Learn about your rights and place security when going to hospital from an aged care home in Australia. Clear guidance on leave periods and place retention.
Key areas covered:
- What happens to my place in an aged care home if I go to hospital?
- How long can I be away from my aged care home for hospital treatment?
- Do I need to notify anyone about my hospital stay?
What happens to my place in an aged care home if I go to hospital?
Your place in the aged care home is secure while you are in hospital. You will be considered to be on ‘hospital leave’ for each day you attend hospital for treatment. If your hospital stay extends to 30 days or more (including any hospital transition period), you will be classified as being on ‘extended hospital leave’, but your place remains secure.
How long can I be away from my aged care home for hospital treatment?
You can be away from your aged care home for hospital treatment as needed. However, after 29 days of combined hospital leave and hospital transition leave, you will be classified as being on ‘extended hospital leave’. While this may affect some aspects of funding calculations, it does not mean you lose your place in the aged care home.
Do I need to notify anyone about my hospital stay?
Yes, your aged care provider needs to be informed about your hospital stay as they are required to keep records of your leave. The day you first leave for hospital is counted as a leave day, but the day you return to the aged care home is not counted as leave. This helps ensure proper care coordination between the hospital and aged care facility.
