FAQ

Yes, however spaces are limited and would depend on the site of interest.

Yes, both Council & Water rates are included.

In most villages there are full time maintenance personnel on staff. Residents who are keen gardeners can tend to their own garden if they wish.

Part of the monthly General Services Charge goes into a Maintenance Reserve Fund for repairs & maintenance of appliances and other items.

Southern Cross Care Pay for the replacement with Capital Items, like Hot Water Service, Ovens etc.

No. Accommodation tends not to be individually fenced therefore the control of pets would be an issue.

Yes.

Not in every village. However, Southern Cross Care Direct can provide help with meals, cleaning, shopping etc.

Yes, many do. Often the estate bus takes residents shopping locally and also to other trips and outings.

Yes. Visitors can stay for up to 4 weeks without prior approval. All we ask is that, for security reasons, you advise the Estate Manager if you have guests staying overnight.

Yes. Guest can use the facilities in the estate as long as they are accompanied by a resident.

Yes, most villages have independent telephone lines to units so residents can access broadband services.

Yes, many villages have a workshop facility where residents can potter; resident must provide their own tools.

Each of our Estates have different agreements. Caloundra Rise, Noosa Waters and Stretton Gardens are Leased entry whereas Southern Cross Edens Landing has a License for Entry. You can learn about the difference here. 

Cost depends on each client’s eligibility for financial support through government funding. Costs vary depending on the programme, ranging from very minimal costs to a weekly cost determined by the client’s financial situation. We work with clients to determine the level of their needs and the best way to deliver services to meet that need. Access to service is not denied to clients based in inability to pay for services. For those clients not eligible for support through Government funding, service access is available on a fee for service basis. Southern Cross Care Direct offer affordable and competitive rates for services.

Yes we do, based on client need. While our workers are only able to do basic housework, things like washing curtains and windows can be arranged through more appropriate agencies.

As we look at all needs of the client, assisting with or preparing meals can be included in the services we provide. We also give consideration to nutritional needs and can provide advise and assistance in shopping to meet those requirements.

As part of the community support services we provide to clients Southern Cross Care Direct provides services to keep frequently used areas clean and serviceable. This is done in response to individual needs and according to funding programme guidelines. Southern Cross Care Direct does not offer a commercial cleaning service.

Yes Southern Cross Care Direct clients can be escorted to medical facilities for appointments as needed.

Yes Southern Cross Care Direct will assist clients with their shopping according to the individual client’s needs. This includes accompanying clients to the shopping centre so they can maintain their community connectedness or if required do the shopping on behalf of the client.

Yes, as part of our assessment with clients, community and social connections are discussed and individual and group activities facilitated as required.

Southern Cross Care Direct receives Government funding to provide service types through CACPS (Community Aged Care Program) and the HACC (Home and Community Care Program) and a range of community based programmes through the Department of Disabilities, Families and Communities. All referrals are individually assessed by Southern Cross Care Direct and our professional staff are able to determine clients eligibility for programmes and will match client need to the appropriate programme. Clients who are not eligible can access the services through a fee-for-service option.

A doctor’s referral isn’t required to be able to receive services with Southern Cross Care Direct. Direct referrals can be made by individuals, family member, community groups, community services, general practitioners, specialists and other professional health workers. A doctor’s referral may be required for some technical nursing interventions and for nursing management of medications.

Our staff will liaise with you closely and establish a Care Plan with you that meet your needs and review your Care Plan regularly to ensure that your needs are being met in a way that best suits you. You are able to request a review of your needs and Care Plan or to discuss any aspect of your Care Plan at any time. Your participation and feedback is encouraged. 

Southern Cross Care encourages the use of Advance Care Plans. Advance Care Planning is supported by the Advance Care Planning Education Program and we have staff trained as Advance Care Planning Facilitators. By establishing an Advance Care Plan you are making your health care choices known and recorded for now and in the future. An Advance Care Plan ONLY comes into effect if you lose legal capacity to make decisions about your medical treatment.

All Southern Cross Care facilities are designated smoke free zones. Residents and their families are asked to smoke only in the designated smoking area, if a designated smoking area has been assigned.

All our staff and contractors have their suitability to work in an age care facility as per Aged Care Act 1997 through a triennial police check and our staff are trained to be security conscious. Care staff are in attendance 24/7 and an emergency call system is installed in each room for your peace of mind.

Yes, some residents enjoy a social drink or a glass at dinner and have the right to continue to do so, allowing for any restrictions due to medications or medical advise. More information regarding alcohol can be found in our Resident Handbook or you can speak to your Facility Manager.

Yes, all meals are provided and during admission staff will complete a dietary assessment including what you do and don’t like and will be communicated to the kitchen staff for menu planning. Menus are rotated with alternative choices available and all special dietary needs are catered for.

Yes you can. There are number of different types of leave that you are able to take which include Pre Entry Leave, Social Leave, Hospital Leave and Day outings. More information regarding leave can be discussed with your Facility Manager or in the Resident Handbook.

Southern Cross Care is your home and as such visiting hours are not restricted and we encourage you to welcome visitors as often as you like and invite them to join in our activities where appropriate.

Yes personal laundry is completed onsite. This service does not include dry cleaning.  For more information on laundry please discuss with your Facility Manager or refer to the Resident Handbook.