Transition care
What is transition care?
Transition care supports you in your recovery after a hospital stay. These services provide short-term specialised care for regaining functional independence, removing the need for longer term care. This care offered is specifically tailored to your needs, and is provided in a variety of settings. This can include aged care homes, your own home, within the community or in combination.
What help is available?
Based on your specific goals and needs, there is a variety of services that transition care can provide.
Therapy services:
Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Podiatry
Dietetics
Speech pathology
Counselling services
Social work, connecting you to wider community support
Social activities such as lifestyle, cognitive, and general exercise programs.
Nursing Support:
Carried out by a registered nurse, these services include:
Pain management
Wound care
Oxygen therapy
Medication assistance
Dementia support
Catheter care
On-call access to specialised nursing services.
Personal Care:
For assistance with everyday tasks:
Bathing, showering, personal hygiene and grooming
Maintaining continence or managing incontinence
Eating and eating aids
Dressing, undressing, and using dressing aids
Moving, walking, wheelchair use, and using devices and appliances designed to aid mobility
Communication, including addressing difficulties arising from special conditions, such as dementia.
How does it work?
During your time in the hospital, an assessor will visit you for a face-to-face assessment. This can be arranged through the hospital staff, or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. If eligible, your provider will assist with travel from the hospital, as well as entering and exiting care.
Where is the care provided?
The locations of the services provided depend entirely on what the best place is for your recovery is.
High care needs: a short stay in an aged care home where support is available around the clock may be the best place for you to recover.
More minimal care needs: services can be provided at home and within the community.
A combination of locations may be utilised whilst recovering and as your care needs changed. Your transition care provider will monitor all aspects of your care and help with the transition between care settings.
How long is the program?
Ability to access transition care services for up 12 weeks per year, however, the typical length is around seven weeks. This can be extended for another six weeks; however, this involves further assessment.
What will it cost me?
If you are financially able, you will need to contribute to the cost of your care and services. Importantly, your access to transition care will not be affected by your ability to pay fees.
The costs can vary depending on the type and level of care required. The maximum amount you may need to pay:
$10.54 per day if you receive care while at home or in the community (17.5% of the single aged pension).
$51.21 per day if you receive care while in a residential setting (85% of the single aged pension).
