All Terms & Definitions

24 / 7 emergency call system

Facilities or retirement villages that offer an emergency call system 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, for the safety of residents.

24 / 7 monitored supervision

Electronic call bell or intercom system which enables a resident to request assistance from a staff member.

24 / 7 personal care and support

Personal care and support including assistance with personal hygiene, washing, showering, bathing, and dressing offered 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

24 / 7 registered nursing

A qualified, professional registered nurse is available to ensure residents’ comfort, health and safety is looked after – day and night.

24 / 7 supervisor(s)

Qualified personal care staff or registered nurse on duty throughout a 24-hour period, actively supervising residents' needs.

ACAT/ACAS assessment

The ACAT (in Victoria - ACAS) carries out an assessment of an older person's care needs (usually in the person's home or in hospital) and to discuss what support services are needed and available in the person's area.

Accommodation payment

An amount payable on entry to an aged care home or extra service place. Payment amounts can vary from care home to care home and from room to room and are set depending on the accommodation type and features of the home.

Accreditation

Residential aged care services must be accredited by the independent Australian Aged Care Quality Agency to receive Government funding. Accreditation is granted to residential aged care homes that comply with legislated Accreditation Standards. They are required to meet all standards and outcomes for quality of care and quality of life in their provision of residential care.

Aged care assessment service (ACAS)

For Victoria only, all other states - please see ACAT. The Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) helps the elderly and their carers determine what kind of support will best meet their needs when they are struggling in their current living situation. The team, often comprising a doctor, nurse, social worker and occupational therapist, will ask the client a series of questions to determine the best care options available, either at home or in a residential aged care home.

Aged care assessment team (ACAT)

The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) helps the elderly and their carers determine what kind of support will best meet their needs when they are struggling in their current living situation. The team, often comprising a doctor, nurse, social worker and occupational therapist, will ask the client a series of questions to determine the best care options available, either at home or in a residential aged care home.

Aged care funding instrument (ACFI)

The Aged care funding instrument (ACFI) is used to measure the level of care each resident needs, based on activities of daily living, residents behaviour and complex health care. Outcomes are then used to allocate Australian Government subsidy to residential aged care providers to care for the residents.

Aged care homes

When a person is no longer able to live independently at home they may live in an aged care home which is approved by the Australian Government. This type of accommodation may also be referred to as nursing home, aged care facility or residential aged care.

Aged care on-site

The retirement village has a residential aged care facility at the same location.

Ageing in place

When living in an aged care home, care needs may increase over time. Ageing in place means a resident is not required to move to another facility when their care needs become higher.

Assisted & supported living

May offer a similar service to that of a Government funded residential aged care facility but are privately funded. Assisted & Supported Living sites are state registered service providers. An ACAT/ACAS assessment is not required.

Australian Aged Care Quality Agency

Independent agency responsible for assessing and accrediting aged care homes before they can access Government funding.

Booked respite program

These facilities have at least one specific bed allocated to respite and eligible people can contact the facility to book respite in that bed in advance. A booking diary operates.

Broker

A Broker is a consultant who assists people understand aged care and helps them find the right service to fit their needs. Brokers may also be Case Managers or Placement Consultants.

Care plan

A care plan outlines your care needs, the types of services you will receive to meet those needs, who will provide the services and when. It will be developed by your service provider in consultation with you.

Centre based care

Centre based care offers group activities, excursions and social support in a centre setting for older people who require low to medium living support.

Coded keypad entry / exit

May exist on a secure dementia wing or facility to ensure only those who know a code can enter or exit a facility, ensuring the safety of residents.

Combined RAD/DAP

Part of the accommodation will be payed as a lump sum (RAD) and the remaining part is payed periodically as daily payments (DAP).

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is a Government initiative subsidising in home or centre based care services to seniors needing low level assistance to remain living independently in their own home. CHSP is active in all states except Western Australia which use 'HACC funded services'.

Communal facilities

A range of amenities and services for residents, which may include such things as a community hall, bowling green, swimming pool, barbecue area or recreation centre.

Community care packages

Community care packages are collections of essential items and resources provided to individuals or groups within a community to promote wellness, health, and happiness. These packages may include food items, toiletries, clothing, hygiene products, books, games, and other items that can help meet the basic needs of people in the community.

Complementary therapists

Therapies treating the whole person, not just a disease or symptoms. Can include masseuses/masseurs, aromatherapists, acupuncture, naturopathy.

Consider partner without ACAT

These Residential Facilities allow the partner of a resident to live with them in the facility. This is usually in an unfunded bed and the partner will need to enter into a private payment arrangement with the facility.

Consumer Directed Care (CDC)

Consumer Directed Care (CDC) gives people control when making choices about the types of care and services they wish to receive at home. All Home Care Packages (HCP) are offered on a CDC basis.

Couples accommodation

Some aged care facilities have accommodation for couples who wish to remain living together, meaning they won’t need to be separated in different facilities or rooms. The facility may have double or interconnected rooms, specifically designed or able to be converted for use by couples requiring residential care.

Cultural environment

This indicates that the majority of the facility's residents are from one or more ethnic groups or the facility caters specifically for people who are from one or more ethnic groups. Particular dietary requirements may be met, and ethnic traditions observed. The cultural environment does not imply exclusivity and facilities or services should cater for all people regardless of their background.

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)

CALD is the acronym for 'culturally and linguistically diverse'. There are some aged care facilities which offer CALD specific services. They may have staff that speak a foreign language, organise specific cultural activities or meet spiritual needs.

Daily accommodation payment (DAP)

This is a daily payment contributing to the cost of your accommodation and is paid periodically ie fortnightly or monthly. This is not a refundable payment. The DAP is calculated based on the refundable deposit multiplied by the maximum permissible interest rate and divided by 365 days. Also see RAD and Combined RAD/DAP

Daily fee

A daily charge, in addition to the accommodation payment, payable by all residents. It is a contribution toward daily living expenses such as meals, cleaning, laundry, assistance with daily living.

Day therapy centres

Offer a range of therapy services for older people living independently in the community or in aged care homes. Services may include physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy or podiatry.

Dementia supplement

Home Care Packages classified as being specifically for clients with dementia. Available over all 4 levels of Home Care Packages.

Dietitians & nutritionists

Specialists who assess an individual's needs for healthy eating and nutrition.

Diversional therapists

Individuals who provide alternative focus to residents, usually in a group setting, including theme days (eg celebration of Christmas), music hours, card games.

Diversional therapy program

These facilities provide and organise chosen leisure and recreational activities as a form of therapy, which are designed to support and enhance the life of the residents, maximising their independence.

Domestic assistance

Assistance with everyday household tasks such as dishwashing, house cleaning, clothes washing, shopping and paying bills.

Donor funded

Villages generally owned by not-for-profit organisations or church groups. These villages include an element of charitable subsidy and entry is generally restricted to the needy..

Double rooms

Form of aged care accommodation where a room is shared by two residents.

DPS

DPS Publishing is the registered name of the company producing the Aged Care Guide, Disability Support Guide and Your Retirement Living printed publications, and Aged Care Guide and Talking Aged Care websites. Most commonly referred to as just DPS

Ethnicity specific

This indicates that the majority of the facility's residents are from one or more ethnic groups or the facility caters specifically for people who are from one or more ethnic groups. Particular dietary requirements may be met, and ethnic traditions observed. The ethnicity does not imply exclusivity and the facility or service should cater for all people regardless of their background.

Exercise therapists

Trained in the principles of rehabilitation, how pain works and the role of exercise in body repair. Therapists tailor a program for specific needs.

Extra service beds

Extra service aged care homes receive approval from the Government to offer a higher standard of accommodation, food and services for an additional charge ("hotel-type services"). The term 'Extra Service' only refers to the standard of accommodation, meals, food and entertainment and not to the level of care. It may be provided throughout the home or or for a selection of beds within a specific wing or section of the home. An extra service fee applies for care at Extra Services homes.

Facility pets

The facility has its own dog, cat, birds or other pets on site for the benefit of residents.

Facility transport

The facility has its own transport such as a bus and driver for the use and benefit of residents.

Financially disadvantaged

Home Care Packages classified as being for clients who are assessed as being financially disadvantaged.

Full domestic service

Can include cooking, cleaning, laundering clothing and linen, shopping, paying bills.

Funded aged care facilities

Aged care homes are regulated and partly funded by the Australian Government. They provide aged care for frail older people who are unable to continue living independently at home.

Gardening & maintenance

Assistance with minor works in clients' homes and gardens.

General dementia beds

These facilities have residential care areas that cater for residents with dementia or similar behavioural related conditions in an environment that is not a secure dementia specific unit or wing.

General packages

Non-specific classification for Home Care Packages.

Government subsidised aged care

The Australian Government partly funds some aged care services and programs for frail older people who are unable to continue living independently at home. While the Australian Government pays for the bulk of aged care in Australia, as with most aged care services, you may be asked by your service provider to contribute to the cost of your care.

Health professionals

Can include dentists, dietitians, exercise therapists, medical practitioners, nutritionists, occupational therapists, opticians, podiatrists, physiotherapists and speech therapists.

High care nursing homes

A nursing home is a residential aged care facility offering high level care for people who require a lot of assistance with activities of daily living such as feeding, dressing, cleaning and mobility. Previously known as 'nursing home care', High care is provided for ACAT assessed people who require almost complete assistance with most daily living activities. It includes accommodation, meals, laundry, room cleaning and personal care. Nursing staff at the aged care home manage the medical needs.

Home and Community Care (HACC) funded service

The Home and Community Care (HACC) program provides home care services to residents living in Western Australia only. All other states have transitioned to CHSP.

Home care packages (HCP) level 1

Funded by the Australian Government, Home Care Packages Level 1 support people with basic care needs. They are individually planned and coordinated to help older people to remain living in their own homes. Included is the Dementia Supplement for people with dementia and the Veterans’ Supplement for veterans with an accepted mental health condition.

Home care packages (HCP) level 2

Funded by the Australian Government, Home Care Packages Level 2 support people with low care needs. They are individually planned and coordinated to help older people to remain living in their own homes. Included is the Dementia Supplement for people with dementia and the Veterans’ Supplement for veterans with an accepted mental health condition.

Home care packages (HCP) level 3

Funded by the Australian Government, Home Care Packages Level 3 support people with intermediate care needs. They are individually planned and coordinated to help older people to remain living in their own homes. Included is the Dementia Supplement for people with dementia and the Veterans’ Supplement for veterans with an accepted mental health condition.

Home care packages (HCP) level 4

Funded by the Australian Government, Home Care Packages Level 4 support people with high care needs. They are individually planned and coordinated to help older people to remain living in their own homes. Included is the Dementia Supplement for people with dementia and the Veterans’ Supplement for veterans with an accepted mental health condition.

Home Care Packages (HCP) levels 1 - 4

The Australian Government funds four levels of Home Care Packages. All care packages are individually planned and coordinated to help older people remain in their own homes. Each level includes the dementia and cognition supplement for people with dementia and the Veterans’ Supplement for veterans with an accepted mental health condition. The Home Care Packages are divided into multiple levels: Level 1 supports people with basic care needs, Level 2 supports people with low care needs, Level 3 supports people with intermediate care needs, and Level 4 supports people with high-care needs. Services can include assistance with daily personal care, nursing, food preparation, cleaning, garden maintenance and transport. Eligible Australians who receive approval for Home Care Packages may be asked to contribute, depending on their financial situation. This includes a basic daily fee, an income-tested fee and an extra fee for services that are not included.

Housing linked

Specifically for clients classified as homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.

In-home care services

Health care or supportive care provided in the patient's home by healthcare professionals (often referred to as home health care or formal care). Often, the term home care is used to distinguish non-medical care or custodial care, which is care that is provided by persons who are not nurses, doctors, or other licensed medical personnel, as opposed to home health care that is provided by licensed personnel.

Independent living units (ILU's)

Independent living units, also sometimes referred to as villas, offer one, two or three bedroom accommodation, in a village environment, for older people who are actively independent and able to care for themselves.

Inspect on request

The facility is able to allow potential residents and their families to inspect the site and rooms when they make a formal request or appointment.

LGBTI

This is the acronym for 'lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex' people. Aged care providers are increasingly providing culturally appropriate care for LGBTI people.

License to occupy

A form of retirement living tenure that gives residents the right to occupy a residence without having ownership of it.

Low care admissions

Residents who are assessed as requiring low care are accepted for admission in some facilities

Low care nursing homes

Previously known as 'hostel care', this is provided for ACAT (or ACAS for Vic only) assessed people who require accommodation, meals, laundry, room cleaning as well as help with personal care and possibly nursing care.

Meals & shopping

Delivery of daily cooked or frozen ready-to-eat meals or transport to the shops and assistance provided or having someone to do the shopping.

Medical practitioners

Usually referred to as Doctors. Involves making diagnoses and prescribing treatment for medical conditions.

Medication management

Attend the home daily to assist in dispensing medication.

Medication supervision

Attend the home daily to assist in supervising or prompting client to take medication.

Minimum age considered

The facility has a policy of taking younger adults but there is a minimum age that they will consider. Some facilities can only accommodate people in their middle years ie; 40 to 60 yrs of age whilst other facilities cater to the much younger adult over the age of 18yrs.

Multi storey building

The residential facility has residents rooms over more than one floor. This includes split level hillside sites.

NESB

This is the acronym for 'non-english speaking background'.

Non secure dementia care

Facilities that offer care for people with dementia or similar behavioural related conditions, but do not have a fully secure dementia care unit or wing.

Non-dedicated respite

The residential aged care facility does not have a dedicated room for respite for carers, or the person being cared for, to ‘take a break’ or ‘rest’. These facilities only offer respite when they have accommodation available.

Non-funded aged care facilities

There are a number of non government funded residential aged care facilities known as supported or assisted living complexes, independent living units and serviced apartments. These types of accommodations are self funded by the residents and they do not generally require approval by an ACAT/ACAS before a person entering the home.

Nursing care

Registered or Enrolled Nurses visiting the home to assist with medication, wound management, convalescent care and pain management.

Occupational therapists

Focus on enabling people to live satisfying and meaningful lives including self-care (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding), household (cooking, cleaning, shopping), community involvement and leisure/ recreation pursuits.

On-site restaurant

Restaurant facilities are located within the grounds of a facility or retirement village complex.

Open day

The facility organises groups of potential residents to view the site on a particular day of the week or month.

Packages

In aged care terminology a package means all of the care services and products required to assist someone at home. For example a package of care might include domestic cleaning services twice a week, monitored alarm and transport services to and from the local Day Therapy Centre.

Paid listing

This listing has been paid for by this provider. As a result it contains bonus features such as images, videos, a contact form, a link to their website, and prioritised ranking in search results.

Palliative care

Providing care to patients living with a life limiting illness, supporting and improving patients quality of life by addressing medication and pain management. Can be provided at home, in a residential care setting or in a specialist palliative care service like a hospice.

Palliative care program

The facility provides palliative care and actively encourages enquiries from people who require palliative care. The palliative care program provides pain relief, management of symptoms, counselling and support to ensure the best possible quality of life towards the end of life for the resident.

Palliative care RN

The facility has a dedicated Palliative Care Registered Nurse (RN) on staff who is fully trained in the provision of palliative care and fully aware of end of life issues and needs.

Personal care

Assistance with personal hygiene, washing, showering, bathing, dressing, feeding and toileting.

Pet friendly

The location has a policy for residents enabling them to have small pets but depends on the type, size and needs.

Pharmaceutical deliveries

Medications delivered to homes by pharmacies.

Physiotherapists

Health professionals who assess a patient’s condition to find the underlying causes of pain, in joints, muscles or nerves. They advise on ways to manage the condition and show them how further pain and injury can be prevented.

Placement consultants

Professional fee-for service assistance to find the care option that best suits a client's needs. The Placement consultant will organise all of the relevant paperwork and arrangements necessary to secure a placement in either a community care program or residential aged care facility. Sometimes referred to as a Broker

Podiatrists

Professionals who deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.

Privately funded aged care

Non government funded residential aged care facilities known as supported or assisted living complexes, independent living units and serviced apartments. These do not generally require approval by an ACAT/ACAS prior to a person entering the home.

Purchase

There are various forms of occupation or ownership rights for retirement living. These are referred to as 'tenure'. Some forms of tenure include strata title ownership, leasehold estates and licences to occupy.

RAD/DAP combination

This includes both partial lump sum and daily payments.

Refundable accommodation deposit (RAD)

This is paid as a lump sum when entering an aged care home and refunded in full when leaving the home.

Registered nurses

Senior nurses who care for the sick and injured in hospitals and other health care facilities, doctors’ surgeries, and private homes.

Rehabilitation program

The facility has a rehabilitation program or service and actively encourages enquiries from people requiring rehabilitation such as post acute for things such as strokes or joint replacements

Rental (with no upfront cost)

No bond required. Periodical rental payments only for villas, units or Independent Living Units.

Rental units (Rental accommodation)

Villas, units or Independent Living Units available for rent. This type of accommodation is generally for older people who are on a pension and do not own property.

Resident agreement

A resident agreement is a legal agreement between a resident and the aged care home and sets out rights and obligations of both the resident and the aged care home. The agreement should include information about the type of care needed, the circumstances in which the resident may be asked to leave the home, the amount of the accommodation bond or charge and daily fees and, if entering an extra service home, the extra services provided and associated costs.

Resident funded

Any Unit, Villa or Apartment in a Retirement Village available for purchase or via a deposit or entry contribution

Resident pets considered

These facilities may be able to accommodate residents pets within the facility depending on the pet breed, size, or needs.

Residential aged care

Residential aged care is for older people who can no longer live at home. Reasons can include illness, disability, bereavement, an emergency, the needs of their carer, family or friends, or because it is no longer possible to manage at home without help.

Respite care

These services are designed to give carers a break from their caring role and can be arranged for planned breaks, regular weekly breaks, short holidays or emergencies. Services are available within the person's home, in a day care centre or in a residential care facility.

Respite program

These facilities have at least one specific bed allocated to respite and eligible people can contact the facility to book respite in that bed in advance. A booking diary operates.

Retirement home / village

A retirement home is a multi-residence housing facility intended for senior citizens, 55 years and over. Typically each person or couple in the home has an apartment-style room or suite of rooms. Additional facilities can be provided within the building, including enhanced supervision, more company, communal facilities or small pets allowed by residents.

Rooms with ensuites

There are private rooms available with ensuite bathroom facilities that may service one or two rooms.

Rural & remote

Home Care Packages classified as being specifically for those in rural or remote areas.

Secure dementia care

These facilities have a fully secure dementia care unit or wing exclusively and specifically for people with dementia or similar behavioural related conditions.

Secure garden

The facility has a secure fenced garden area specifically designed for people with dementia and generally attached to the secure dementia unit.

Service fee

Periodical fee paid by owners usually of ILU’s/Villas for general maintenance.

Serviced apartments

A Unit or Apartment for people who wish to live in a supported environment with services such as laundering, meals and cleaning provided on a fee for service basis.

Single rooms

Form of aged care accommodation where a room is occupied by only one resident.

Social & recreational support

Generally involves the older person attending social or recreational events and services outside of the home at a community, day or recreational centre.

Social workers

Professionals who link service users with agencies and programs that will meet their clients’ psychosocial needs, provide counselling and psychotherapy in various fields including social and community development, hospital and aged care.

Socially disadvantaged

Home care packages classified as being for clients who are assessed as being socially disadvantaged.

Specialist services

The facility offers other specialist services for example snoezelen therapy, eden alternative or other.

Speech therapists

Professionals who evaluate, diagnose, and treat difficulties involving speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing. The difficulties speech therapists treat can be caused by neurological disorders, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, physical problems, voice pathology, hearing impairments, or emotional disorders.

Supported living

Independent units, apartments or bedsitters within a community where support services are provided. These support services may be meals, cleaning, cooking, personal care or other assistance as required.

Supported residential facility (SRF)

A Supported residential facility (SRF) may offer a similar service to that of a Government funded residential aged care facility but without the funding support. SRF are state registered service providers. An ACAT/ACAS assessment is not required.

Supported residential services (SRS)

Supported residential services (SRS) may offer a similar service to that of a Government funded residential aged care facility but without the funding support. SRS are state registered service providers. An ACAT/ACAS assessment is not required.

Total funded beds

The total number of beds available in a facility for which the aged care provider receives Government funding.

Total non-funded beds

The total number of beds offered in Supported Living or Supported Residential Services/Facilities which are not funded by the Government.

Transition care

Transition care provides short-term support for older people after a hospital stay and can be delivered in either a residential or community setting. It is designed to optimise independence of older people to enables them to return home rather than enter residential care.

Transition care beds

These residential aged care facilities provide interim care to older people with care needs who are in the transition between acute hospital care and living back in their home.

Transport

Organising or providing transport services such as bus, taxi, private car etc.

Tube feeding

The staff at the residential aged care facility have the specialist knowledge to meet the needs of people who are fed via a nasogastric or PEG tube. Most high-level care facilities offer this service and a few low level care facilities

Veterans' supplement

Home care packages supplements for eligible veterans, war widows or widowers, through the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Villas / ILUs

Villas are designed for the active retiree and are sometimes referred to as Independent Living Units (ILUs).

Younger adults

The residential aged care facility can meet the special needs of younger people who require nursing home or hostel level care due to brain injury or other debilitating condition.