Urgent admission into aged care

Key points:

• Mobility issues, falls and dementia are big instigators of last-minute aged care admissions
• Hospitals can organise aged care assessments and place you in any available aged care bed they can find
• A placement consultant or any form of preplanning can reduce, or prevent, unplanned entrance into an aged care facility

Urgent admission into aged care: what you need to know

Navigating aged care can be a complex and emotionally taxing process, especially when a loved one requires urgent admission due to sudden health concerns or the inability to continue living independently. In these situations, understanding how urgent admissions work and what steps to take can help ensure a smoother transition into an aged care home. This article will guide you through the key considerations and options available for urgent admission into aged care in Australia.

What is an urgent admission?

An urgent admission into aged care occurs when an individual needs immediate placement in a residential aged care facility due to a significant change in health, an injury or a sudden decline in their ability to live independently. 

Unlike planned admissions, urgent cases may bypass normal waiting times due to the pressing nature of the situation. However, there are still necessary steps and criteria to fulfil and finding a suitable facility can be challenging.

Common reasons for urgent aged care admission

Urgent admissions often arise in the following situations…

• Hospital discharge: after surgery or illness, a patient may no longer require acute hospital care but may still need ongoing support in an aged care facility.
• Carer burnout: family members who provide home care may become physically or emotionally unable to continue, necessitating immediate assistance.
• Rapid health decline: a sudden deterioration in a person’s cognitive or physical health may make it unsafe to remain at home.
• Lack of immediate home care options: if home care services are unavailable or insufficient to meet a person’s needs, an urgent move into residential care may be necessary.

The urgent admission process

1. Assessment by ACAT/ACAS

To enter an aged care facility in Australia, even in urgent situations, an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS — exclusive to Victoria) approval is required. The ACAT/ACAS assessment determines the level of care a person needs and confirms eligibility for government-funded aged care services. While the process can sometimes be expedited for urgent cases, it is crucial to secure this assessment as quickly as possible.

2. Finding a suitable aged care facility

Once an ACAT/ACAS assessment is completed, the next step is to find an aged care facility that can accommodate an urgent admission. Some facilities offer respite or emergency placements, which can provide temporary care while permanent arrangements are made. It is advisable to contact local aged care providers and inquire about their availability for urgent admissions.

3. Short-term respite care

If there are no bed vacancies, at the moment, short-term respite care is an option for urgent cases. Respite care provides temporary accommodation and care while more long-term solutions are explored. It is particularly helpful for families needing immediate assistance while awaiting a permanent aged care placement.

What you need to consider

1. Vacancy availability

Many aged care facilities may have limited vacancies, especially for urgent cases. Facilities with higher demand might not be able to accommodate immediate admissions, so it is essential to have a list of multiple homes to contact. Use resources like the Aged Care Guide’s Compare Providers feature to find homes with available beds in your area.

2. Costs and funding

While the Australian Government provides subsidies for aged care services, there may still be upfront costs for accommodation, daily fees and extra services. 

You can typically access up to 63 days of subsidised respite care each financial year, including both planned and emergency residential respite care. It is possible to extend respite care by 21 days at a time with further approval from your aged care assessor.

3. Emergency vs permanent admission

In urgent cases, the first available placement might be for respite or temporary care. You may need to transition your loved one from a short-term to a permanent place once a bed becomes available in the facility of your choice. It is important to have a long-term care plan in place.

Planning ahead: how to prepare for future urgent needs

While no one anticipates an emergency, preparing for the possibility of needing urgent aged care can reduce stress and make the process smoother…

• Pre-arrange ACAT/ACAS assessments: if your loved one’s health is declining, consider having an ACAT/ACAS assessment completed in advance to expedite future care needs.
• Identify preferred care homes: research aged care homes in your area and determine which ones offer respite care or emergency admissions.

Urgent admission into aged care can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but, with the right knowledge and resources families can navigate this situation more easily. Start by securing an ACAT/ACAS assessment via My Aged Care, contacting aged care providers for availability, and considering temporary respite care options if needed. Always plan ahead to minimise future challenges and explore tools like the Compare Providers feature to find vacancies that meet your needs.

By taking proactive steps and understanding the process, you can help your loved one transition smoothly into care during urgent situations, ensuring their safety and well-being.