How much does it cost to live at The Palms?
The Australian Government subsidises a range of aged care services in Australia. If your personal circumstances allow, it is expected you’ll contribute towards the cost of your care if you can afford to do so. Moving into an aged care home may require one-off payments or deposits, as well as ongoing fees for your care, accommodation and daily living expenses.
How much you pay depends on your financial situation. However, there are strong protections in place to make sure that care is affordable for everyone. The Australian Government sets the maximum fees for care and daily living expenses, and there are also rules about how much you can be asked to pay for your accommodation.
What types of fees are there?
You may be asked to pay one or more of the following fees in residential care:
- a basic daily fee: this covers living costs such as meals, power and laundry. For some people this is the only fee they are required to pay.
- a means-tested care fee: this is an additional contribution towards the cost of care that some people may be required to pay. The Department of Human Services will work out if you are required to pay this fee based on an assessment of your income and assets, and will advise you of the amount.
- an accommodation payment: this is for your accommodation in the aged care home. Some people will have their accommodation costs met in full or in part by the Australian Government, while others will need to pay the accommodation price agreed with the aged care home. The Department of Human Services will advise you which applies to you based on an assessment of your income and assets.
You will find more information on our Refundable Accommodation Payments and Daily Accommodation Payments under the ‘Fees’ tab located under the ‘Our Services’ Heading.
What if I need transport to a medical appointment?
There are options for patient transport, both private and public.
The NSW ambulance service runs a patient transport system for medical appointments. Eligibility and booking information may be found on this link:
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nept/Pages/AboutNEPT.aspx
Alternatively there is a private company we recommend by the name of SmartCare. They may be contacted on: 1300 663 434
http://www.smartcare.com.au/services.html
What is life like in The Shire?
Keep up to date with life in our local community at these links:
Do you have visiting hours?
At The Palms Aged Care, visiting hours are after 10am to 6pm every day of the week. Family and friends are welcome and are a valued part of our consumers lives. We do ask however for health & safety reasons that you sign in and out in our Visitor’s book upon entering and departing our facility.
Can I go out for dinner or on a holiday when I reside at The Palms?
All consumers may take social leave however only permanent consumers may stay overnight elsewhere on social leave. Health permitting, all consumers are of course permitted to attend social outings. Friends or relatives escorting consumers on outings are requested to sign the consumer out before leaving the facility. We have wheelchairs you may borrow should you require one for your outing.