FAQs
You may have questions, so we have compiled our most frequently asked questions and their answers.
Where do I start with aged care?
The My Aged Care website is the starting point for everyone who is looking for information on government funded services.
We have an easy step by step guide on our website, or you can call us on 08 7424 0900.
How much does it cost to move into aged care?
The cost of care can vary from person to person, depending on which home you choose and your own personal financial situation.
The Government may contribute toward your care costs, and you may be asked to contribute towards them if you can afford it.
My Aged Care provides an overview of the costs involved on their website, and we also have an overview on our website and publish our fees for our homes on each of our residential aged care home pages.
What happens if I can’t afford to pay?
If paying for your aged care will cause you financial hardship, you can apply for government financial assistance.
Financial hardship assistance can be used to reduce your accommodation costs and cover your basic daily fee and your means-tested care fee. It cannot be used to pay for any extra services.
Depending on your personal financial situation, the Australian Government will pay for some or all of your fees and charges.
More information on financial hardship assistance is available on My Aged Care.
Can I visit the residential aged care home before I put in an application, so I can see what it’s like?
Yes, you are welcome to come in to meet our staff and have a look around any of our homes before you put in an application.
To find out more and arrange a tour, call us on 08 7424 0900.
How do I access respite care and what is the cost?
To be eligible for short-term respite care at one of our homes, you first need to have an Aged Care Assessment and be approved for residential aged care.
If you have not been assessed, you can go here and follow our easy step by step guide.
You can then call your preferred St Basil’s home to check on the availability of respite care. Although we do not have reserved respite beds at any of our homes, if there is suitable availability, we will be happy to discuss your needs and the next steps to apply for a short-term respite placement.
If you are eligible for respite care, you can access up to 63 days of subsidised respite care in a financial year where respite is available. You will only need to pay the Basic Daily Care Fee, which is set at 85% of the single age pension.
My Aged Care provides an overview of the costs involved on their website, or you can chat to us on 08 7424 0900.
How long is the waiting list at St Basil’s?
Waiting times for accommodation at St Basil’s varies from home to home and is dependent on the type of accommodation required and your current care needs.
To find out about availability and wait times at your preferred residential aged care home, call us on 08 7424 0900.
What rights do I have as an aged care resident?
The Aged Care Act has a Statement of Rights. This explains what rights older people have when accessing aged care services funded by the Australian Government.
The Statement of Rights will help make sure you are at the centre of your aged care. It gives you the right to:
• make your own decisions about your own life
• have your decisions not just accepted, but respected
• get information and support to help you make decisions
• communicate your wishes, needs and preferences
• feel safe and respected
• have your culture and identity respected
• stay connected with your community.
In addition, all aged care providers must comply with the Code of Conduct for Aged Care. This describes how providers and the people providing your care must behave and treat you. You can find out more about the Code of Conduct here.
Are all St Basil’s aged care homes accredited?
Our residential aged care homes are fully accredited by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, and everything we do each day contributes to meeting and exceeding these standards.
As a resident, can I go out for visits whenever I want to?
Yes, of course. Living at St Basil’s is like living in your own home. You are welcome to go out for visits with your family and friends. However, for your safety we do need to know when you are leaving and when to expect you back, so we do ask that you or the person that is taking you out always completes a Resident Outing form.
Some of our residents that need extra support may have a ‘restrictive practice environment authorisation’ and care plan in place to keep them safe.
Finding a balance between ensuring the safety of our residents and maintaining their freedom of choice is vitally important for St Basil’s. We will always work with you and your family to minimise any restrictions so you can come and go as you please.
As a resident, can my friends and family visit me at any time?
We encourage your family and friends to visit and after a while we hope they will become part of our family!
We always remain open for visitors. However, sometimes there may be visiting restrictions – for example, if we have a COVID-19 or influenza outbreak, visitors may be restricted to certain areas of our home and be required to wear a facemask.
You may also choose to have a family member or loved one as your St Basil’s ‘partner in care.’ St Basil’s partners in care will be able to take part in ongoing support and education so they can help with your care and support.
What sort of lifestyle activities do you offer?
Our Lifestyle team is always busy creating fun activities and events for our residents to enjoy. Our activity program is driven by our residents, and you will have the opportunity to offer your feedback and ideas to improve our program.
Current activities include – movies, dancing, bingo, cooking, gardening, walking, art classes, pet therapy, happy hour, special events, church services and regular bus trips.
If you come to visit one of our homes, ask to see the monthly activity calendar to see what is on offer.
Do you have rooms suitable for couples?
Some of our homes have rooms suitable for couples. However, availability is limited, so it’s best to chat directly to us about the options available.
Can I bring my personal things and furniture in?
Our rooms are designed to create a homelike feel, however, we do encourage you to make the room your own with personal items. You are also welcome to bring in small pieces of furniture, however, please discuss this in advance with your Living Well House Manager.
Can I bring my pet in with me?
We love animals and know how they are often considered part of the family. We have regular pet therapy and love having friendly pets visit us.
If you have a special pet that you would like to have with you, please chat to our Living Well House Manager so they discuss this with you in detail. We need to consider the safety of our residents and the requirements of the pet you would like to bring in.
We prefer that pets visit rather than live with us, however exceptions can be made under special circumstances.
Will I be able to choose what I want to eat?
Food is important at St Basil’s, with menus changing seasonally and choices available every day.
Our catering teams work closely with residents, families, and dietitians to ensure we provide a wide variety of food that not only tastes good but is suitable for your individual needs.
Your feedback is always welcome, as are any suggestions for your favourite food and beverages. If you have special food that you like, such as a home cooked meal, or even a takeaway treat, you are welcome to have it brought in for you.
If I have a suggestion or good idea to share, who can I talk to?
There are many ways you can provide feedback or suggestions to us. Options include; via face-to-face meetings such as ‘Let’s Talk’ resident meetings, ‘Meet and Greet’ family meetings, online surveys and of course by our ‘Tell us more’ forms – or if you prefer by chatting to a staff member.
If I am not happy with the care or services at St Basil’s, who can I talk to?
In the first instance we encourage you talk to our Living Well House Manager or General Manager, who will respond to your complaint promptly.
If you feel that your complaint requires more attention after speaking with staff, you are welcome to contact the St Basil’s Care and Quality Advocate. To escalate your concern further, you may contact our Chief Executive, Michelle Church or our Board Chair, Harry Patsouris.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you may consider contacting external sources such as the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission.
We are committed to working together to ensure that you are happy with the care and support throughout your journey at St Basil’s.