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Help Guide to Aged Care

Looking for an appropriate aged care residence can be both difficult and confusing, especially when facing residential aged care for the first time. Often, an event occurs and there is a rush to secure an available place.

This guide will assist you through this process, whether you are planning for your future or requiring immediate assistance.

Please contact us or call us on (07) 4161 3699 and one of our friendly staff will assist you with information that will enable you to make an informed decision.

Step 1: Assessing your eligibility

To find out if you are eligible for residential aged care, you will need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).

An ACAT assessment is a free assessment funded by the Australian Government. It is completed by a team of health professionals who provide information, advice and assistance to older people who are having difficulty living at home.

The team will visit you at home or while you are in hospital to assess your lifestyle and healthcare needs, enabling them to determine the most appropriate care option for you. This assessment determines your eligibility for entry into residential aged care or for a community care package to assist you to continue living at home. Respite care may also be provided within an aged care residence.

Your local GP, health centre or hospital can arrange for a referral to the assessment team nearest to you. Alternatively, if you would like to contact them directly, you can search for your local ACAT team on the Department of Health website.

Step 2: Finding an aged care residence

Once you have been assessed by ACAT as being eligible for residential aged care, you may choose to start looking for a suitable residence. When looking at aged care residences, it is important to understand what type of care you require, the services you are seeking and your preferred location.

We have a range of accommodation alternatives designed to cater for the varying levels of assistance required by each individual entering Gunther Village. High and low-level respite care, as well as dementia-specific care and residential aged care is available to ensure that residents’ nursing and personal care needs are met.

These broad service offerings also enable ‘ageing in place’, so even if your needs change you can still remain with us.

It is important to find the right residence for you or your loved one and we invite you to contact us or call us on (07) 4161 3699 to find out more about the services, lifestyle offerings and care options available at our purpose-built facility. Our friendly administration staff are here to assist you.

Step 3: Working out the cost

The Australian Government assists with the cost of your residential aged care, through the provision of funding to aged care residences. However, the Government also expects those who can afford it to contribute to the cost. To work out if you are eligible for Government assistance, you will need to complete a Permanent Residential Aged Care Request for a Combined Assets and Income Assessment application, which is available on the Department of Human Services website. You can also obtain an estimation of your basic daily fee and any applicable means tested care fees on the My Aged Care website. The Residential Care Fee Estimator only provides an indication of the fees you may pay.

New rules governing accommodation payments became effective on 1 July 2014. Residents who enter permanent care at Gunther Village have the choice of paying a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) or a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) or a combination of both.
You will have 28 days from the day you enter care to decide on your payment method. Until you decide on your ongoing payment method, you will need to pay your accommodation cost as a daily payment. For further information click on the link fee structure.

All residents in aged care can choose to pay the following:

What is a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)?

If you choose to make your payment as a lump sum, this is called a ‘Refundable Accommodation Deposit’ and is payable by the resident on entry into the facility. The balance of the refundable accommodation payment (after any agreed deductions have been made) is refunded to the resident or their estate on termination of the agreement for residential service.

What is a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)?

Instead of paying for your accommodation as a lump sum, you can choose to pay this as a daily equivalent. A daily accommodation payment is calculated by converting the refundable deposit into a daily charge using the maximum permissible interest rate that applied at the time of admission. This amount will be payable monthly. Daily accommodation payments are not refundable if you leave the aged care facility.

Using a combination

You can choose to pay for your accommodation as a part lump-sum Refundable Accommodation Deposit and ‘Daily Accommodation Payment’.

Is my lump sum refund guaranteed?

The Australian Government guarantees the repayment of your lump sum if the facility becomes bankrupt or insolvent and is unable to refund the balance of your lump sum. This means that you can be sure that your Refundable Accommodation Deposit balance will be refunded to you or your estate.

When are Refundable Accommodation Payments Returned?

As outlined in the Residential Agreement that we supply on admission, we guarantee repayment of the Refundable Accommodation Payment balance in accordance with the following criteria.

The Refundable Accommodation Payment Balance will be refunded if:

  • The person being cared for dies; or
  • Ceases to be with Residential Care in the Care Facility; or
  • The Care Facility ceases to be certified under the Act.

The refundable accommodation payment balance will be refunded within the following time frames:

  • On death – within 14 days after the day on which a certified true copy of the grant of probate or letters of administration of your estate is produced to us;
  • On moving to another residential care service and:
  • We have been notified more than 14 days before the day on which you cease to receive care at Gunther Village – on the day of which the care ceases; or
  • We are notified within 14 days before the day on which you cease to receive care at Gunther Village – within 14 days after we cease to provide care to you; or
  • We are not notified of your intentions – 14 days after we cease to provide care to you; or
  • In any other case – within 14 days of the happening of any of the circumstances set out above.

At the time the Refundable Accommodation Payment balance is refunded, we must also pay to you the interest on the outstanding Refundable Accommodation Payment balance calculated at the Base Interest Rate for the period from the day after the occurrence of that event until the date on which the refundable accommodation payment balance is refunded in full.

If any of the events referred to above occur and the Refundable Accommodation Payment balance is refunded to you after 14 days from the occurrence of that event, then at the time the Refundable Accommodation Payment balance is refunded, Gunther Village must:

  • For the first 14 days after the relevant event has occurred, pay to you interest on the outstanding refundable accommodation payment balance calculated at the Base Interest Rate for a period of 14 days.
  • Thereafter pay to you interest on the outstanding Refundable Accommodation Payment balance calculated at the applicable Maximum Permissible Interest Rate until the date the Refundable Accommodation Payment balance is refunded in full.

How do I know if Gunther Village is managing my accommodation money responsibly?

Since October 2011 the Disclosure Standard contained within the User Rights and Principles have required that residents paying accommodation payments must receive a statement that the approved provider will provide certain information within seven days of a request (refer section 23.41(1)(c) of the User Rights Principles).

Gunther Village is an approved provider, under the Aged Care Act 1997 (the Act). Residents and prospective residents or their representatives are entitled to receive particular information from their approved provider on request.

This includes, in relation to the previous financial year:

  • A summary of the permitted uses for which Gunther Village has used refundable accommodation payments.
  • Information about whether Gunther Village complied with the requirements for permitted uses of Refundable Accommodation Payments and with the prudential requirements for Refundable Accommodation Payments
  • Information about the number of Refundable Accommodation Payment balances (if any) that were not refunded in accordance with the time frames set by the Act; and for entry contributions (payable before 1997), information about the number (if any) that were not refunded in accordance with the entry contribution agreement.
  • A copy of the independent audit opinion on Gunther Village compliance with the prudential requirements for accommodation payments.
  • Most recent statement of audits accounts of Gunther Village.

Gunther Village must also provide:

  • If you have already paid a Refundable Accommodation Payment, a copy of your entry in the accommodation payments register
  • If Gunther Village invests Refundable Accommodation Payments in particular kinds of permitted financial products, the investment objectives and the asset classes we may invest in.

Residents, prospective residents or their representatives may request any or all of the available information. Gunther Village must provide the information within seven days of the request, and the information must be correct at the time of the request.

Click here for additional information on the fee structure.

Step 4: How do I apply?

Should you decide on Gunther Village, you will be required to provide the following documentation:

  1. Completed Application for Admission Form. Download Application for Admission Form, contact us or call us on (07) 4161 3699 for an admissions information pack.
  2. A copy of your current Aged Care Assessment
  3. Your response from your application of Permanent Residential Aged Care Request for a Combined Assets and Income Assessment (only if you are applying for a supported place)

When a place which suits your individual requirements becomes available, you or your representative will be contacted by Gunther Village. Should you choose to accept a place in an aged care residence, you will have up to seven days to move in.

Step 5: Moving and settling in

When a person moves into Gunther Village, we become a partner in the continuing relationship with family, friends and the community in which you previously lived. Not only do we become a part of your family and support network, you, the new resident, become part of our family.

Our staff will provide the level of support required for you to maintain your independence and quality of life. Support comes in various ways, including the provision of daily social activities, assistance with personal care, having access to clinical and medical support or just knowing that you are living in a safe, secure and happy environment.

When you are offered and have accepted a place in Gunther Village, our friendly administration personnel will arrange a pre-admission meeting. This will provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions, as well as complete the necessary paperwork.

At Gunther Village, we aim to make the transition for a new resident as easy and seamless as possible.When settling into Gunther Village, you are more than welcome to bring in some of your own furnishings, whether it be a favourite chair, photos or memorabilia.

We look forward to welcoming you into our family here at Gunther Village.

Further information

Some useful website links and contact numbers:

Bed Vacancies

At Gunther Village we ensure that the transition into aged care is as seamless as possible for residents and their families. We have endeavoured to create a process that is transparent and easily accessible to everyone.

Please click the button below to download our Application Form. However, if you would like to speak to one of our friendly staff, please call us on 07 4161 3699.

Fee Structure

Gunther Village takes pride in providing choice to clients when entering into our care. We provide each individual with person centred care, and choice in regards to accommodation options and payment.

We offer two types of accommodation – Core room and Superior room, with choice of payment options, an upfront refundable accommodation deposit (RAD), or a daily accommodation payment (DAP), or a combination of the two. Below are the details regarding our accommodation options, if you require any further information please contact our Facility Manager Jenny Thompson

The payment options provided below are based on the maximum room prices and are not applicable to Government supported clients. A basic daily fee of up to 85% of the Australian single aged care pension will also be payable.*

Respite Care 

Short term respite care is available to allow primary carers to have a well-deserved break. Offering peace of mind that your loved one is being cared for in a safe environment by friendly staff

Respite care may be used on a planned or emergency basis to help carers during times of stress, illness, holidays or unexpected unavailability of the carer. There is a requirement for clients to have an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment to access respite care

You may also be eligible to access financial assistance, please contact us to discuss your options.

Residential Aged Care 

Our residential care facility is staffed by a team of professional nursing, support and therapy specialists who encourage a caring and friendly environment.

Upon admission, our nursing staff will conduct a range of assessments to develop a Care Plan to ensure you receive quality care and support that is personalised to your needs. Working in collaboration with other health professionals and services ensuring you receive optimal care. Our friendly staff are available throughout the day to assist you depending on your level of independence and care needs, respecting residents choice and decision making.

As part of our Continuous Quality Improvement Program we conduct regular Resident / Representative Meetings and surveys to give you and your family the opportunity to have positive input to your care and activities program.

Memory Support Care

Our Memory Support Unit is specifically designed to enhance the quality of life, with the needs of residents with cognitive related conditions in mind. Specialised care and support is provided by our qualified staff in a caring and nurturing environment with peaceful surroundings and an internal courtyard

An intelligent 24 hour emergency call system is in place to ensure our residents are safe, giving residents the freedom to move around the facility in a secure environment. All our staff are educated to deliver specialised care to meet your loved ones individual needs.

Supported Living Environment

Elsebach Place is a beautiful modern five bedroom home, designed specifically to provide accommodation for older people who may require some additional daily assistance, but are not ready to move into residential aged care. This exquisite home is elegantly furnished, with wheelchair access throughout and features spacious bedrooms with ensuites designed with the needs of the client in mind.

In providing a range of integrated services, Gunther Village supports ‘ageing in place’. As your needs change we help you access higher levels of care within the same community, by offering a number of lifestyle, accommodation and care services.

An intelligent 24 hour emergency call system is in place to provide security, confidence and peace of mind, ensuring you can obtain assistance at any time from our nursing staff, as our facility is right next door and staffed 24 hours a day.

Shared space includes a number of indoor living and entertainment areas, a fully functional kitchen and laundry. An abundance of storage space is also available in both the personal and shared areas.

Elsebach Place is well positioned in close proximity to shops, banks, Post Office and supermarket situated across the road.

All clients who choose to live at Elsebach Place will pay a fortnightly fee. Services provided as part of this fee include:

  • Accommodation
  • Two meals daily (choice of either continental breakfast, cooked lunch or light evening meal)
  • Weekly cleaning service (including linen change)
  • Care services & Diversional Therapist
  • Personal nursing assistance

Additional services available on a fee-for-service basis, include:

  • Personal laundry
  • Additional transport

Depending on individual eligibility residents can obtain rent assistance through the Department of Social Services.

As a resident of Elsebach Place, you will be provided with a personalised lifestyle program designed especially for you. Activities could include bus trips, a BBQ in our outdoor entertaining area, or playing a game of cards. You are also invited to join your neighbours at Gunther Village, to participate in any of the scheduled activities or special occasions. A calendar of coming events is published in the monthly newsletter, which is available to clients, families and friends of both facilities. Each client receives a copy of the newsletter; which is also available from the reception area of Gunther Village or online via our website.

Elsebach Place is not funded or subsidised by the Government, therefore there is no requirement for clients to undergo an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment to access this level of accommodation. However, in some cases, there may be a recommendation that an ACAT assessment be done, to ensure Elsebach Place is the most suitable accommodation for a particular client.

Clients residing at Elsebach Place can access, or continue to access, any community services available to people living in their own homes. For example this can include pre-packaged medication and the services of organisations such as Blue Care and Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre.

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