Everything you need to know about aged care centres
At IRT we understand that it’s difficult to know where to start, when trying to understand aged care options for your loved one.
To assist with your aged care journey, we’ve answered some of your most commonly asked questions.
Residential aged care is a service for older people who cannot live independently at home and have been assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team as needing a high level of care.
Residents live in an aged care facility (also known as a nursing home) where they receive specialised care based on their specific needs and individual care plan. This might include assistance with daily activities such as showering or personal hygiene, and they can also receive medical care from registered nurses and allied health professionals. Residents also have the opportunity to participate in lifestyle activities designed to enhance their wellbeing, such as bus outings, pet therapy or arts and crafts.
It’s recommended by your GP or other health care professionals
You’re frequently hospitalised to manage your health
You need more care than your carer can provide you with at home
You’re not happy living at home anymore or it’s not safe for you.
Our friendly customer service team can help you decide if residential aged care is right for you.
What does residential aged care cost?
How much you pay for residential care aged care depends on the type of care you need, the provider you choose, your individual financial circumstances, and the services you receive. The Australian Government helps pay for residential aged care and accommodation for eligible people.
At IRT we make it easy for you to understand your residential aged care costs. We have put together a guide to discuss costs, options available to you and to see if you’re eligible for government support.
What is IRT's Journey of Care?
IRT’s Journey of Care is an innovative approach to residential aged care. It’s a new model of care that personalises the care experience for every resident. We recognise that every care journey is unique and honour the individual diversity of each resident.
Currently available at selected IRT aged care centres, the IRT Journey of Care incorporates two key elements; Neighbourhoods and Specialist Programs.
How do I get government funding support?
Getting assessed for government funding support is easy:
Phone My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and arrange for an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to visit you at home to assess your needs
Talk to our friendly customer service team about costs by calling 134 478. They’ll help you request an Income and Assets Test with My Aged Care, if you need one
Apply for and accept a place at your preferred IRT aged care centre. If you’ve been approved for government funding support, it’s paid to us on your behalf. We’ll send you a monthly statement to help you manage your account.
If I choose IRT, how quickly can I move in?
As a community-owned provider, we put people first. Once you’ve applied for and accepted a place at your preferred IRT aged care centre, we’ll help you move in as soon as possible.
We take the time to get to know you and your care needs before you move in. This means we can help you to settle in quickly and feel at home in your new community.
We help you meet your neighbours and to get to know your care team. In an IRT aged care centre the quality of your life is just as important as the quality of your care.
What aged care services does IRT provide?
As an IRT resident you’ll be cared for 24/7 by highly trained staff, have a personalised care plan and enjoy nutritious meals, recreational activities and modern comfortable surroundings.
We’re the experts in professional personalised aged care. We’ve got almost 50 years’ experience in all types of residential care:
General care
Palliative care
Dementia care
Respite care
What is living in an IRT aged care centre like?
You’ll feel well cared for, valued and respected in an IRT aged care centre. We’ll treat you with kindness and support you to keep connected with your family and friends.
We’ll help you with your personal care in the privacy of your care suite. You’ll also enjoy:
Nutritious meals and refreshments
Entertainment, activities and social outings
Optional extras like online entertainment, fresh flowers and allied health services.
An IRT aged care centre is not a nursing home. It’s an engaging community with personalised professional care 24/7.
What happens when my care needs change?
We’ll regularly review your personalised care plan with you and your family in consultation with your GP and/or allied health professionals.
When your needs change we’ll help you and your family decide what to do. You may choose to move to a new suite that better caters for your needs. You may want additional services or need specialised dementia or palliative care.
We’ll be there to support you during each step of your care journey. Importantly, we’ll make sure you and your family have choice and control over your care services and quality of life.
Can my family and friends visit me and can I bring my pet?
Your family and friends are welcome to visit you and be part of our community. You might also like to go on social outings with them or stay in touch via a private phone and internet connection in your suite.
We work hard to involve your family and friends in our communities with special events and regular communication.
Pets can’t live in our aged care centres, but we love them to visit. If you’re leaving a much-loved pet, ask a family member or friend to take you to visit them or keep you involved with photos and videos.
