Question 1

Can residents receive post?

Accepted Answer

Yes - Australia Post delivers mail to Kanandah daily. Mail is sorted by the office staff and distributed to the residents. Outgoing mail can be delivered to the receptionist in the main foyer to post.

Question 2

What are the office hours?

Accepted Answer

The reception office is open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday for all enquiries.

Question 3

Is there an orientation for new residents?

Accepted Answer

Yes - where possible, residents are shown to their room, the dining room and other facilities. A staff member will also show them the emergency call system, lights, fan and heating operation. Staff will also inform residents of mealtimes, choice of menu, the mail facilities and other essential information.

Question 4

Can residents leave the facility?

Accepted Answer

Low-care residents are welcome to leave the facility. There is a sign-in book at the front desk that residents are requested to sign when they arrive and leave the facility. This enables staff to inform family or friends of a resident’s whereabouts, particularly in case of emergency.

Question 5

What needs to be done to become a resident of Kanandah?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible for residential aged care you need to be in possession of a current Aged Care Assessment Team assessment. This document states whether you are entitled to residential respite care and/or permanent care.

An application to become a resident is then completed so as to provide essential confidential details of your health status, financial status and personal identification details. Should you not wish to provide your financial details to Kanandah you will need to provide the details to CentreLink to enable the Department of Social Services to assess your entitlements to care subsidies.

When Kanandah is able to offer you accommodation you will be required to attend an interview to enable the Registered Nurses to gauge your care requirements and to assist them in developing your initial personalised Care Plan. At the meeting your dietary preferences will be noted and your diet plan developed.

The financial implications and costs of residential aged care will be explained to you in detail prior to you becoming a resident to ensure there are no financial surprises once you have entered residential aged care.

Question 6

How do I obtain respite care?

Accepted Answer

The entry procedures for respite care are similar to those for full time care provided the Aged Care Assessment Team assessment indicates you are eligible for respite care.

Each eligible person is entitled to sixty-three days of funded respite care a year. Provided you have used less than sixty-three days of your entitlement Kanandah will be able to provide you with respite, provided there is a room available for the period you require respite care.

In the event that you have used your allocation of sixty-three days of respite care for the year then you may still be able to enjoy respite care as an unfunded respite resident provided you are willing to meet the costs of the additional fees. The Department of Health can also be approached to provide additional funded respite care in certain circumstances.

The financial implications and costs of respite care will be explained to you in detail prior to you becoming a resident to ensure there are no financial surprises once you have entered respite care.

Question 7

What other costs will I incur?

Accepted Answer

Each resident is required to pay the Basic Daily Fee which currently equates to 85% of the standard Aged Pension. This Fee is adjusted each time the Aged Pension is adjusted.

The financial status of each resident is initially assessed and then continuously monitored by CentreLink. Depending on the outcome of these assessments the resident may be required by the Department of Health to contribute an amount each fortnight to their ongoing Care Fee which is additional to the Basic Daily Fee.

Question 8

Are residents able to consume alcohol while in the Hostel?

Accepted Answer

Residents have the right to consume alcohol within the Hostel with the agreement of their General Practitioner, who will document the agreed amounts. We do, however, ask that consumption be kept at a socially acceptable level in respect of the rights of other residents.

The catering arrangements for Happy Hour and other special occasions include providing alcohol to residents and their guests, on request at a small charge.

Where considered prudent Care Staff will place the personal alcohol supplies of residents in storage and, in accordance with their care management plan and the directions of their general practitioner, ration supply to the residents concerned.

Question 9

Do I need to provide any personal linen?

Accepted Answer

Kanandah is responsible for the supply of all linen to Hostel and Douro Lodge residents. Such items include sheets, pillowcases, towels, face washer and bathroom floor mat. Residents may, if they prefer, bring and use their personal linen.

Question 10

Are motorized mobility aids permitted in the Hostel?

Accepted Answer

Residents wanting to use a motorized mobility aid, that is a ‘gopher’ or similar vehicle, at Kanandah will first need to be assessed for their suitability to use it. The assessment will be organized by Kanandah and approval will be provided in writing. For that reason it is recommended that the gopher is not purchased until the assessment has been conducted.

Residents who use gophers are required to drive carefully and at the lowest speed when on Kanandah grounds. Should a resident use their gopher in such a way that there are concerns about safety to themselves or other residents their approval to use it may be reconsidered. Recharging and maintaining the gopher is the responsibility of the resident.

Residents are responsible for maintaining their gophers in good condition and having appropriate insurance. Kanandah will provide a safe and secure area for storage and re-charging. Gophers no longer in use must not be stored on the grounds.

Question 11

Is there a waiting list or other qualifying period before becoming a resident?

Accepted Answer

Kanandah will consider all applications no matter what religious or cultural background the applicant may come from. Your special needs will also be given detailed consideration with respect to the provision of care.

Kanandah maintains a list of all prospective residents and of all people making enquiries for residency. If and when a vacancy occurs those on the list are contacted and asked if they still seek residency. Kanandah retains the right to select the person considered in most need of residential care subject to the accommodation that is available and Kanandah’s ability to provide the level of care required by the applicant.

Question 12

Will I be able to spend the rest of my days at Kanandah?

Accepted Answer

While there are occasionally residents with care needs that challenge our capability to meet their care requirements, Kanandah is very proud of its ability to provide for every need and comfort for the vast majority of its residents, including palliative care needs. There are, regrettably, occasions when Kanandah is not able to fully meet the complex health requirements of some residents. The family members and, to the extent possible, the resident and General Practitioner are fully involved in all decisions to re-locate a resident.

Frequently Asked Questions