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Frequently Asked Questions

Facilities & Services Questions

When can visitors come to see me?

Your visitors are welcome to visit you at any time. Our only request is that if they are with you during meal times, that you invite them to sit with you in your room or in a quiet area rather than in the dining room.

What does a typical menu look like?

We have appealing menu choices at lunch and dinner each day. All meals are prepared in our own kitchen and are of excellent quality. Click here to see a sample Lulworth menu

Can I have wine with my meals?

Yes, we're happy to order red or white wine for you [subject to doctor's orders] and we offer a choice of quality wine, beer, and soft drinks at main meals.

Can I stay out overnight if I want to visit someone?

Yes of course. The only restriction is the government requirement that you don't stay outside the facility for more than 52 nights per year.

Can I have my own doctor?

Yes certainly, provided he or she is willing to come and visit you. Alternatively we have some St Luke's accredited general practitioners who can visit you as needed.

What about medications?

For your convenience, we provide your required medications and arrange the billing for you.

Can I have my own furniture?

Yes of course, we want you to feel at home. Many of our residents bring a favourite chair, a side cabinet, pictures and ornaments with them. We do insist that you use our bed as it electrically operated for occupational health and safety reasons. We also discourage rugs as they can be a hazard for tripping.

What happens with sheets and towels?

For your convenience we supply all the fresh linen that you need and launder it for you.

What other services do I have to pay for?

We provide at no extra charge therapy services, such as recreational, podiatry, occupational and physiotherapy services, relaxation therapy, art and activity classes and outings on our bus. However, you will need to pay for the hairdresser, manicurist and beautician if you choose to use their services. Internet and Foxtel are available free in common areas and can both be connected in your room for an extra charge.

Finance & Administration Questions

What are accommodation bonds?

Accommodation Bonds are payable for all low care facilities and for Extra Service high care facilities. The bonds are charged in accordance with Australian Government provisions. Refund of the bond, less the permitted annual retention and other charges, is guaranteed on discharge. At St Luke's we charge an accommodation bond from $400,000 for a large room and from $500,000 for an extra-large room. When you apply to St Luke's, we will supply you with a complete rate card of fees and charges and information about Accommodation Bonds.

Are there additional costs?

Yes, the Australian Government provides funding to aged care facilities and sets the basic daily care fee for residents to pay, with further amounts to be paid according to the resident's assessed income. St Luke's facilities are Extra Service and St Luke's residents pay an additional daily ‘extra service' amount depending on room type. Our staff will be happy to provide more information.

How do you enter St Luke's?

First you need an ACAT assessment of your health and circumstances to confirm your eligibility to enter an Aged Care facility. Contact details can be found on the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing website. Then you will need to complete a St Luke's application form and other documentation. This is a standard form of information that we need and is available from the admissions staff at St Luke's. If you need assistance to complete this information, please ask our staff.

How does the assessment work?

One or two members of the Aged Care Assessment Team in your area will visit you and ask you questions to help them work out the degree of care you need. You might want to ask a family member, friend or carer to be present during your assessment. It's also helpful to make a list of your current medications before assessment. With your approval, your doctor may tell the assessment team member about your medical history. The assessment team will ask you a number of questions during the interview and these are designed to help them work out the best care for you.

What kind of aged care do you need?

The Aged Care Assessment Team will look at your needs and provide you with information and help and advise whether you are eligible for Australian Government subsidised care. The degrees of care include:

  • Residential low level or high level care in an accredited home.
  • Help to keep you living at home through Community Aged Care programs.
  • Respite care (short term care) at an aged care home.

St Luke's can offer assistance with all these levels of aged care.

What about your assessment results?

Assessment by the people on your Aged Care Assessment Team is the key to you receiving an Australian Government subsidy for the cost of your aged care. They will discuss with you whether you need community help to continue living at home or if your needs would be better met in an aged care home. If this is the case, they will discuss whether you need low or high level care. At the end of the interview, they will explain your assessment results and either leave a copy of the report with you or post it to you. If you have been assessed by the team as eligible to enter an aged care home, you can start applying to homes that suit your needs.

What happens when you are offered a place at St Luke's?

You will be asked to enter into two Resident's Agreements: a Care Agreement and a Bond Agreement which formally set out the respective rights and obligations between us. St Luke's Care and Extra Services Agreement outlines the services to be provided, including the “extra services”as well as the care fees which are payable.

St Luke's Accommodation Bond Agreement sets out the amount, payment and refund arrangements for the Accommodation Bond. As these agreements set all the arrangements for your residency, including fees, charges and bond matters, we strongly recommend that you and your representative seek independent advice and that you ask your solicitor and your financial advisor to look at the agreements.

If you have more questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.

More Information

St Luke's Guide to Aged Care

My mum has a great time... I see how tenderly the staff treat her."

Resident's Daughter