How well does oz care for the elderly
Dec 23rd 2006 | 9:43 am
#16
been there........
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 349
From: Perth, WA
Re: How well does oz care for the elderly
Originally Posted by Nick11
Does the ozzie government make you sell your home to meet the nursing fees if you go into a nursing home. Now that's a real hot potato over here at the moment. Over the border in Scotland they don't. Whilst I appreciate that the government doesn't have the money coming out of their ears, and there are equally deserving causes, it really gets my goat that if you work hard, contribute to society and save for that rainy day, the buggers will take it off you.
There is, I think, a big difference in the way Australians and Poms regard aging. On reaching retirement age, which can be as low as 55, many will sell off the family home, which has become too big and too expensive to run, think of the money they've raised as "superannuation", buy a four-wheel drive and a big caravan and take off to explore this great big country; something they've been working too long and too hard to be able to do in previous years. In WA, there is a big group of people known as the Grey Nomads, who will spend their summers down south - Albany, Denmark, Walpole etc., - and then hitch up the caravan and move to Broome or further north for the winter.If you're fit and well, this is a fabulous lifestyle; if you're not, why would you want all the hassles that come with the upkeep of a family-sized home?
Dec 23rd 2006 | 9:51 am
#17
been there........
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 349
From: Perth, WA
Re: How well does oz care for the elderly
I forgot to say that once you become a resident in a nursing home, without having paid an 'entrance fee', the weekly charge is somewhere around 85% of the standard pension. This seems a lot, but hey, everything is provided for you and you can't go anywhere.................
Dec 23rd 2006 | 11:51 am
#18
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,844
From: Bunbury WA
Re: How well does oz care for the elderly
Originally Posted by TheCrone
For the last 8 years, I've lived in a unit in a not-for-profit retirement village.
I have some health issues, but am still able to live independently. But the chief reason I chose this particular village was because there are 4 levels of care available; the first is the Independent Living section, with small villas and apartments for people who can still look after themselves: the next level is Assisted Living, where people may need help with dressing, cooking etc. These are large rooms with ensuite bathrooms, tea-making equipment, fridges, usually furnished by the ingoing person, so they retain a feeling of "home", with cherished possessions still around them. These people still have a very full life;there are theatre outings, sight-seeing trips, lots of clubs and hobbies they can select from. The third level is for those who are confined to bed; they have 24-hour nursing care. And there is a smaller locked area for those with various forms of dementia - locked in the sense of walls and gates surrounding the area for patient security; there are lovely gardens which they can visit when they're well enough.
This establishment is graded at the highest level of care by the WA Health Dept., but next year will begin a $40M. rebuilding project which will make it the best in Australia, if not the Southern Hemisphere. Very little of the funding will come from the State or Federal governments; astute management of finances by the (unpaid) Board of Management and staff over a number of years have made this state-of-the-art facility a reality.
As a "Senior Citizen", it is reassuring to know that all my health needs are catered for into the foreseeable future and my children are assured of my welfare.
So how does Australia care for its oldies? Very well indeed, provided you're careful about the choices you make while you're still able to make them!
And a couple of things about Alzheimers............one lady who was in the early stages told her grand-daughter that she WASN'T losing her mind; she was hiding it so no-one could find it!
And something I've read; that the loss of recent memories takes the sufferer back to earlier years, so the feelings and emotions they express are those of a much younger person. Of course you can't recognize them; they're a young person in an old person's body, which is challenging when you've only known them as Mother, Father, Grandma and Grandad.
I have some health issues, but am still able to live independently. But the chief reason I chose this particular village was because there are 4 levels of care available; the first is the Independent Living section, with small villas and apartments for people who can still look after themselves: the next level is Assisted Living, where people may need help with dressing, cooking etc. These are large rooms with ensuite bathrooms, tea-making equipment, fridges, usually furnished by the ingoing person, so they retain a feeling of "home", with cherished possessions still around them. These people still have a very full life;there are theatre outings, sight-seeing trips, lots of clubs and hobbies they can select from. The third level is for those who are confined to bed; they have 24-hour nursing care. And there is a smaller locked area for those with various forms of dementia - locked in the sense of walls and gates surrounding the area for patient security; there are lovely gardens which they can visit when they're well enough.
This establishment is graded at the highest level of care by the WA Health Dept., but next year will begin a $40M. rebuilding project which will make it the best in Australia, if not the Southern Hemisphere. Very little of the funding will come from the State or Federal governments; astute management of finances by the (unpaid) Board of Management and staff over a number of years have made this state-of-the-art facility a reality.
As a "Senior Citizen", it is reassuring to know that all my health needs are catered for into the foreseeable future and my children are assured of my welfare.
So how does Australia care for its oldies? Very well indeed, provided you're careful about the choices you make while you're still able to make them!
And a couple of things about Alzheimers............one lady who was in the early stages told her grand-daughter that she WASN'T losing her mind; she was hiding it so no-one could find it!
And something I've read; that the loss of recent memories takes the sufferer back to earlier years, so the feelings and emotions they express are those of a much younger person. Of course you can't recognize them; they're a young person in an old person's body, which is challenging when you've only known them as Mother, Father, Grandma and Grandad.
Bridie is having a bub. We must meet half way.
Please can you put our name down for your place it sounds great. lol
Have a lovely Christmas sweetie.
Denise xx
Dec 23rd 2006 | 2:01 pm
#19
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 16,623
From: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
Re: How well does oz care for the elderly
Originally Posted by TheCrone
I forgot to say that once you become a resident in a nursing home, without having paid an 'entrance fee', the weekly charge is somewhere around 85% of the standard pension. This seems a lot, but hey, everything is provided for you and you can't go anywhere.................
Dec 23rd 2006 | 2:04 pm
#20
Living & Loving in Perth
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 318
From: Perth W.A!!!!!!
Re: How well does oz care for the elderly
[QUOTE=TheCrone]For the last 8 years, I've lived in a unit in a not-for-profit retirement village.
I have some health issues, but am still able to live independently. But the chief reason I chose this particular village was because there are 4 levels of care available; the first is the Independent Living section, with small villas and apartments for people who can still look after themselves: the next level is Assisted Living, where people may need help with dressing, cooking etc. These are large rooms with ensuite bathrooms, tea-making equipment, fridges, usually furnished by the ingoing person, so they retain a feeling of "home", with cherished possessions still around them. These people still have a very full life;there are theatre outings, sight-seeing trips, lots of clubs and hobbies they can select from. The third level is for those who are confined to bed; they have 24-hour nursing care. And there is a smaller locked area for those with various forms of dementia - locked in the sense of walls and gates surrounding the area for patient security; there are lovely gardens which they can visit when they're well enough.
This establishment is graded at the highest level of care by the WA Health Dept., but next year will begin a $40M. rebuilding project which will make it the best in Australia, if not the Southern Hemisphere. Very little of the funding will come from the State or Federal governments; astute management of finances by the (unpaid) Board of Management and staff over a number of years have made this state-of-the-art facility a reality.
As a "Senior Citizen", it is reassuring to know that all my health needs are catered for into the foreseeable future and my children are assured of my welfare.
I would have to agree with everything said - I happen to work for a not-for-profit organisation. Only been with them just over 1 month but I am constantly amazed at the things they organise for the residents - they are so switched on.
Hoops (mrs)
I have some health issues, but am still able to live independently. But the chief reason I chose this particular village was because there are 4 levels of care available; the first is the Independent Living section, with small villas and apartments for people who can still look after themselves: the next level is Assisted Living, where people may need help with dressing, cooking etc. These are large rooms with ensuite bathrooms, tea-making equipment, fridges, usually furnished by the ingoing person, so they retain a feeling of "home", with cherished possessions still around them. These people still have a very full life;there are theatre outings, sight-seeing trips, lots of clubs and hobbies they can select from. The third level is for those who are confined to bed; they have 24-hour nursing care. And there is a smaller locked area for those with various forms of dementia - locked in the sense of walls and gates surrounding the area for patient security; there are lovely gardens which they can visit when they're well enough.
This establishment is graded at the highest level of care by the WA Health Dept., but next year will begin a $40M. rebuilding project which will make it the best in Australia, if not the Southern Hemisphere. Very little of the funding will come from the State or Federal governments; astute management of finances by the (unpaid) Board of Management and staff over a number of years have made this state-of-the-art facility a reality.
As a "Senior Citizen", it is reassuring to know that all my health needs are catered for into the foreseeable future and my children are assured of my welfare.
I would have to agree with everything said - I happen to work for a not-for-profit organisation. Only been with them just over 1 month but I am constantly amazed at the things they organise for the residents - they are so switched on.
Hoops (mrs)
Dec 23rd 2006 | 9:26 pm
#21
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 32
From: perth wa
Re: How well does oz care for the elderly
I was very interested to read your post. I am 63, and working fulltime, but do not own my home. Fully intend to work for as long as possible, even if it has to be part time, as cannot afford to 'retire' as such, and anyway I am not a stay at home sort of person, and love the company. Are you able to rent or are these that you live in to buy only. I am referring to the level you are in. Do they have a spare bedroom so grand kids can stay? I would appreciate any info you can give me. Thanks. I live in Perth SOR
Suzanne
Suzanne
