Last Updated (Tuesday, 19 August 2008 01:58)Written by AdministratorTuesday, 17 June 2008 05:02

Frequently Asked Questions

Following are questions frequently asked of us. If you have any others please contact the manager Sue Delahunt by telephone or email.

Administration - admission

1. I think my elderly relative/friend needs to move into a rest home. How do I organise this?

Specialised services are available to assess the needs of older people who are considering a move into a rest home. In Wellington the Capital & Coast DHB has a service called the Care Co-ordination Centre (ph 04 238 2020). You can either phone the centre direct or, preferably, ask your relative/friend's doctor to refer them for assessment. .The assessment will determine their eligibility for residential care or, possibly, extra support services that enable them to remain in their home.

2. How do I know what sort of care my relative needs?

The assessment carried out by the Care Coordination Centre will identify the level and type of care required.

3. Who pays for residential care?

Once it has been established that you need residential care you can apply for a financial means assessment. Your assets and income will be used to determine whether you qualify for a government Residential Care Subsidy. Full details are available from the Work and Income Residential Care Subsidy Unit (0800 999727).

Even if you do qualify for a subsidy you will still need to contribute towards the cost of your care from any income you receive including a benefit or pension - such as your New Zealand superannuation.

4. If my superannuation goes towards the cost of my care do I have any spending money?

Yes, you will receive a weekly personal allowance and an annual clothing allowance.

5. If I do not qualify for a subsidy how much will my care cost?

The maximum amount you will have to pay is set annually by the Ministry of Health. The amount varies between regions but as from 1 July 2007 the maximum amount for the Wellington City region was set at $751.59 per week. We have yet to be advised of the rates from 1st July 2008 although we understand these will be in the region of $772.66 per week.

6. I need a holiday. Can you look after my relative while I am away?

We do occasionally have beds available for respite care while you take a break. If you call us we can tell you if we have one free.

Care

7. What happens if my relative is living in the rest home but becomes sick and needs hospital care?

Vincentian is licensed to provide rest home and hospital level care. All that would be involved is an assessor visiting from the Care Coordination Centre and approving the need for hospital level care. Refer Q3 for assessment information.

8. How many registered nurses do you have on duty each day?

We have a Clinical Manager and a Registered Nurse on every morning shift and we have an experienced Registered Nurse on the afternoon and evening shifts. The Manager is also a Registered Nurse.

9. Are most of your staff permanent or do you have to hire from agencies?

Vincentian has a full roster of permanent staff but there are times when agency staff are required. . Usually we hire only from one agency and the caregivers and nurses are regular to Vincentian. The majority of staff has been with us for longer than two years and ten have been here 10 years or longer.

10. Which doctor will look after me in the Home?

We have a contracted GP who visits weekly and is on call 24 hours. Dr Rodenberg is part of the Island Bay Medical Centre just 5 minutes drive from Vincentian. If you wish to continue using your current doctor you will need to arrange this with them. Their visits will attract a fee which you will have to pay.

Meals

11. Can my relative have breakfast in bed if that is what they want?

Most of the residents are served breakfast in bed. However, both rest home and hospital dining rooms are open if you prefer to have breakfast at the table.

12. What time are the meals served?

Breakfast is served between 7.30 and 8.30am. Morning Tea is at 10am. The main meal of the day is lunch at 12midday and this is served in the main dining room and conservatory. Those residents requiring help with their meals are served a little earlier. Afternoon Tea is at 3pm. The evening meal is served at 5pm and supper at 7pm.

13. Am I allowed to drink alcohol?

You are most welcome to have a pre-dinner drink or a glass of wine with your meal if you wish however this is not supplied by the facility.

14. Can my family or friends join me sometimes for morning/afternoon tea or midday meals?

Your family and friends are more than welcome to join you for morning/afternoon tea. They may also join you for a midday meal as long as this is arranged with the cook before hand. There is a small cost of $5 for this meal.

Personal

15. What personal belongings may I bring?

You are encouraged to bring your favourite chair, a television set, pictures and ornaments or other items that make you feel right at home. Almost anything is acceptable providing it can fit in your room and does not cause a safety risk.

16. Can I have Sky TV?

Yes, the facility is wired to receive Sky TV in each room. You will need to arrange this directly with Sky at your own cost.

17. Can I have my own phone?

Yes, this should be organised by yourself or your relative through Telecom and will need to be paid for by yourself. There are phones available throughout the facility for public use.

18. What are the visiting hours?

There are no set visiting hours. Your family and friends are free to call in whenever they wish.