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The aged care industry is experiencing enormous changes for retirees. Moving away from the traditional “care” model, retirement now means providing “experiences” through a person-centered approach.
Barossa Village is a community owned not for profit organisation, celebrating over 55 years of providing aged care services to the Barossa. Chief Executive Officer, Simon Newbold, provides an insight into aged care, talking about changes in the industry, and what people should consider as they plan for retirement.
WHAT DOES “PERSON-CENTRED” MEAN?
Consumers have much more say in determining what they need to live a better and more productive life and providers like Barossa Village have to be far more flexible and adaptive to meeting these needs.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
With more choices, people should be proactive in managing their health as they age. The entrenched view that asking for help means losing your independence couldn’t be further from the truth. By being proactive in seeking support when you need it, you’ll have far better outcomes for a happier and healthier life.
WHAT IS THE BEST MODEL OF CARE?
The four main support structures to assist people as they age, are: independent retirement living, home care, supported accommodation and residential care. Where other aged care organisations provide one or two services, Barossa Village has invested heavily in all four areas. This “integrated care approach” or “continuum of care” maintains a consistent approach and minimises risk as you transition through care.
WHY IS INTEGRATED CARE IMPORTANT?
Integrated care means monitoring and implementing changes to support our residents and clients throughout their life. Barossa Village provides services to discuss health needs, explain finances, guidance with My Aged Care and the assessment process, development and implementation of support services, or it may be transitioning into our supported accommodation units or residential care.
WHY IS DOING NOTHING DANGEROUS?
Too often we hear about an elderly person who had a fall at home and because of their injury or lack of support at home, their only option is a residential care facility. This scenario causes stress to the individual and their family, trying to find a local residential care facility with an available bed or the financial implications of selling a home. Often, these issues could have been avoided if help was available at home or the environment was made safer.
In these circumstances, Barossa Village can help develop a short or long term transitional care plan to ease the move back home after hospital.
CAN I AFFORD HELP AT HOME?
Everybody in Australia can access quality affordable age care services. Government funding models are designed to protect consumers, so they won’t be financially disadvantaged or have their savings eroded. Consumer fees are determined by the government, based on assessment of income and assets.
Clients on a Home Care Package at Barossa Village are charged only $5.00 a day for their contribution. We do this to make high quality care accessible throughout our community, regardless of income.
I CAN’T AFFORD TO MOVE INTO AN AGE CARE RESIDENTIAL FACILITY?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the community is thinking that a large bond is needed to move into a residential bed. This might be relevant in some cases if you can afford to pay the bond, which is refunded back to the individual or the estate at the end of the residents stay.
The government protects consumers who cannot afford to pay a bond or lump sum. Nearly half of the residents living in our aged care facility have not paid a bond, and only pay a daily care fee that is 85% of the single pension.
WHY SHOULD I ENGAGE WITH BAROSSA VILLAGE?
Our integrated care philosophy of retirement living, home care, supported accommodation and residential care is unique to the Barossa, providing our clients and residents a seamless transition as they age. The person-centered approach by our qualified staff provides greater choice and control of retirement options to improve daily outcomes. It’s all about living a better life no matter how old you are.
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