Living with dementia can be difficult, but we’re here to support you
As we get older it’s not unusual for our memory to change a little. It may be as a result of an illness or due to stress. It can also be an effect of poor sleep, changes to medication or perhaps the onset of dementia.
Living with dementia can be difficult for both you and your family. Whatever your circumstances, we can help.
Our friendly and compassionate carers and Registered Nurses are on hand to provide care and support 24 hours a day and are committed to providing tailored and personal care for all our residents, supportingcomfort, choice, independence and involvement.
What is Dementia?
Dementia describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. It is not one specific disease.
Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Brain function is affected enough to interfere with the person’s normal social or working life.
Who gets Dementia?
Most people with dementia are older, but it is important to remember that not all older people get dementia. It is not a normal part of ageing.
Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65 years. People in their 40s and 50s can also have dementia.
What causes Dementia?
There are many different forms of dementia and each has its own causes.
The most common types of dementia are
- Alzheimer's disease,
- Vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease,
- Dementia with Lewy bodies,
- Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration , Huntington's disease,
- Alcohol related dementia (Korsakoff's syndrome)
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Is it Dementia?
There are a number of conditions that produce symptoms similar to dementia. These include some vitamin and hormone deficiencies, depression, medication clashes or overmedication, infections and brain tumors.
It is essential that a medical diagnosis is obtained at an early stage when symptoms first appear, to ensure that a person who has a treatable condition is diagnosed and treated correctly.
If the symptoms are caused by dementia, an early diagnosis will mean early access to support, information and medication, should it be available.
Is Dementia hereditary?
This will depend on the cause of the dementia, so it is important to have a firm medical diagnosis.
If you are concerned about the risk of inheriting dementia, consult your doctor or contact Alzheimer's Australia to speak to a counsellor.
Most cases of dementia are not inherited.
What are the early signs of Dementia?
The early signs of dementia are very subtle and vague and may not be immediately obvious. Some common symptoms may include:
- Progressive and frequent memory loss
- Confusion
- Personality change
- Apathy and withdrawal
- Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks.
What can be done to help?
At present there is no prevention or cure for most forms of dementia. However, some medications have been found to reduce some symptoms. Support is vital for people with dementia. The help of families, friends and carers can make a positive difference to managing the condition.
NATIONAL DEMENTIA HELPLINE: 1800 100 500
We appreciate that this can be an overwhelming time so the friendly staff at Bundaleer are
only too happy to assist you in any way they can. Call us on (02) 6585 2811 to let us know how we can help.
We appreciate that this can be an overwhelming time so the friendly staff at Bundaleer are only too happy to assist you in any way they can.
Call us on (02) 6586 9400 to let us know how we can help.
Bundaleer provides Dementia services both in the home and Residential Care at our Care Home in Wauchope. All staff including our care staff, housekeeping, maintenance, administration and catering staff are trained in dementia care.
Our Dementia specific program involves:
- Our staff making various formal assessments to understand how the resident or client communicates their needs, any triggers or situations that cause them to be distressed or unsettled.
- An individual care plan being developed to reflect the best individual approach to support their health and wellbeing. The care plan is reviewed every 3 months and the carer is invited to participate in this process.
- Education for families and friends about dementia and understanding that while outwardly the person with dementia may look fine, they have a condition of the brain that is deteriorating and may cause the person to act irrationally.
- Activities designed for people with dementia including 1:1 time between our Leisure and Lifestyle staff and the person with dementia.
- Bus outings.
- Provision of respite care both in our residential aged care facilities and in the client’s home.
- A beautiful menu of textured food for our dementia residents as required.
- Physio aids to assist with mobility challenges including falls prevention programs as well as access to professional help as required.
Bundaleer works in close partnership with the dementia services of the Mid North Coast Local Health District and our residents have access to:
- Geriatricians
- Psycho-geriatricians
- Nurse Practitioners
- Clinical Nurse Consultants
Downloads
Accommodation at Bundaleer (download pdf)
My rights as a Bundaleer resident (download pdf)
See our brochure for a full list of Dementia Care services (download pdf)
Interested in the food at our facilities? See our current menu (download pdf)
We appreciate that this can be an overwhelming time so the friendly staff at Bundaleer are only too happy to assist you in any way they can.
Call us on (02) 6586 9400 to let us know how we can help.
Follow our 5 key steps to ensure that you have the correct information and documentation for application into Dementia Care.
5 easy steps to Dementia Care with Bundaleer
- Are you eligible?
If you are considering moving into Dementia Care, you will first need to make sure you have had an ACAT Assessment which will determine the level of care you require and help us determine whether our Cameron Street Care Home will be the best choice for your needs.
To organise an ACAT Assessment you can request one directly via the My Aged Care website or phone 1800 200 422. - Take a tour of the Bundaleer facilities
Make an appointment with our team to discuss whether you are looking for respite or fulltime care. You can also take a tour of our Cameron Street Care Home to determine if this best meets your needs. At this point we will discuss bed availability, financial arrangements and your next steps. - What do you need to pay?
The Australian Government pays for the bulk of aged care (including Dementia Care) in Australia. But, as with all Aged Care Services, it is expected that you will contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to do so. How much you pay depends on your financial situation.
We will also make sure you and your family understand the different types of care as well as the associated costs depending on the level of care provided by your ACAT Assessment.
Fees and Charges Guidelines - How to apply for Dementia Care
In order to apply for a place at our Aged Care Home you will need to complete a Residential Care Application form. The application form can be found in your Bundaleer Residential Care information pack.
If the form is signed by your Power of Attorney you need to ensure that you also attach the relevant authorising documentation. - What is it like to live in the Bundaleer Dementia Care facilities?
When you move into Bundaleer there will be new routines, new surroundings and new people all living together under one roof get used to.
But you will have help on hand to assist with any day-to-day tasks that you need and there will be plenty of social activities going to keep you busy. You’ll get to choose what you want to do each day and you will continue to have control over your personal matters.
Our staff will respect your privacy, and your friends and family will be able to visit at any time. And as long as your health allows, you’ll be able to go on holidays, visit friends and come and go as you wish. You won’t lose the right to vote, or any other rights you enjoy as a citizen. You also won’t lose the right to control your own financial affairs and possessions.
We appreciate that this can be an overwhelming time so the friendly staff at Bundaleer are only too happy to assist you in any way they can.
Call us on (02) 6586 9400 to let us know how we can help.
Eligibility
Our Residential Care Home is primarily for people over 65 years of age who are in need of round the clock care.
However, because the Australian Government subsidises a large range of Aged Care in Australia, before you can move into any subsidised Aged Care home you need to have a comprehensive assessment to determine the level of care you need.
This comprehensive assessment is undertaken by an Aged Care Assessment team (ACAT) and is usually referred to as an ACAT Assessment.
9 facts you should know about ACAT Assessments (download pdf)
Costs
The Australian Government subsidises a range of Aged Care in Australia. If your personal circumstances allow, it is expected that you will also contribute to the cost of your care.
Fees are set by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services following a financial assessment on each resident by Centrelink or the Department of Veteran Affairs.
There are two types of fees that you can expect to pay.
- A basic daily fee (compulsory)
- An income-tested care fee – if your income is over the maximum income for a full pensioner – you may be asked to pay this fee. The Department of Human Services will make an assessment to see if you are required to pay. This is based on your income and assets. The Department will then advise you of any fees requiring payment.
What is the basic daily fee?
The basic daily care fee covers living costs like meals and utilities, cleaning and laundry. For some residents, this may be the only fee that is payable.
The maximum basic daily fee is 17.5 percent of the single person rate of the basic Age pension.
This rate increases on March 20 and September 20 each year in line with changes to the Age Pension.
Residential Care Fees and Charges
Calculating your fees
Our qualified Team at Bundaleer is also available to ensure a full understanding of services provided for fees paid and can be contacted on 02) 6586 9400.
Alternatively, My Aged Care can give your more information about Residential Aged Care fees. Call the My Aged Care contact Centre direct on 1800 200 422 or go to the My Aged Care website.
Accounts
At Bundaleer our accounts are issued monthly to the nominated contact responsible for the payment.
An accommodation bond is required to secure a room but there are a number of different options available to you and you will only be charged what you can afford to pay at the time of admission.
For residents with less than the prescribed minimum assets, (currently $47,500) the Federal Government will pay Bundaleer a supplement and you will pay nothing.
For all other residents, depending on assets and income, bed fees may apply.
For residents who don’t have the maximum fee, Bundaleer can work with you to determine a fee that you can afford based on your assets at the time.
Payment Options
Residents can choose to pay for their accommodation by a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD), or a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) or a combination of both.
A Refundable Accommodation Deposit is paid as a lump sum while the Daily Accommodation Payment accrues daily and is payable monthly. Bundaleer also welcomes supported residents.
We appreciate that this can be an overwhelming time so the friendly staff at Bundaleer are only too happy to assist you in any way they can.
Call us on (02) 6586 9400 to let us know how we can help.
Admissions Procedure
Admission to our Care Home can only happen after an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment has been done, is current and approved.
With your ACAT in place, simply follow these 5 easy steps.
- Contact us to express your interest either by phoning on (02) 6586 9400 or on the email address at the bottom of this page. An appointment can be made to inspect our Care Home and discuss accommodation charges and on-going fees with our qualified Team.
- All prospective Residents are encouraged to spend some time with our current residents to ask questions about their lifestyle in the Care Home, to meet staff and join in on some activities.
- Bundaleer also offers short-term Respite Care. We would encourage, where possible, any prospective residents to take the opportunity for a Respite place before making a decision regarding permanency.
- A legal document, called the Residential Care Services Agreement will be discussed with you and your family. This is an agreement between each resident and the proprietor and protects both parties. It can be witnessed by a relative, staff member or any other person of the resident’s choosing.
- The only thing left is to move in. On admission please bring:
- ACAT approval form
- Residents pension entitlement
- Medicare card
- Copy of Power of Attorney papers (if relevant)
- Ambulance card
- All current medications, prescriptions and repeats
- Any aids or equipment currently required by the resident, i.e. walking frame, hearing aid, glasses etc.
We appreciate that this can be an overwhelming time so the friendly staff at Bundaleer are only too happy to assist you in any way they can.
Call us on (02) 6586 9400 to let us know how we can help.
Resources
Links
- My Aged Care website
- Alzheimers Australia
- Residential Care Fees and Charges (download pdf)
- Meal Options Menu (download pdf)
- 9 facts you should know about ACAT Assessments (download pdf)
- Expression of Interest Form
- Plan ahead for your future (download pdf)
Frequently asked questions
We understand that you may have many questions about options that are available.
We’re here to help and would be happy to talk to you about all the options and what needs to happen next. Start the conversation today on (02) 6586 9400.
