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Frequently Asked Questions

We answer some of the most commonly asked questions about residential aged care in Australia and at WMQ. From general information about living in an aged care community and the costs associated with it, you'll find everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your future.

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Understanding Residential Aged Care

Residential aged care refers to purpose-built housing and care services available for older people who can no longer live at home due to their increasing need for help with everyday tasks and/or health care changes. Residential aged care is typically provided in a dedicated aged care community, also known as a nursing home or aged care home.

At Wesley Mission Queensland, you’ll find a new way of thinking about Residential Aged Care. Living life your way, having fun, celebrating life, spending time with pets, and enjoying nature and your hobbies – all while receiving the care you need.

Residential Aged Care provides a range of services to residents, as required by your health needs. These may include assistance with daily activities such as showering, dressing, and meal preparation.

Residential Aged Care at Wesley Mission Queensland offers safe, homely accommodation, social support, nursing care, access to medical treatment, allied health, and other specialised services such as dental. Residential aged care is designed to support your health, wellbeing, social life, and safety, all whilst assisting you with everyday tasks.

Learn more about our residential aged care services.

Residential Aged Care at Wesley Mission Queensland offers accommodation that is tailored to suit you, with facilities and staff who provide all the care and services required to meet your needs. Residential aged care is designed to support your health, wellbeing, social life, and safety, all whilst assisting you with everyday tasks.

The advantage of residential aged care includes:

  • 24/7 registered nurse support
  • Allied health care
  • Individual care needs support 
  • Companionship and community
  • Safety and peace of mind
  • Access to services, amenities, and lifestyle facilities
  • Comfortable accommodation
  • At WMQ, The Eden Alternative™ philosophy of care. Wesley Mission Queensland is the only aged care provider in Queensland with Eden fully registered aged care homes or working towards becoming fully accredited.

 Learn more about our residential aged care services.

In Australia, residential aged care (RAC) is available for seniors aged over 65 or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50, with an aged care assessment (ACAT) who require additional assistance with day-to-day life.

Residential aged care fees are regulated by the Australian Government and are means-tested. Based on the individual’s income and assets, the Australian Government will determine the fees payable for entry to care. Residential Aged Care providers may have additional service fees, please contact the team to discuss further. 

Both nursing homes and residential aged care homes refer to the same services and facilities and can be used interchangeably. They provide care and accommodation for seniors aged over 65 or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50 who are no longer able to live independently. 

Retirement living is accommodation within an over 65yrs community or similar. This style of living is more for those who are primarily independent or with low support needs, who are seeking an active and social lifestyle with access to services and amenities that cater to this. Personal care is not provided, with persons accessing help at home through their home care provider.

Residential aged care may be required when the person's needs can no longer be met by themselves, family support or their home care provider. The aged care home can provide a high level of care as required.

The decision to move into residential aged care is a very personal one. Some signs that a move may be beneficial are if you are struggling to complete everyday tasks, have a complex medical condition, are at risk of falling, are experiencing memory loss or confusion or have difficulty managing your medication. If your family or caregivers are struggling to provide you with the level of care and support, you require contacting our team of professionals to find out whether residential aged care is right for you.

Deciding to move into residential aged care is a very personal decision. When your care needs are no longer a viable option, you may wish to consider a residential care home. Here are some examples of when residential aged care may be more appropriate:

  • When your care needs begin to outweigh the services offered by your in-home carer
  • If you, your family or caregivers are struggling to provide you with the level of care and support you require
  • You require around-the-clock care and supervision
  • In-home safety concerns, such as an inadequate bathroom, struggling to navigate steps
  • Social isolation and loneliness

As the cost of residential aged care is means-tested, it ensures the cost of care is affordable for all. You may wish to discuss your personal financial situation with a financial aged care specialist. Alternatively, Services Australia provides a Financial Information Service, you can contact a Financial Information Service Officer on 132 300 and request Financial Information Service.

An ACAT assessment is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a team of healthcare professionals to determine the eligibility of seniors aged over 65 or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50 for government-subsidised aged care services in Australia. The assessment covers a wide range of areas, including the person's health status, medication management, ability to perform daily tasks, cognitive function, social support, and living environment.

The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will provide a detailed report, called a Support Plan, outlining the person's care needs and recommendations for the most appropriate aged care services. With your Support Plan, you can speak with you preferred service provider to discuss residential care. Each service provider will review an application to ensure the home is appropriate for your individual care needs.

Residential Aged Care at WMQ

Residential Aged Care Contact us

At Wesley Mission Queensland we provide residential aged care services to Australians over the age of 65 or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50. If you or a loved one feels that the care provided at home is no longer enough to suit your needs please contact our friendly admissions team and we can help you understand the process for you to make the decision that is right for you.

Wesley Mission Queensland has 13 residential aged care facilities across Brisbane. Our admissions team are here to guide you and your family with the information you need to choose the right residential aged care home for you.

Under the umbrella of The Eden Alternative™ philosophy of care, Wesley Mission Queensland provides a range of aged care services, from 24/7 nursing care to allied health services, dementia care, palliative care and spiritual care and support, our approach to care is personalised and unparalleled.

All our aged care homes across Brisbane have access to:

  • Care staff, including Registered Nurses available 24 hours a day
  • Visiting GPs
  • Physiotherapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Speech therapists
  • Chaplaincy services
  • Volunteers.

Discover our full range of residential aged care services

Wesley Mission Queensland’s 13 aged care homes are also the only ones in Queensland fully registered with The Eden Alternative™ philosophy of care, or working towards becoming fully accredited.

Our nursing care and allied health team are part of Wesley Mission Queensland, as opposed to external contractors, so we can ensure high quality of care. We also offer personalised services and a focus on community engagement, with initiatives to involve residents in social and recreational activities to make your stay with us as homely as possible.

We provide dementia and palliative care support across all our residential aged care homes. We work closely with residents living with dementia and their families to establish a relationship-centred care environment. We recognise dying as a part of life and focus on making you as comfortable as possible as part our community.

All our residential aged care communities offer 'Additional Services', which are designed to meet the desires of all residents regardless of mobility and to add vigour and enjoyment throughout your stay. 'Additional Services' can include:

  • Extensive lifestyle activities such as bus tours, concerts and weekly drinks and nibbles
  • All day dining
  • Coffee club and snack trolly
  • Flatscreen TV
  • iPads for Facetime and Skype calls with family

The cost of residential aged care in Australia is regulated by the Australian government via Services Australia, and it is based on an individual's income and assets. Services Australia may subsidise a portion of the cost, and the resident or their family is required to contribute the remainder. The amount of the resident's contribution is determined by an assessment of their financial situation, including their income and assets.

Should you wish to access residential aged care services, you'll need to register with My Aged Care. You can apply for a free Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment. You may benefit from speaking with an Aged Care specific financial advisor. Alternatively, Services Australia provides a Financial Information Service. You can contact their Financial Information Service Officers on 132 300 and request Financial Information Service.

The Government’s My Aged Care website offers a fee estimator for Home Care Packages and a place in an aged care home.

Wesley Mission Queensland offers government-subsidised residential aged care placements in all our aged care communities located across Brisbane. The cost is regulated by the Australian government, and it is based on an individual's income and assets, so it varies from person to person. If you have no assets and are receiving a full pension, you could be eligible for government-funded residential aged care. Care with Wesley Mission Queensland also includes 'Additional Services' programme at a small additional daily fee.

Availability at Wesley Mission Queensland varies so it’s best to talk to us about your needs. Contact our Residential Admissions team today to find out whether a fully supported aged care vacancy at Wesley Mission Queensland may be right for you.

Cost is regulated by the Australian government, and it is based on an individual's income and assets, so it varies from person to person. What you pay depends on your personal financial position and the aged care provider you choose. Depending on the outcome of your means-test assessment, the Australian government may contribute towards some or all of your fees and accommodation costs. Your fees and charges may include:

  1. Fully supported outcome:
    a basic daily fee: an amount that everyone pays for the day-to-day services they receive at the aged care home.
  2. Partially supported:
    a basic daily fee + Residential Accommodation Contribution (RAC): an amount, determined by Services Australia, payable to contribute towards their room, depending on their means assessment.
  3. Full fees payable
    a basic daily fee + Residential Accommodation Deposit (DAP) + (if applicable) a means-tested care fee: a contribution that some people pay toward the cost of their care, determined by a means assessment.

All our residential aged care communities offer 'Additional Services', which are designed to meet the desires of all residents regardless of mobility and to add vigour and enjoyment throughout your stay. 'Additional Services' are not set by the government, please contact the admissions team to discuss further

Wesley Mission Queensland offers 'Additional Services' that go beyond the minimum care and service requirements. These costs can vary depending on your community. Contact us today to find out more about our Additional Service programme. 

Wesley Mission Queensland offers government-subsidised residential aged care placements in our 13 residential aged care communities located across Brisbane. Availability varies so it’s best to talk to us about your needs. Contact us today to find out whether a residential aged care vacancy at Wesley Mission Queensland may be right for you.

Our residential aged care communities

Discover the perfect fit among our 13 aged care communities in Brisbane, each with their own distinct personality and surroundings. The only ones in QLD fully registered, or in the process of, with The Eden Alternative™ philosophy of care, focused on eliminating loneliness and promoting meaningful relationships.

Residential Aged Care that works for you

We know the path into residential aged care can be emotional and confusing, and our team is here to support you. Please call us on 1800 448 448 or complete this form.
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Retiree reading in one of our residential aged care communities in Brisbane