Which level of aged care is right for your loved one?

If your loved one is thinking of moving into aged care, there’s a lot to think about. One of the most important decisions you need to make is determining the right level of care for them. Our Gold Coast aged care homes in Ashmore and Merrimac offer a range of care options designed to provide the support your loved one needs. Here’s an overview to help you navigate this important choice.

Understanding the ACAT Assessment

Before you choose an aged care service, your loved one will need an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This government-funded assessment helps determine the level of care they need. The ACAT team, which comprises healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and social workers, will evaluate your loved one’s physical, medical, and cognitive needs to recommend appropriate care services.

An ACAT assessment is essential for accessing government-subsidised aged care services, including respite care, residential aged care, and specialised dementia or palliative care. If you’re unsure how to start the ACAT process, HillView Care can guide you through it and help you understand the results.

Learn more about ACAT! 

Respite care

Caring for an elderly loved one is rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally challenging. Our Gold Coast respite care offers temporary relief for primary caregivers, allowing you to take a break or take care of your other responsibilities. 

At HillView Care, our respite services provide short-term accommodation where residents receive the same high-quality care as our permanent residents. This includes comfortable accommodation, nutritious, on-site chef-prepared meals, and access to engaging social activities at our facilities and in the community. Respite care is also a great way for your loved one to experience our HillView Care community firsthand before making a more permanent decision about aged care.

Residential aged care

When carrying out daily tasks becomes challenging and consistent support is needed, residential aged care may be the best solution.

At HillView Care, we provide 24-hour on-site medical care, assistance with personal activities, and a fun social environment. Each resident enjoys a private room with an en-suite, and our dedicated staff work closely with residents to create personalised care plans, ensuring their individual needs are met with compassion and respect.

Dementia care

For loved ones living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, specialised care will give them the support, security, and dignity they deserve while helping them maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.

Our dementia care team offers dedicated dementia care professionals trained in managing the unique challenges associated with memory loss conditions. We focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment, incorporating programs that stimulate cognitive function and encourage social interaction. Enhanced safety measures are in place to ensure the well-being of all residents in our dementia care units.

Palliative care

When facing a life-limiting illness, providing comfort and maintaining dignity becomes the number one priority.

Our Gold Coast palliative care services at HillView Care are designed to support residents and their families during this challenging time. We go above and beyond to help residents manage symptoms, alleviate pain, and offer emotional and spiritual support. 

Our interdisciplinary team collaborates with healthcare professionals to develop individualised care plans that honour the wishes and needs of each resident, ensuring they receive compassionate and respectful care in their last stages of life.

Making the decision

Determining the right level of care involves assessing your loved one’s physical health, cognitive abilities, and personal needs. Talking openly with family members and healthcare providers can help uncover valuable insights, and along with the ACAT, you can discover the best option for your loved one. 

Visiting our HillView Care homes can help you understand the services we offer. We encourage all prospective residents and their families to book a tour at either our Ashmore or Merrimac locations to experience our commitment to excellence in aged care firsthand.