Australian Government Directory of Services for Older People 2012-2013
Glossary
Table of contents
Accommodation Bond
In relation to a person, means an amount of money that does not accrue daily and is paid or payable to an approved provider by the person for the person's entry to a residential care service or flexible care service through which care is, or is to be, provided by the approved provider, and in respect of which the approved provider holds an allocation of places.Accommodation Charge
An additional daily charge that is paid or payable by a high (nursing home) level care resident other than on an extra service basis for entry to an aged care home. The charge is in addition to the basic daily fee and any income-tested fee amount that may apply.Accreditation
Accreditation is the formal recognition provided to an Australian Government funded residential aged care home by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd, where that home is considered to be operating in accordance with the Accreditation Standards as set out in the Quality of Care Principles 1997.Accreditation Standards
Standards that set out the quality of care and services to be provided by approved providers, and against which Australian Government-funded residential aged care homes are assessed for the purposes of accreditation. There are four accreditation standards and 44 expected outcomes focusing on Management Systems, Staffing and Organisational Development; Health and Personal Care; Resident Lifestyle; and Physical Environment and Safe Systems.Administrative Appeals Tribunal
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) is a body that someone can go to if they do not agree with a decision that has been made about them by an Australian Government agency. It is a high level independent body which reviews Australian Government administrative actions. It is not a court.Advocacy Service
Community-based Advocacy Services provide free and confidential advice and information to residents and their representatives. They also undertake individual casework, where appropriate, on issues of concern to residents of Australian Government-subsidised aged care homes.Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs)
ACATs help older people and their carers work out what kind of care will best meet their needs when they are no longer able to manage at home without assistance. ACATs provide information on suitable care options and can help arrange access or referral to appropriate residential or community care. An ACAT may include a doctor, nurse, social worker, occupational therapist or physiotherapist.Aged Care Complaints Scheme
The Aged Care Complaints Scheme is a free service available to anyone who wishes to provide information or raise a complaint or concern about an Australian Government-funded aged care service, including residential aged care homes, community aged care packages and flexible care.Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd
Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd is the body appointed by the Department of Health and Ageing as the accreditation body under the Aged Care Act 1997. An independent company limited by guarantee, it is subject to the Corporations Act 2001 and the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.Aged Care Commissioner
The Aged Care Commissioner (the Commissioner) holds a statutory appointment and is independent of the Department of Health and Ageing and the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.The Commissioner can:
- review examinable decisions made by the Aged Care Complaints Scheme in relation to the investigation of complaints
- examine the Department of Health and Ageing's processes for investigating complaints as a result of a complaint or on the Commissioner's own initiative ('own motion')
- examine complaints about how the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency conducts itself with regard to the accreditation of Australian Government-subsidised aged care services.
Carer
A carer is any person who, through family relationship or friendship, looks after a frail older person or someone with a medical condition or disability.Top of page
Carer Allowance
A fortnightly allowance paid to a person caring for a relative or friend at home. This allowance is payable to people who care for someone assessed as requiring a high level of care. The Department of Human Services administers the Carer Allowance.Carer Payment
An income support payment for carers who, because of the demands of their caring role, are unable to support themselves through substantial paid employment. The Department of Human Services administers the Carer Payment.Community Aged Care Package (CACP)
The Community Aged Care Package (CACP) Program provides a community alternative for frail older people who have complex care needs and want to remain at home, but require support services to do so. They also require care planning and case management. CACPs are tailored to meet individual needs.Community Care
Care services provided in the community to frail older Australians, those with a disability and their carers to help them remain in their homes as long as reasonably possible. These services are provided through a range of programs offering varying levels of care.ComSuper
ComSuper administers superannuation schemes for Australian Government employees and Defence Force members.Day Therapy Centres
The Day Therapy Centre Program aims to provide a wide range of therapy services to frail older people living in the community and to residents of Australian Government-funded residential aged care facilities. Therapy services are offered to individuals or groups of clients to help them maintain or recover a level of independence - allowing them to remain in the community or in low level residential care.Department of Human Services
Centrelink, Medicare Australia, Child Support Agency and CRS Australia are now part of the Australian Government Department of Human Services. The department is now responsible for their payments and services. You may notice changes to our signage, websites, phone messages, logos on our correspondence as we bring together information about our services and payments for you. Learn more at the Human Services websiteExtended Aged Care at Home (EACH)
The Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) Program provides care to frail older people who require high level residential care but have expressed a preference to live at home and are able to do so with the aid of a care package. EACH provides coordinated and managed packages of care, tailored to meet individual needs.Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia (EACHD)
EACHD packages are designed to assist people with dementia who experience difficulties in their daily life because of behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with their dementia. EACHD packages provide the same range of services that EACH provides. However, EACHD packages offer flexible service approaches and strategies to meet the specific needs of care recipients who have behaviours of concern associated with their dementia.Flexible Program
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program (‘Flexible program’) provides quality, flexible, culturally appropriate aged care to older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders close to their home and community.Residential Aged Care
Personal and/or nursing care provided to a person in an aged care home in which the person is also provided with accommodation that includes staffing, meals, cleaning services, furnishings and equipment that is appropriate for the provision of that care and accommodation.Respite Care
Respite Care is care given as an alternative care arrangement. The primary purpose is to give the carer or a resident a short-term break from their usual care arrangement.Top of page