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.
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.
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.
There are many different forms of dementia and each has its own causes.
The most common types of dementia are
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.
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.
The early signs of dementia are very subtle and vague and may not be immediately obvious. Some common symptoms may include:
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.
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:
Bundaleer works in close partnership with the dementia services of the Mid North Coast Local Health District and our residents have access to:
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.
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.
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)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Links
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.