Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility for retirement unit or apartment requires the applicant to be aged 60 years or older, independent, and undergo a medical assessment.

SA Housing Trust rental units have other prerequisites. Contact the SA Housing Trust for more details https://dcsi.sa.gov.au/services/housing-sa

Except for the rental units, Resthaven retirement units are acquired on a ‘Licence to Occupy’ basis, with market values set by an independent, qualified property valuer every 12 months.

Resthaven’s retirement units are regulated by South Australian law, via the Retirement Villages Act 2016 and the Retirement Villages Regulations 2017.

Learn more about costs and how to apply to live in a Resthaven retirement unit or apartment 

You are required to pay a fortnightly maintenance fee, payable in advance.

This fee covers council rates, gardening, sewer and water rates (within limitations), administration expenses, repairs and maintenance of buildings and plant.

No, unfortunately you cannot bring your pets.

All units have a car park and most have a small garden area.

The Retirement Living Coordinator conducts regular tours of Resthaven’s retirement living accommodation, and is always happy to help with any questions you may have.

Just click the site tour tab on one of these locations

Or call the Retirement Living Coordinator on (08) 8370 3756, email retirement@resthaven.asn.au.

No. As your agreement is Licence to Occupy, this means you do not own the ‘bricks and mortar’ of the property.

Any maintenance or upgrades must be requested through the maintenance manager.

Yes, you will be responsible for your own personal contents and public liability insurance.

You are responsible for your own utility accounts, including electricity, gas, telephone, internet and emergency call bell if required.

No. There is no provision for boats or caravans.

Yes, you are encouraged to maintain your lifestyle after moving into a retirement unit.

If you intend to be away for an extended period, please let reception know of the dates you will be away.

Maintenance fees continue to be charged while you are away.

Resthaven Community Services offers home care services to those living in retirement living for when they need some extra help.

You may access our in-home support services for an affordable fee. This may include support with household tasks, personal care, shopping, meal preparation, and other support as negotiated.

Click here for more information about in-home support and care.

For government funded home care, contact Resthaven Community Services on 1300 136 633. We’ll facilitate your My Aged Care or ACAT referral.

Don’t want to wait for assessment? Call Resthaven Community Services on 1300 136 633 and ask us about our full fee Affordable Private Service, ‘Lifestyle Choices Plus’, or click here for more information.

Yes. To determine your eligibility, contact Resthaven Community Services on 1300 136 633. We’ll facilitate your My Aged Care or ACAT referral.

Retirement living residents who have a current ACAT assessment for residential respite may be able to access a period of respite at one of our residential care homes.

Click here for more information about Support for Carers

All retirement living residents have priority placement into Resthaven residential services when their circumstances change.

Find out more about residential care at Resthaven

Approximately 8% of the South Australian population make a deliberate decision to downsize to a communal or village setting. People of all ages are attracted to retirement living. The great majority choose to move from age 60 years onward. A number of individuals choose this option in their 70s and 80s. They are all active and positive contributors to their community and activities of life, responsible for their own shopping, household tasks such as laundry, cleaning and meals. They are not restricted in what they choose to do each day.

Quite the opposite.

Moving into retirement living when you’re fit and healthy, means you can fully enjoy the community and lifestyle. You can associate with others as little, or as much as you please, it’s up to you.

Many people comment that they should have moved earlier.

You won’t need to worry about the responsibilities of ongoing home maintenance, security concerns, or the cost and effort of taking care of a large home.

There is also peace of mind, knowing that in-home care and support can be provided if required, and access to community services and wellness groups.

Retirement villages comprise both not-for-profit and privately owned groups. Both offer good quality options.

As in any market environment, people need to research their options carefully and understand what a village offers, accommodation prices, the refund value given on departure and how this is calculated, what extra costs may be identified after vacating the village, maintenance fees, what services are included and what additional services may cost.

Retirement living residents are covered by protections under the Retirement Villages Act; Resthaven recommends people ensure a village is covered under this Act and understand the terms of their agreement with their provider.

Find out more about your options and how to apply for a retirement unit or apartment at Resthaven

Retirement living means living independently in a village-like atmosphere.

Our retirement villages are diverse in size; from small clusters of units, to large groups of units with community facilities nearby. Some offer residential aged care co-located on site.

As with any shared setting (such as community or strata title apartment settings) there are rules to consider prior to deciding to move.

Downsizing from a family home can be difficult at first, but many find it liberating, and financially advantageous.

Retirement villages take care of gardens and maintenance, allowing more time for enjoyable activities, peace of mind, security, social interaction and a community of like-minded people.

Retirement living is not to be confused with a residential aged care home (formerly known as a nursing home), which caters for people needing high levels of care and support in a 24 hour staffed environment. An assessment through My Aged Care is required to be eligible for this level of care.

All Resthaven Independent Living options are co-located on site with a residential aged care home, making a transition easier if needed in the future for yourself or a partner.

Should additional support be needed in a retirement village, home support services can be accessed that maximise independence and quality of life. Support may include personal care, cooking, cleaning and medication management.

Resthaven’s residential care homes provide accommodation and support for older people who can no longer live at home, for a variety of reasons.

As each person’s situation is different, please contact our Accommodation Enquiries team on (08) 8373 9113 for an obligation free chat.

Aged care fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. However, as with all aged care services, you are expected to contribute to the cost of care if you can afford to do so.

You won’t be denied accommodation if you can’t afford it.

All accommodation payments are means tested, and will be one of the following:

• NO COSTS. If your income and assets are below a certain amount, the Australian Government will pay your accommodation costs.
• If you are required to pay part of the accommodation costs, the Australian Government will pay the rest.
• You are required to pay the full cost of your accommodation.

Click here to visit the Financial Information for Residential Care.

Click here to view the Residential Care Fee Estimator page on My Aged Care.

Resthaven will help you to apply in any way we can.

Our Accommodation Enquiries team will provide you with information and support to ensure a smooth transition to residential care.

Click here to find out how to apply

Contact us on (08) 8373 9113, and we’ll facilitate your ACAT assessment with My Aged Care.

The decision to move into residential care is usually brought on by a gradual or rapid change in your circumstances.

There are many aspects to consider before moving into aged care.

This can include location, priority and timeframes, which may be determined by circumstances.

Our Accommodation Enquiries team will provide you with information and support to inform your enquiries about residential care.

Contact us on (08) 8373 9113.

You are welcome to  bring your own furniture, as long as it fits comfortably in your room.

Resthaven can supply a limited amount of furniture if you require it.

You may bring your own bed if it is single size with casters, but this will need to be discussed beforehand with the manager regarding safety needs.

Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate personal pets.

Yes.

Our sites undergo regular accreditation processes by the Australian Government body, the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency.

You can view the most recent status of Resthaven facilities (and other organisations) with regard to the aged care standards at www.accreditation.org.au.

All Resthaven homes offer regular tours.

Please visit the Tours tab in each Care Home listing to contact the site to check dates and make a booking.

Click here to browse our Care Homes

We offer limited accommodation for couples.

Please contact our Accommodation Enquiries team on (08) 8373 9113 to discuss your specific situation.

The first step is to speak with the staff.

The manager may be able to assist if necessary. We can arrange an interpreter for you if required.

Next, you (or your advocate) should speak with a senior member of staff, the manager or coordinator.

An alternative forum for open discussion is offered through the regular residents, clients and advisory committee meetings.

Should you feel an issue or concern remains unresolved, write to the:

Chief Executive Officer
Resthaven Incorporated
PO Box 327, Unley SA 5061
Facsimile: (08) 8373 0976
Telephone: (08) 8373 0211
Email: headoffice@resthaven.asn.au

You can also call Resthaven on (08) 8373 9000 during office hours, fill out a feedback form, titled, ‘We’d like to hear from you’ (available at all Resthaven locations), or contact us through the website.

Visit our Feedback page

We will respond as soon as possible, and inform you of how we are responding to your concerns. Please be assured that all matters will be treated with discretion. We respect your privacy, and will only use personal information for the primary purpose of responding to your issue.

We encourage you to bring your concerns or suggestions to our attention in the first instance.

Alternatively, you may seek independent advice from an external advocate.

The Aged Care Complains Commissioner has a range of resources to help you to raise a concern or complaint. It is a free service.  Ph: 1800 550 552

Visit the website

The Aged Rights Avocacy Service (ARAS) has been supporting older people in South Australia to uphold their aged care and human rights for over 25 years.

Ph: (08) 8232 5377 or 1800 372 310

Visit the website

The wellbeing of residents is of utmost importance.

Resthaven ensures a high quality service by measuring many clinical aspects of care in our eleven residential homes. These include skin health, minimising use of restraint, and weight loss.

Skin becomes more fragile as we age.

Pressure sores can be an issue in older people with circulation issues or mobility limitations. Resthaven collects data relating to pressure sores monthly at each site, and quarterly at a corporate level.

Resthaven Residential Services promotes a restraint-free approach.

Restraints, such as bed rails or door codes, are only ever used as a last resort, when a person may harm themselves or others, experience loss of dignity, or damage property. Restraint is monitored quarterly across all residential sites.

Making decisions about restraint in aged care – A guide to understanding restraint

Reports relating to skin health and restraint are provided to the corporate Manager Residential Services and Care Coordinators, as well as to the corporate Quality Work Health Safety Committee, and the Board Governance Committee. Additionally, processes related to these clinical health areas are monitored through corporate audit processes.

Weight loss is another issue that people may face as their bodies’ age.

Resthaven has a number of procedures and processes in place to identify, monitor and manage any resident’s unplanned weight loss or gain, which may include referral to external allied health practitioners as required. Processes have been developed in consultation with the contracted Dietitian, and those related to management of residents’ unplanned weight loss are monitored through corporate audit processes.

Resthaven’s Community Services are Australian Government-funded home support or home care designed to help you to live independently in your own home as you get older.

You might find that need some help with tasks that you can no longer manage as well as you did beforehand.

Early on, you might need help in the home. You could also need aids and equipment to help you with daily living. You might need therapy services that can help you with maintaining wellness, management of chronic conditions and rehabilitation.

As you get older, you might need help with tasks like dressing or preparing meals. Later, you may also need some level of nursing care to stay living in your own home.

Resthaven’s home support and home care services are designed with the aim of meeting your changing needs over time.

Resthaven offers a wide range of home care services which are widely accessible, and delivered in your own home.

We work with you to choose what support would enable you to continue living at home.

You may choose to receive support with household tasks, home maintenance, shopping, social activities, keeping healthy, personal care and nursing care.

Click here to read more about Home Care Services

Did you know you can access affordable home services without assessment or eligibility testing?

Resthaven’s Lifestyle Choices Plus delivers tailored services when and where you want it, with no waiting!

Click here to find out more about Lifestyle Choices Plus

Anyone over 65 is eligible to apply for Home Care Services if they have a My Aged Care and/or ACAT referral.

We also offer specialised services to those who are:

• Aged 65 years and over
• Living with dementia {link to dementia care}
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who are aged 50 years and over
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) {link to multiculturalism & advocacy}
• Veterans of the Australian or allied defence force, including their spouse, widow or widower {link to veterans’ support}
• Located in rural or remote areas
• Financially or socially disadvantaged
• Homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless
• Care leavers (including Forgotten Australians, Former Child Migrants and Stolen Generations)
• Parents separated from their children by forced adoption or removal
• People from lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities.

All applicants must apply through My Aged Care.

Call Resthaven now on 1300 136 633, and we’ll facilitate your My Aged Care or ACAT referral.

Did you know you can access affordable home services without assessment or eligibility testing?

Resthaven’s Lifestyle Choices Plus delivers tailored services when and where you want it, with no waiting!

Click here to find out more about Lifestyle Choices Plus

If you need an interpreter, all you need to do is ask a Resthaven staff member. Use of an appropriately qualified, accredited interpreter can be arranged with the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450.

Anyone can refer themselves to Resthaven home support or home care services. You or a family member or friend can make your own referral. Of course, your GP or another health professional can also help you with referral. Call Resthaven on 1300 13 66 33.

All access to Australian Government-funded home support or home care services including access to Resthaven’s government-funded services, apart from some services to Australian veterans, is channelled through MyAgedCare. Call Resthaven on 1300 13 66 33 and we’ll help you with a MyAgedCare referral.

Resthaven provides a user-pays, fee-for-service basis through Resthaven’s Lifestyle Choices Plus services that are provided to exactly the same high quality and exacting standards as Resthaven’s fully Australian Aged Care Quality Agency-accredited government funded services. Call Resthaven on 1300 13 66 33 and talk to us about Lifestyle Choices Plus.

MyAgedCare, sometimes referred to as MAC, is the Australian Government’s common gateway toAustralian Government-funded aged care services.

If you want to take up Australian-Government funded home support or home care services you need to contact MyAgedCare by calling 1800 200 422 or visiting the MyAgedCare website www.myagedcare.gov.au

All access to Australian Government-funded home support or home care services, apart from some services to Australian veterans, is channelled through My Aged Care. This includes all access to Resthaven’s Australian Government-funded services.

Resthaven is able to help you make contact with My Aged Care. Call Resthaven on 1300 13 66 33 and we’ll assist you with a referral to My Aged Care.

Your level of need for community programs such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or Home Care Packages will be determined by an assessment undertaken by an independent My Aged Care Regional Assessment Service (RAS) or Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).

Resthaven provides services directly to people who may be ineligible for or choose not to use Australian Government-funded services. These services are provided on a user-pays, fee-for-service basis through Resthaven’s Lifestyle Choices Plus.

Resthaven’s Lifestyle Choices Plus are provided to exactly the same high quality and exacting standards as Resthaven’s fully Australian Aged Care Quality Agency-accredited government funded services.

Call Resthaven on 1300 13 66 33 to find out more about Resthaven’s fee-for-service Lifestyle Choices Plus.

Community Services such as home care, are based on a fee for service. The amount you need to contribute depends on your income and the number of services you require.

These services are partly funded by the Australian Government. Costs will vary, but are designed to be affordable.

Click here to visit the Financial Information page

Fees for Home Care Package services are set by the Australian Government and are revised twice annually. All clients of Home Care Packages are expected to pay the Basic Daily Fee.

If your income is more than the basic age pension you will be required to pay an additional Income Tested Fee (ITF) for Home Care Package services. This ITF is calculated three-monthly by Centrelink, based on your income and is advised to you by Centrelink.

Fees for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services are set by Resthaven annually and are advised to all clients of the CHSP.

Costs for services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the Home Care Packages are explained on the My Aged Care website – Help at home: costs explained

To apply, call Resthaven Community Services now on 1300 13 66 33, and we’ll facilitate your My Aged Care or ACAT referral.

It is expected that all Resthaven Community Services clients pay fees that are set by the Australian Government or by Resthaven as a contribution towards the cost of the services they receive.

If a person feels that their circumstances mean that they will be unable to pay the full set fee, this may be discussed with a Resthaven representative.

People who feel that they will be unable to afford the payment of fees for a Home Care Package may apply to Centrelink for Financial Hardship Assistance. Financial hardship assistance is available for the Basic Daily Fee and/or the Income Tested Fee (ITF) for people who started receiving a Home Care Package on or after 1 July 2014.

Assistance that is available to people who feel they can’t afford to pay fees is outlined on the My Aged Care website – What if I can’t afford to pay?

Yes, you can choose Resthaven as the organisation that you want to provide your services. When you make contact with MyAgedCare by phone on 1800 200 422 you will be asked questions that establish your eligibility to received Australian Government-funded services, you will also be able to advise call centre staff or an assessor if you have a preference for which organisation you want to provide your services. You have a right to make this preference known.

We ask you to note that access to Resthaven services may be constrained by availability of given serves in your area.

If you have a preference to use Resthaven to provide you with services but there is a waiting list, Resthaven provides services on a user-pays, fee-for-service basis through Resthaven’s Lifestyle Choices Plus. You may use these services in the interim while you wait for subsidised service to become available at Resthaven.

Resthaven’s Lifestyle Choices Plus are provided to exactly the same high quality and exacting standards as Resthaven’s fully Australian Aged Care Quality Agency-accredited government funded services.

Call Resthaven on 1300 13 66 33 to find out more about Resthaven’s fee-for-service Lifestyle Choices Plus.

From 27 February 2017, the Government’s ‘Increasing Choice in Home Care’ came into effect.

This means, if you want to choose Resthaven to deliver your services, you will not need to reapply—you can take your package with you.

Contact Resthaven Community Services on 1300 136 633 for more information.

Click here to request a call back

If you are not eligible for a government-funded package, you can still access these services on a full fee for service basis via our Affordable Private Services program, Lifestyle Choices Plus.

Click here to find out more about Lifestyle Choices Plus

Call Resthaven Community Services now on 1300 136 633 for more information.

A RAS (pronounced razz) is a Regional Assessment Service that is part of MyAgedCare. Once you have made contact with MyAgedCare on 1800 200 422, your eligibility for services and your level of need for services will be assessed over the phone.

From there, depending on that initial assessment, you might be referred for either a home support assessment which will be conducted by a local RAS or a comprehensive assessment, a ACAT, conducted by an existing Aged Care Assessment Team (See FAQ ‘What is an ACAT?)

If you are referred to a RAS, the RAS will contact you to arrange the assessment. During the home support assessment, the RAS assessor will work with you to develop a support plan that reflects your needs, goals and preferences.

The outcome of your home support assessment may include referral to Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services, such as transport, social support, domestic assistance, personal care, home maintenance, meals, home modification, nursing care and flexible respite services.

You may download a MyAgedCare Regional Assessment Service Fact Sheet as a pdf by clicking on this link: MyAgedCare Regional Assessment Service Fact Sheet.

An ACAT (pronounced ay-katt) is an Aged Care Assessment carried out by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Once you have made contact with MyAgedCare on 1800 200 422, your eligibility for services and your level of need for services will be assessed over the phone.

If it is thought that you might be in need of a Home Care Package you will be referred to your local ACAT who will organise a team member, usually a nurse, social worker or other health care professional, to see you face to face. This meeting will typically be in your own home or the hospital, if you’re currently in hospital – wherever you need or prefer to be seen. In the ACAT assessment process you will be asked various questions about what activities of daily life you need help with and then a recommendation of what level of Home Care Package you need will be made. You may like to ask a family member, friend or carer to be with you during the assessment for extra support.

The ACAT is not carried out by Resthaven; the ACAT is an independent government organisation.

Consumer Directed Care (CDC) is a way of delivering Home Care Package services that gives you choice and control over the types of care and services you receive, how care is delivered and who delivers it to you.

With CDC, you have the opportunity to decide how the funds allocated to you in your Home Care Package are used. You will know what the budget allocated to your Home Care Package is, and receive a monthly statement that lets you see exactly the funds available to you, and how they are being spent on the services that you have requested.

With CDC you can design your own service plan according to your needs and preferences. Services will be tailored to assist you to maintain independence and continue to participate in activities that are important to you.

A range of care and services can be included, such as assistance with:

• Personal care
• Activities of daily living
• Nutrition, meal preparation and diet
• Support services, including help around the home
• Clinical care
• Continence management
• Mobility and dexterity
• Leisure interests and activities
• And any other appropriate support that you discuss with your Resthaven Coordinator

Resthaven offers home care services across metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, the Limestone Coast and the Fleurieu Peninsula, so there may be a service available near you!

Find a Service near you

Call Resthaven Community Services now on 1300 13 66 33. We’ll facilitate your My Aged Care or ACAT referral.

Waiting lists generally apply for home care vacancies, and must be facilitated through My Aged Care. Waiting times vary considerably, so we encourage you to enquire.

Call Resthaven Community Services on 1300 136 633. We’ll facilitate your My Aged Care or ACAT referral.

When you apply for home care through My Aged Care, you are assessed by professionals to determine the level of supportive care that is right for you.

Receiving your services from Resthaven ensures that you are connected with caring and knowledgeable coordinators, who monitor your care plan on a regular basis and adjust support as your needs change.

Call Resthaven Community Services on 1300 13 66 33 for more information.

Short term residential respite is available for up to 63 days per person per year, often taken in blocks of about two weeks or more.

Community respite for carers of older people is also available, either in the person’s home, in groups and in centres.

Visit the Support for Carers page for more information

Call Resthaven on 1300 13 66 33. We’ll facilitate your My Aged Care or ACAT referral.

If you believe a change to your services would be beneficial, contact your coordinator or Resthaven Community Services on 1300 13 66 33.

Resthaven provides services directly to people who choose not to use Australian Government-funded services. These services are provided on a user-pays, fee-for-service basis through Resthaven’s Lifestyle Choices Plus.

Resthaven’s Lifestyle Choices Plus are provided to exactly the same high quality and exacting standards as Resthaven’s fully Australian Aged Care Quality Agency-accredited government funded services.

Call Resthaven on 1300 13 66 33 to find out more about Resthaven’s fee-for-service Lifestyle Choices Plus.

There are two Australian Government-funded programs that provide support and care to older people living in Australia to help them live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

These are the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and the Home Care Packages (HCP) Programme.

CHSP

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) helps you stay independent and in your home and community for longer. The CHSP is an entry level program for older people aged 65 years and over (or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) to provide a base level of care to support you to be independent in your own home and in your community. You can access a wide range of services such as domestic assistance; social support at home and the community, individually and in groups; support to go shopping, and health and wellness services such as podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, continence support or counselling.

CHSP combines four existing programmes that existed up until 1^st July 2015 with which some readers may be familiar:

• Commonwealth Home and Community Care (HACC)
• Planned respite from the National Respite for Carers Programme (NRCP)
• Day Therapy Centres (DTC)
• Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA)

HCP

Through individually tailored support, a Home Care Package (HCP) supports people who need assistance to remain at home.

There are four levels of HCP. Levels 1 and 2 are designed to help people with basic or low level care needs. Levels 3 and 4 help people with intermediate to high care needs.

Services are delivered using a Consumer Directed Care (CDC) approach, which gives you choice and flexibility in the way your support and care is provided. You can design your own service plan according to your needs and preferences. Services are tailored to assist you to maintain independence and continue to participate in activities that are important to you.

A range of care and services can be included, such as assistance with:

• Personal care
• Activities of daily living
• Nutrition, meal preparation and diet
• Support services, including help around the home
• Clinical care
• Continence management
• Mobility and dexterity
• Leisure interests and activities

You can also make contact with Agedcare Alternatives for free help to navigate and connect to information and support for older people and their carers. Call Agedcare Alternatives on (08) 8217 3888 or visit www.agedcarealternatives.net.au.

Agedcare Alternatives provides personalised face-to-face support from a volunteer Options Guide to help you find out more about aged care services and how to access them.

Agedcare Alternatives can provide you with information about MyAgedCare and can support you make contact with MyAgedCare if you need that support.

Follow the information in the link below to register for aged care services.

Six steps to Aged Care Services

Simply put, the six steps are:

1. Contact Resthaven or My Aged Care

2. Provide your details

3. Explain your needs

4. Assessment details

5. Await your referral

6. We call you

Resthaven will help you with this process, call Resthaven on 1300 13 66 33 and we’ll assist you with the steps that you need to take to access a Home Care Package.

You can also make contact with Agedcare Alternatives for free help on how to access a Home Care Package. Call Agedcare Alternatives on (08) 8217 3888 or visit www.agedcarealternatives.net.au.

Agedcare Alternatives provides personalised face-to-face support from a volunteer Options Guide to help you navigate the system and find out more about aged care services and how to access them.

Resthaven is committed to supporting and protecting the rights of all clients while recognising clients’ responsibilities.

This commitment is part of our ongoing aim to deliver high quality services that meet the needs of the people who we support to live independently at home.

All users of Australian Government-funded aged care services have certain rights and responsibilities that are part of Australian Commonwealth Aged Care legislation.

Resthaven is committed to supporting and protecting the rights of clients while recognising clients’ responsibilities. This commitment is part of Resthaven’s delivery of high quality services that meet the needs of the people who we support to live independently at home.

Your rights and responsibilities are detailed in the Charter of Rights and Responsibilities for Home Care (click the link below to download).

Charter of Rights and Responsibilities for Home Care