Admission Help | General FAQ

Realizing that you need to go into residential care or have to put a loved one into care is a very emotional time for the family. Often you can become very overwhelmed with all that is involved and you leave a prospective centre thinking of things you have forgotten to ask. Some of the frequently asked questions are:

1.  Is there a restriction on visiting hours?

Visiting hours in SummitCare facilities are very flexible and try and accommodate resident and family needs wherever possible. Visiting hours generally commence at 8:00am and extend to 8:00 in the evening. However, visiting hours may be extended depending on residents' needs. If visiting outside normal hours you are requested to keep noise to a minimum.

 

2.  Am I able to leave the centre on occasions?

Yes, you are entitled to 52 nights leave per calendar year

3.  Can I have the doctor of my choice?

Yes, you can either ask your current doctor if they will continue to provide care once you have entered the centre, or you can choose from a list of GPs given to you by the centre. It is your responsibility to arrange for ongoing medical care by a general practitioner prior to entering the home.

4.  What activities are available within the centre?

Each SummitCare centre employs Recreational Activities Officers who organise individual and group activities for all residents. Some examples of activities regularly enjoyed include bingo, art & craft, reminiscence and games. RAOs regularly come up with new activities to try out, and the activity calendar is changed every month.

5.  Does the centre provide day trips?

Not all Summit centres provide day trips. However, the activity programs provide for both internal and external activities conducted on the premises.

6.  Are the meals cooked on the premises or brought in from outside?

All meals are freshly cooked in our centres. A seasonal menu is developed in consultation with a Dietitian to ensure the highest standard of nutrition and taste.

7.  Will I have assistance with hygiene?

This is dependant on your assessed needs. Residents requiring assistance are supported by staff whenever required.

 

 

8.  Do I need to arrange to have my laundry done?

SummitCare centres arrange laundry for all residents. Some centres have internal laundries while others outsource laundry.

9.  Is physiotherapy available?

On entering SummitCare services all residents are assessed by a qualified physiotherapist and an individual care plan is developed based on the assessed care need. The physiotherapy plan is then managed by a physiotherapy aide and the care staff . The care plan is evaluated three monthly and the residents are reviewed 3 monthly or as required.

10. Am I able to have a telephone in my room?

Yes, telephones can be arranged with the administration assistant at the centre. Residents are billed directly from the telephone service provider and are responsible for ensuring that the account is paid.

11. What personal items and furnishings am I able to bring in?

No furniture should be brought into the centre without prior discussion with senior management. Personal items of a small nature can be brought into the service such as photo frames, favourite ornaments and the like.

12. If I am taken ill will I be sent to hospital?

When a resident becomes ill the general practitioner is notified in the first instance ,should the medical officer not be available then depending on the severity of the illness they will be transferred to hospital following notification of the person responsible.

 

 

13. Am I allowed to smoke on the premises?

Smoking on the premises is only permitted in designated smoking areas. Residents who wish to smoke can do so in designated smoking areas following a risk assessment conducted by the care team.

 

 

back to top