Application and Admission
Streamlining the Application Forms and Admission Day
The Day of Admission
On the day of admission a clinical staff member will gather information including medical conditions, family history, food preferences, social and recreational likes and dislikes, and interests.
This information will be used to create a care plan. The care plan is updated regularly and you can request to see a copy at any time.
Like to Know More?What can you bring with you?
Your aged care home will already have most of the furniture and furnishings, such as beds, chairs, wardrobe, curtains and carpets, so it may be helpful to directly ask the home what you can bring with you.
Personal items
Having personal belongings around you may help you to feel at home in your new environment.
Some people may like to bring family photographs, their favourite films, books, music or other treasured items.
Clothing
It is important to ensure that personal clothing is properly labelled.
Most nursing homes will launder your clothing either on site or through a laundry service. Bring enough clothing to allow for items being washed as it might take a couple of days before clean laundry is returned to you.
Because of the large volume of washing nursing home laundries often use commercial washing and drying machines so make sure your clothes are machine washable.
Continence aids
Residents with higher level care needs, who require products for the management of incontinence, will have these provided by the aged care home. Other residents may be required to purchase these items.
Radios, TVs, computers, digital clocks
Residents can bring with them their preferred electrical and electronic items. Each item will be checked, tested and tagged for use.
Furniture
It is most common to have space available for some items like a favourite chair, small table, dresser and bedside light.
Medication
It is important that you bring all prescription medication with you on admission,
Care staff will manage and administer the medication to ensure safe and quality use of your medicines.
Non-prescription medication
Topical creams, herbal remedies, vitamins and elixirs, which are non-prescription items, should be declared to the staff.
Toiletries
The aged care home supplies the basic necessities such as toothpaste, soap, toilet tissue.
Specific items or particular brands need to be purchased at the resident’s expense.
Mobility and wheelchairs
Residents who have wheelchairs, scooters, walking frames, and other mobility aids will be assessed to ensure that these are appropriate to their current situation.
The maintenance and upkeep of scooters and wheelchairs is the responsibility of the resident.
Making the transition
Once you have been offered a place in an aged care home, it is also important to organise your medical and financial matters, and who you will need to tell about your move.
Who should you tell about your move?
It is recommended that you tell your family, carer, friends, neighbours, and any health professionals, such as your doctor or pharmacist, that you’re leaving your home to enter a residential aged care facility.
If you need to change doctors, you can ask to have your medical history sent to your new doctor.
It is also a good idea to keep track of this and make a note of your current medical treatments and medication so you can discuss this with your new aged care home as part of your care plan.
Key Points to Consider
- Your new aged care home should undertake a care plan to understand your preferences and who you are as a person
- Check with your facility about bringing in personal items into your new room
- The transition into an aged care homecan be quick and can take some time to get accustomed too
- Once receiving a aged care home place, you should organise your medical and financial matters and notify family about the move
- You will be heavily involved in the introduction, orientation and assessment process when moving into an aged care home
- Family members and carers are welcome to help in identifying social and care needs
