Before you can enter an aged care facility like SomerCare, an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS), as it is known in Victoria, must assess you. ACATs are teams of health professionals, such as doctors, nurses or social workers, who provide information, advice and assistance to older people who are having difficult living at home.

You can contact ACAT directly or be referred by your doctor, medical centre or local hospital.

An ACAT will then:

• Assess your individual needs taking into account your home life, medical history and support networks to work out the best care option for you
• Determine whether you are eligible for low or high level care
• Give you information about residential aged care and home care services in your area
• Help arrange special respite care should you require it

ACAT assessments are free and valid for up to 12 months. You will receive a copy of your assessment in person or by mail. If you are assessed as eligible you should keep a copy of this assessment, as it is the approval for your move to the residential aged care facility.

If you require any assistance with your ACAT assessment don't hesitate to phone SomerCare on: 03 5597 9922.

Now that you have been assessed by an ACAT as eligible for residential aged care, you may begin looking for an appropriate home that suits your needs.

At SomerCare we are unique in our ability to meet the full range of needs including:

• High and low level care
• Aging-in-place
• Dementia specific care
• Respite care

The best way to get a sense of the service provided and to determine whether the accommodation is suitable is to arrange a visit to SomerCare. Please call us to arrange a tour at your convenience.

If you wish to accept a place you are welcome to meet with SomerCare's manager to discuss your personal needs.

Aged care homes charge a number of fees, though not all apply to every prospective resident.

At SomerCare we understand that working out the financial requirements of entering an aged care home can be confusing and we are happy to arrange a meeting with our financial services manager to explain the fee structure.

If you are interested in applying for residency at SomerCare, we will provide you with an information pack, which contains the Application for Residential Aged Care Forms.

Applicants will be required to provide information about their personal circumstances, legally and financially, as well as their preferences. This allows for a better assessment of the applicants needs.

When a place become available at SomerCare the applicant or the applicant's nominated individual will be contacted by the aged care home. The applicant is not obligated to accept that place. However if the applicant does accept the place they will have up to seven days to move in. For an information package and application to SomerCare click here or phone 03 59779922.

At SomerCare we understand that moving in to an aged care home can be a stressful experience for everyone; the new resident, family members and carers.

When a person moves into an aged care home they must adapt to a new environment, a new schedule or routine and many unfamiliar faces that will become part of daily life.

At SomerCare we work hard to ensure that this transition is smooth and that new residents settle in as quickly and as comfortably as possible. Our experienced team spends time with new residents and their families and carers familiarising ourselves with their specific needs and requirements.

Preparing to move - what to take?

On a practical level, SomerCare provides most of what you will need. However residents can bring items of their own including:

• A favourite chair
• Television/video/DVD
• Radio/CD player
• Lamp
• Bedside table
• Photos/pictures/paintings
• Books, music and other memorabilia

At SomerCare we guide new residents on all aspects of the move. Our team is also available to answer any questions regarding daily life at SomerCare, managing ones personal affairs and the support networks available.

For more information or to apply for residence at SomerCare click here or phone 03 59779922.