Residential Aged Care

A report into residential aged care in the Snowy Monaro has been presented to Council outlining 14-key recommendations for the ongoing delivery of quality residential aged care services and facilities in the local government area.

The report on Residential Aged Care Review has recommended Council expand its involvement in the provision of residential aged care services. 

The report supported calls for a residential aged care facility to be established in Jindabyne, and the need for a purpose-designed facility catering for residents with ‘severe and challenging behaviours’ to be co-located at Yallambee Lodge, Cooma. 

We encourage you to download and review The Future Provision of Residential Aged Care in the Snowy Monaro Region 2018 - 2028(PDF, 4MB) . 

If you have any questions in regards to Residential Aged Care Review or information provided in the report please contact Council's Group Manager Community Support Services and Aged Care on 1300 345 345.

P(02) 6456 3039
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In Person: Jindalee Street BERRIDALE

Snowy River Hostel was established in 1993 in response to community demand for Residential Aged Care within the Shire. The Hostel is located in the small town of Berridale in a quiet cul-de-sac with minimal traffic. Berridale is nestled halfway between Cooma and Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains. The Hostel has a lovely rural outlook where you can sit quietly looking out over the hills with the ambience of nature around.

The Hostel is owned by Snowy Monaro Regional Council and provides accommodation for up to 14 residents – 13 permanent and 1 respite.

Who is the Hostel for?
The Hostel is designed for people who can no longer look after themselves in their own homes, are able to maintain a level of independence but do not require nursing home level of care.

Personal qualities of each resident, your personal preferences and confidentiality are upheld and maintained at Snowy River Hostel. We nurture positive relationships with residents and their families. We value family relationships and family input into the residents care requirements.

Quality of Life
Snowy River Hostel is a community within itself and residents are encouraged to participate and not feel isolated; rather, enhance their independence and personal well-being.

We understand that you do not stop living just because you come into a residential facility. We encourage residents to maintain community connections and social ties. This is a home away from homes within government expected guidelines.

Rooms
There are 14 single rooms in total including 1 single respite room and 2 rooms that interconnect which may accommodate couples. There are 10 front rooms from the earlier built area and 4 back rooms added onto the facility when the Activities room was built.

Each room provides private accommodation for one person. Rooms may be furnished to your liking. We encourage you to have your own individual taste and property set out as you prefer to meet your needs and our safety requirements.

All 14 rooms have amenities, these include:
En suite bathroom - tiled, hand basin, cabinets, medicine cabinet, toilet, shower and hand rails.
Kitchenette – sink, cupboards, bench space and bar fridge. 
Wardrobe – hanging space and shelving.
All rooms are fully carpeted.
Large glass sliding doors lead out onto patio/garden areas with pergolas. 

Activities
The activity room has large tables to use for various activities that are either individualised to suit everyone’s capabilities or used as a group activity; being very much all inclusive and a fun situation.

Our activities programme focuses on encouraging residents to stay active and participate in social situations to maintain their general sense of well-being.

Residents have access to various community groups that offer the opportunity for regular outings. We encourage on going contact with the community with regular visits to the Hostel from the local card group, CWA, Red Cross and our own Support Group who conduct monthly Bingo as well as assisting with outings and entertainment throughout the year.

The Hostel has raised garden beds so residents or family members may participate in the nurturing process of gardening should they choose.

Charging for residential aged care services
Residents pay fees to help with the cost of their care, if they can afford it. The fee arrangements for aged care changed on 1 July 2014, but the old arrangements still apply to people who entered care before that date. Further information can be found by clicking here.

If you own your own home, you will be required to complete paperwork regarding your assets to assist us in determining the costs associated with you care. Further information can be found by clicking here.

P (02) 6452 1669
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In Person: 1 Binalong Street, Cooma NSW 2630

Yallambee Lodge was built and opened in 1995. It is a 40 bed aged care facility with 38 permanent beds and 2 respite beds. All rooms are private with en-suite. We are able to deliver a diverse range of care services including palliative care to our residents who require assistance because of their complex personal and care needs. Yallambee Lodge now also caters for residents with higher needs. 

Who is eligible for care in Yallambee?
Anyone who is assessed as eligible for residential permanent or respite care by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). 

Who will deliver the care involved?
We have a diverse range of care staff at Yallambee. We have Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses and Carers. Your care will be delivered by people who are familiar with, and trained to give, care appropriate to your needs. A Registered Nurse is on call 24 hours a day. All care will be assessed, and monitored, by a qualified nurse.

How do I qualify for a bed at Yallambee Lodge?
Contact the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) who are based at Cooma Community Health on (02) 6455 3201. You can also contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit the My Aged Care website for more information. 

I have been assessed, what is my next step?
If you would like to further explore a Council facility, please contact the ACFI and Admissions Lead on 1300 345 345 or alternatively, the Aged Care Assessment Service can forward your details via My Aged Care for review and consideration.

What will happen at that appointment?
Your present living and caring arrangements will be discussed in confidence, your specific needs will be determined, and you will be placed on our waiting list. As our beds are limited in number, and the need for beds is prioritised, you may not be able to be allocated a bed immediately, so please do not make any changes to either your living or existing care arrangements. It is impossible to give your or your family any estimation of waiting time for a bed. You will also have a tour of the facility. 

Do people with more money get preference?
Income does not determine who receives care. Those with the greatest care need will receive care before those with a lesser need.

Will I have to pay anything to stay in Yallambee?
Yes. All people at Yallambee pay a daily care fee which is determined by the Government. This changes twice a year in line with any pension increase. You or your next of kin must notify Centrelink of your admission to the facility and they will determine what assets you have. From this assessment it will be possible to work out what amount your refundable accommodation deposit will be. For those with no assets, or assets below the cut off limit, no accommodation deposit needs to be paid. If you are to pay an accommodation payment, you or your family will be notified of the amount and details of payment in writing. You may also need to pay an income tested fee. This will be determined by the Department of Social Services.

Charging for residential aged care services
Residents pay fees to help with the cost of their care, if they can afford it. The fee arrangements for aged care changed on 1 July 2014, but the old arrangements still apply to people who entered care before that date. Further information can be found by clicking here.

If you own your own home, you will be required to complete paperwork regarding your assets to assist us in determining the costs associated with you care. Further information can be found by clicking here.