This checklist provides information on finding post-op care, getting assessed and what to look for when checking out post-op care facilities.
STEP 1: Consult with hospital staff
Talk to the attending doctor or social worker and ask what type of care is needed?
▢ does a nurse need to be present to treat a wound, administer medication?
▢ do you need specialised rehabilitative care?
▢ is temporary or long term care needed?
STEP 2: Decide your post-op care options
Would you like to receive post-op care:
▢ in your own home
▢ in care accommodation
STEP 3: Find a care option
▢ create a care summary on the DailyCare website
▢ tell us what you’re looking for
▢ be matched with a list of options, public and private
▢ get assessed for government-subsidised options
STEP 4: Get assessed
To receive government-funded dementia care services you will need to
▢ Start by contacting My Aged Care (Federal Government) to discuss your situation and find out if you will need to contact an Assessment Team.
▢ book a visit from an aged care assessment team if required
▢ discuss your needs with the assessment team
▢ Review your caresummary to make sure it includes post-op care options along with any other care needs recommended by the aged care assessment team
STEP 5: Locate post-op care options
In your care summary, you can choose from:
▢ home and community care options to help with low-level post-op care
▢ nursing home and assisted living care for higher-level post-op care
ADDITIONAL STEPS
STEP 5: For home carers
If you or a loved one have decided to become a full-time post-op carer, first determine:
▢ can you adequately look after the post-op requirements of a loved one?
▢ are you qualified to perform some of the tasks required?
▢ are you physically up for the job, can you handle the manual tasks?
▢ do you have the time and finances to look properly after your loved one?
▢ will your loved one recover faster in your care?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to all of these then also:
▢ check out our section on home & community care and respite care
▢ consult with Centrelink on carer payment options that may also be available
STEP 6: Checking out a post-op facility
Things to look out for when choosing a post-op facility, include:
▢ do they specialise in post-op care?
▢ how many medical staff are on hand?
▢ is the post-op bed or room comfortable and appropriately set up?
▢ do they have a comprehensive plan for your recovery?
▢ do they provide regular rehabilitation services?
▢ do they provide a regular, nutritious and appropriate food menu?
▢ can your family and friends visit at certain times?
▢ will they help organise additional care if needed when you go home?
▢ what are the out-of-pocket costs?
