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. Staff are available for assistance at all times and provide personal care (such as showering, dressing and feeding), nursing care and a range of activities. Care is provided to each individual resident depending 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?

The five steps required for entry into Residential Care are:

1. Arrange an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment. It will determine if you are eligible for Residential Care (for both permanent and respite care) and is valid for 12 months.
2. Select an Aged Care home. Consider the 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.
3. 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. 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.
4. Completing and submitting an application form. Once forms are completed and submitted, the residential facility will contact you if a place becomes available.
5. 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 recommended to obtain 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 telephoning the Eyre Peninsula Old Folks Home on (08) 8682 1868. Centrelink also provide a free financial information service which may be helpful to you.

Also see  Helpful Links and Phone Numbers or you can login into the My Aged Care site which details the various fees and charges which may apply. 

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 where 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.

Also see Helpful Links and Phone Numbers.

What level of care is provided by the Eyre Peninsula Old Folks Home?

The Eyre Peninsula Old Folks Home is a low care facility of 74 beds. This means that people who have received an ACAT low care assessment are eligible for placement. However, our facility also allows for “ageing in place” which means that a majority of residents are able to remain with us as their needs increase (become high care) rather than having to transfer elsewhere. It is usual for us to have between 35% and 50% of our residents with high care classification at any one time. Our facility also incorporates Bishop Lodge, a 23 bed unit catering specifically to the needs of cognitively challenged residents most of whom require a high level of nursing care.

Do you provide respite care and how do I access it?

Yes. We run 3 rooms to accommodate people requiring respite. The length of stay varies from 1 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 to 4 to 6 months in advance so it is a good idea to plan ahead where possible. Respite enquiries and bookings can be made by phoning Pioneer Village on (08) 8682 1868 during office hours between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday. 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.

Are rooms single / share / with ensuite?

All of our rooms are single with ensuites. We also have limited twin share accommodation for couples. Most rooms are also fitted with reverse cycle air conditioners for residents’ comfort.

What care and services are provided by the Eyre Peninsula Old Folks Home?

A list of in-house services can be found at the In-House Services page of this website. Nursing services provided at Pioneer Village are listed on the Pioneer Village page and Bishop Lodge services are listed on the Bishop Lodge page. A list of general activities offered to residents is also listed under the Services menu on the Activities page.

Are staff on duty 24 hours per day?

Yes. Care is provided to all residents 24 hours a day. Residents in Pioneer Village are given a call bell (beeper) which they can wear around their neck. This is used to summon staff when necessary and particularly in an emergency such as a fall.
Bishop Lodge (especially designed to fit the needs of residents with dementia) incorporates closed circuit TV monitoring in communal areas and movement sensors in all rooms for added safety.

Can I view the facility before I make a decision?

Definitely. Please phone Pioneer Village on (08) 8682 1868 during office hours Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm to arrange a suitable time.

Does the Eyre Peninsula Old Folks Home provide services or accommodation other than Residential Care?

Yes. We have 37 independent living units. These are situated at both Pioneer Village (9 units) and also at Brougham Village  (28 units) on the corner of Oxford Terrace and Hermitage Crescent. For further information see Brougham Village under the Accommodation menu.

The Eyre Peninsula Old Folks Home does not provide Community Care Packages, however these can be accessed locally through other care providers.