) You can opt to pay part of the accommodation payment as a lump sum RAD and then the balance via DAP payments. DAP payments will be calculated based on the outstanding RAD amount. If you choose a combination of RAD and DAP and you elect to have the DAP taken from the RAD, your DAP payment will increase over time as the RAD amount is reduced.

There are more payment options like RAC and DAC for partially supported residents.

Please reach out to one of our financial department staff for more clarification on [email protected]