Nursing jobs Melbourne

The reality of aged care nursing: The joys and challenges

Working in aged care nursing is more than just a job; it’s a calling that touches the hearts and lives of many. At Hope Aged Care, our dedicated team of nurses and care coordinators share their experiences, challenges, and rewards, giving us a glimpse into what it really means to care for the elderly. Here are their stories and insights.

Aged care nurses about making a difference

Memorable moments in aged care

In life, it’s the special moments and feelings that truly matter, not material things. When people reflect on their lives, they often cherish these memories the most. As aged care nurses, we are in a unique position to create and share these moments with our residents. 

This role is not only rewarding for them but also deeply fulfilling for us as nurses and staff. We have the privilege of being at the heart of their daily lives, making a significant difference every day.

Here’s what Anita, Rabina, and Mamita have to say about their memorable moments.

“Every day is memorable for me. It could be minor or major, but without fail, something happens every day that stays with me. It could be an encouraging word from a colleague or knowing I made a resident’s day by making an extra effort to help them feel appreciated.”
Anita Gurung
Anita Gurung
Clinical Care Coordinator at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne
“If you sit with residents, they appreciate your time so much. They will share their life’s journey with you; this is so priceless to me.”
Rabina Gurung
Registered Nurse at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne
“I would say making new friends, young and old. We are part of the details of life – eating, sleeping, the small things – so, we become so close it’s like family.”
Mamita Paudel
Registered Nurse at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

Aged care careers Melbourne

Why they chose aged care nursing

Choosing a career in aged care nursing is about embracing a role filled with compassion and purpose. Our nurses Anita, Rabina and Mamita share why they decided to take this journey, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the elderly. 

“I come from a family of nurses! Seeing how rewarding their work has been has inspired me to follow the same path. Aged care is where I feel, as a nurse, I can be the most useful. To be part of a person’s life at this stage is a privilege and really humbles a profession like mine.”

Anita Gurung
Anita Gurung
Clinical Care Coordinator at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine. I feel such reward by helping people.” 

Mamita Paudel
Registered Nurse at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

“I started as a PCA in 2018 and wanted to do something more for the ageing. I wanted to make more of a difference in their lives and honestly, in my own.”

Rabina Gurung
Registered Nurse at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne
Nursing jobs Melbourne

Aged care support

Support and growth at Hope Aged Care

Just like a plant needs the right environment to grow, our nurses need support and opportunities to thrive. At Hope Aged Care, we believe in nurturing our team’s professional growth. Here’s how we do it. 

“They look closely at my work and offer me new opportunities to step up. If I think I’m not ready, they respect this but also ask what they can do to help get me ready. This tells me that they have more than their own interests at heart.”
Rabina Gurung
Registered Nurse at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

“Hope Aged Care gives me every opportunity to further my career. I can always approach management to grow my career. They’ve always nurtured growth, which feels incredibly supportive.”

Anita Gurung
Anita Gurung
Clinical Care Coordinator at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

Challenges in aged care

Daily challenges as an aged care nurse

Caring for the elderly is like being a firefighter, always ready to handle any situation that arises. Our nurses share the daily challenges they face and how they overcome them to provide the best care for our residents. 

“My daily challenge? Unfortunately, administration. It’s a necessary evil, but we manage to get through it for the sake of our residents.”
Mamita Paudel
Registered Nurse at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

“Managing staff and family relationships can be challenging. But taking things one step, one problem at a time, breathing through the issue and having gentle open communication helps quite a lot.” 

Anita Gurung
Anita Gurung
Clinical Care Coordinator at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

“Team management can be challenging because you want to focus on helping residents. However, making sure the team works well together is essential for providing the best care.” 

Rabina Gurung
Registered Nurse at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne
Nursing jobs Melbourne

Is aged care rewarding?

The rewards of aged care nursing

The rewards of aged care nursing are like the satisfaction of seeing a well-played game after a hard practice. Here’s what Anita, Rabina, and Mamita have to say about the rewards of their work.

“Solving our residents’ issues may be small to me, but it can be everything to them. And doing this in a way that doesn’t make them feel patronised is key. This is how I can be sure that I’ve left ego at the door and then work becomes truly rewarding.”
Anita Gurung
Anita Gurung
Clinical Care Coordinator at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

“Knowing I’ve made a difference.” 

Rabina Gurung
Registered Nurse at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

Looking for testimonials from our Melbourne aged care residents? In this article, four of our Brunswick residents share their stories and experiences at our largest aged care home in Melbourne.

This article includes testimonials from our Swan Hill facility too. Read their “Personal stories” here.

Aged care jobs Melbourne & Victoria

Advice for future aged care nurses

Thinking about a career in aged care nursing? Anita, Rabina and Mamita share their insights to help you understand what makes this career so fulfilling. 

“Do it! I encourage anyone who is interested as it’s so rewarding not only in career but especially personally. You learn to be more thoughtful and attentive, observant, and humble.” 

Anita Gurung
Anita Gurung
Clinical Care Coordinator at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne
“Think long and hard.”
Rabina Gurung
Registered Nurse at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

“It’s hard, I’m not going to lie. But it’s so worth it.”

Mamita Paudel
Registered Nurse at Hope Aged Care in Melbourne

Aged care nursing jobs Melbourne & Victoria

Conclusion

Thinking about stepping into aged care nursing? It’s not always easy, and it’s definitely not all roses and sunshine. But if you’re looking for a career filled with meaningful moments, personal growth, and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, this might just be the path for you. Our dedicated team at Hope Aged Care believes in the profound impact of their work and welcomes those ready to join this rewarding journey. 

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]