AGED CARE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I eligible for residential aged care?
Before you can enter a residential aged care facility you must have a completed ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment. You can contact the Wide Bay ACAT Team directly on 07 4122 8733 or your doctor can refer you. It is preferable to discuss this referral with your doctor.
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Who are the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)?
The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) is a team of health professionals, such as doctors, nurses or social workers who provide information, advice and assistance to older people who are having difficulty living at home.
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Do I have my own room?
At Torbay–Torquay all low level care rooms are single rooms with their own ensuite. We do have double rooms available for couples. Most high level care rooms are single rooms with ensuite but there are a number of single rooms that share an ensuite. Double rooms for couples are also available.
At Torbay–Parklands all rooms are large single air-conditioned rooms with ensuite.
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Are there any activities?
Yes. We believe in keeping active so there are many activities available for those who wish to participate. Residents and families have access to our monthly newsletter, Torbay Times, which details the activities at both Homes for the coming month. Activities at Torbay–Torquay include bingo, games, newspaper reading, bus outings, Men’s Shed activities, arts and craft classes, bowls, snooker, scrabble, exercise to music, Choir practice, sing-a-long, Happy Hour, lunch outings, and more.
Activities are based on residents’ interests and will vary to meet the needs of the residents at the time.
Activities at Torbay–Parklands will be similar but will be based on the needs and wishes of the residents of Torbay–Parklands.
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Can I still have my own doctor?
Yes, provided your doctor is prepared to visit our Homes. We have a number of doctors to choose from should your doctor not visit our Homes.
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Are there regulated visiting hours?
No. We only ask your visitors to consider other residents if visiting after hours.
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What can I bring with me?
We encourage residents to set their rooms up with their personal possessions. Generally we supply the bed as we need to provide our staff with a safe working environment. We also ask that you not clutter the room as staff have to clean and may have to use equipment such as lifters within the room.
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Are pets allowed?
No. We recognise the benefits of pets and welcome pets to visit as long as they are on a leash or restrained at all times. We do arrange for people to bring in their pets for the benefit of residents from time to time. Each year at Torbay–Torquay we have a poultry breeder bring in one of their incubators so we hatch and raise chickens in one of the recreational halls.
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Do you have a waiting list and how long is it?
We have a number of waiting lists depending on the type of care that you required. Generally we have a considerable waiting list. However we encourage you to contact us because waiting lists do vary from time to time. We give preference to the person with the greatest need so your position on the waiting list will also vary.
Waiting lists for low level care residents who can pay accommodation Bonds are very short.
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How do I get on your waiting lists?
Complete the forms in the application pack which can be downloaded and printed here or you can call 1800 807 442 to have one posted out to you.
What happens with medication?
If you are able to do so you will continue to manage your own medication. In other cases we will supervise, assist or dispense your medication. We have an agreement with a local chemist to provide us with multi-dose blister packs. Medications are dispensed as directed by your doctor and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Is there accommodation for couples?
Yes, at Torbay–Torquay. There are rooms for couples in both high level care and low level care. These rooms do not become available very often and are offered to existing resident first.
At Torbay–Parklands couples are accommodated in adjoining rooms where this can be arranged.
What are the costs?
The Commonwealth Government set the maximum fees that we allowed to charge. We charge the maximum allowed by the Commonwealth Government so we can provide the best possible care. The Commonwealth Government and Centrelink calculate your fees based on an assessment of your income and assets. We are bound by these determinations. A financial assessment of your circumstances will be conducted by Centrelink prior to (or shortly after) your entry into residential aged care unless you opt to pay the maximum fees.
Additional fees and charges apply for extra service however we give you the option to have these deducted from your Bond.
Current information on what you will pay can be obtained from the Department of Health and Ageing's documents.
Is 24-hour care provided?
Yes, there are always qualified care staff on-site every hour of the day.
Can I go out with my family or friends?
Yes. We encourage family and friends to continue to be involved in your life and your care. Visitors are always welcome to come or to take you for outings
What are the arrangements for connecting my telephone?
TORBAY operates PABX systems at both Villages. We will supply your telephone, telephone number and connect you to the outside world. You have the choice of the following services–
- Incoming calls only
- Local calls only
- Local calls and STD calls
- Full services that include international calls
000 calls will work with all levels of service.
You can change the level of service at any time.
You will be charged according to the Plan that you select. Our charges are less than the equivalent Telstra Plan. Calls within TORBAY (including those between Torbay–Torquay and Torbay–Parklands) are FREE calls encouraging residents to build friendships within the Villages.
Can we come and see the facilities?
Yes. Just ring the facility and make an appointment.
Are your facilities accredited?
Yes. Torbay–Torquay has a full 3-year accreditation.
Torbay–Parklands, as a new facility, was initially given 12 months accreditation. We have now had our site visit and where assessors recommended that we pass all 44 standards. We are now waiting for the official notification.