Choosing an Aged Care Centre

Making the decision to move to an aged care home is often difficult and there are many questions about the various accommodation options. If it is the first time in an aged care facility it can be a difficult adjustment for residents and their families.

At Columbia Aged Care we try to make this transition as easy as possible by providing comprehensive information packages, including a Resident Handbook, that are designed to give you as much detail as possible regarding your new home.

When choosing an aged care centre, the following list should offer some peace of mind when making that all-important decision. Ultimately you have to choose a home that will offer you the quality of life you deserve, while providing you with the level of care you need.

Location – Choose a home located in an area you enjoy, with all the services you need, such as public transport, easily accessible shopping and churches or community centres. Also consider the home’s location relative to your friends and family, so they don’t have to make a long trip to visit you, and its proximity to your doctor.

Facilities – Look at the home’s facilities when you visit so you can see the common areas such as verandas and dining rooms, outdoor areas, fitness services, bathroom facilities for the rooms, library, phone, TV and Internet access. At Columbia we also offer other services such as hairdressing and newspapers.

Activities – At each of the Columbia Centres we have a wide range of activities available for residents, from in-house individual activities and events, through to taking residents out to community events and activities. Try to visit the home when an activity is in session so you can see what is available and how many residents are involved. Ask about outings to events and attractions and in-house activities, such as craft, music or dancing.

Food – Visit during a meal so you can see what types of food are served, whether there is enough to go around, if it has been prepared fresh and if it is appetising. Ask about snacks and fresh fruit, provision of fresh water, special dietary needs and if your cultural dishes are prepared. At Columbia we offer special menus for our Chinese and Portuguese residents.

The home – As your health care needs increase, can you stay in the same home? Ask if the home has low and high care options and if it provides palliative care. If you are moving to the home with your spouse you will need to ask if there are double, as well as single rooms. Assess whether the home will allow you the freedom you need, while providing the care you need and if you will feel ‘at home’ there.

Respite Care – Often a respite stay is all you need. Short-term respite care is available at Columbia Aged Care Services residential homes on a planned or emergency basis. Respite care assists carers, as well as frail older people and others with care needs to continue living at home. It provides care for events such as recovery from an operation or a regular carer not being available due to holidays or needing a break from their usual care arrangements.

For more information

Columbia Aged Care Services is a private health care group offering residential aged care centres in Marrickville, Strathfield and Chatswood. We have been focussed on the care, comfort and consideration of our residents for over 40 years. For more information, please contact our Relationship Manager on (02) 9089 8089 or email relationship.manager@cnh.com.au. www.ColumbiaAgedCare.com.au or our blog