Residential Care

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who staffs Coppin Community Hostel?
2. What fees and charges apply?
3. What is provided in each room?
4. Can I bring my own furniture?
5. Can I have my own telephone?
6. Do I need to bring my own toiletries?
7. Will I need to arrange for personal laundry?
8. Will my room be cleaned?
9. Can I bring an electric wheelchair or scooter?
10. What if I need to purchase a mobility aid or other equipment once at Coppin Community Hostel?
11. Are meals provided?
12. What allowance is made for food preferences?
13. Can I keep food in my room?
14. Can I make tea & coffee in my room?
15. Can I have wine with my meal?
16. Can I enjoy a cigarette?
17. Are there hairdressing facilities?
18. Are other general requirements available at Coppin Community Hostel?
19. Is transport available to nearby shops?
20. What recreation and activities programs are available?
21. Are visitors welcome?
22. What can my family and friends do when they visit?
23. Can I stay with my family overnight?
24. What medical information should I bring with me?
25. Can I continue to see my own doctor?
26. Are other health professionals available?
27. Can I still receive religious instruction?

Who staffs Coppin Community Hostel?

The Director of Nursing (DON) manages Coppin Community Hostel and is responsible for the general management and staff, while working with residents and relatives to ensure individual needs are met.

The Operations Manager supports the DON with all non-clinical matters, such as catering, cleaning and laundry services. The Operations Manager is also available to discuss any equipment or household items that residents would like to bring with them at the time of admission.

Our Clinical Care Coordinators are skilled and experienced Registered Nurses (Division 1) and are responsible for the daily nursing and personal care provided to residents. They are the first port of call for discussing any issues relating to personal care, nursing care, liaising with doctors and pharmacy and with other health professionals. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Coppin Community Hostel also employees a Lifestyle Program Manager, who manages the Lifestyle Co-ordinator, Lifestyle Assistants, Pottery Instructor and bus outings staff. The Lifestyle Program Manager oversees all group and individual activities to ensure residents receive a lifestyle program to suit their individual choices and needs. In addition to these key personnel a range of other administrative and service staff are engaged in the running of Coppin Community Hostel.

What fees and charges apply?

Coppin Community Hostel is funded through Commonwealth Government subsidies, residential bonds, accommodation charges and residents' weekly fees. Funding is based on the individual level of care assessed for and provided to each resident. Extensive documentation of the care provided to each resident at Coppin Community Hostel is required by the Government to qualify for the payment of subsidies. Full details of the bonds and charges can be found in the accompanying Admission & Fees brochure.

What is provided in each room?

Most residents have a single room with an en suite bathroom; there are also eight double rooms each with an en suite and these rooms are generally reserved for the admission of couples. Each room is furnished with an adjustable bed, a built in wardrobe and side tables with a lockable drawer for valuables.

Bed linen, towels and face washers are also provided but some residents like to bring their own doona covers and bed quilts. We ask that those residents supplying these items ensure that they are clearly labelled so they can be easily returned after washing. Each room is also equipped with an emergency button called a 'Vital Call'. This is also available as a pendant so you can keep it on you at all times. The Vital Call is linked to a paging system carried by duty staff, ensuring emergency support will always be available no matter where you are, day and night.

Can I bring my own furniture?

Residents are encouraged to bring with them some personal furniture such as a favourite armchair, a small television and DVD and other small items such as lamps, paintings, books and framed family photos. If a television is to be supplied you will also need to supply a solid table or cabinet (not glass). A remote control is recommended as well as infrared (cordless) headphones. Personal furniture items ought not to be so large as to obstruct the use of lifting machines and cleaning equipment. If purchasing new personal furniture, such as a special chair or footstool, advice can be sought from our Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist to ensure that the furniture is suitable for its intended use. The wrong choice of furniture may not provide the comfort envisaged and may even necessitate the purchase of an alternative item. All electrical items, including hairdryers, razors etc, must undergo electrical safety testing and tagging at the time of admission. This will be done by our on-site maintenance staff and is for the safety of all residents.

Can I have my own telephone?

Telephone points are installed in each room, so residents are able to supply their own telephone and the Operations Manager will arrange for the installation of a telephone line. There is no charge for calls made, unless of course they become excessive.

Do I need to bring my own toiletries?

Standard toiletry items such as toothpaste, shampoo, razors and tissues are supplied free of charge for all residents. However, many residents have preferences for a favourite brand, and are free to use these instead. We also encourage men to use electric shavers.

Will I need to arrange for personal laundry?

No, personal clothing is washed and dried weekly on site by our staff in modern industrial machines and dryers. Resident laundries are also available in various locations for those that prefer to do their own laundry, or have needs between the weekly scheduled service. We suggest you bring clothing that is 'wash and wear' and that all clothing be clearly labelled to ensure it is returned to you after washing. Our friendly staff are available to assist with the labelling of garments.

Clothes requiring dry-cleaning can be dropped off at the Health Centre office by Monday afternoon where they are taken to local drycleaners. They are returned to Fashion 'N' Things (resident shop on the ground floor) for you to collect and pay for. The news agency at The Alfred Hospital also has 'same day pick up' dry-cleaning.

Will my room be cleaned?

Yes, each week a member of our General Services team will clean your room. This will generally be done at the same time each week. Bed linen is also changed weekly and a supply of toilet paper, soap and fresh towels will be provided to you on these occasions.

Can I bring an electric wheelchair or scooter?

We understand the value of electric wheelchairs and scooters as a means by which some residents are able to maintain independence and mobility. However, in the interests of safety for all, we need to limit the number of electric wheelchairs and scooters at any one time. Accordingly, applicants for admission to Coppin Community Hostel are asked to advise and obtain the approval of the DON, prior to admission, of the need or intention to bring a scooter or electric chair with them.

We ask that those who own and use a scooter or electric wheelchair do so in accordance with Coppin Community Hostel's policy regarding this equipment, maintain and meet the costs of property and personal insurance, meet the costs of all maintenance and repairs and undergo an annual driving competency test.

What if I need to purchase a mobility aid or other equipment once at Coppin Community Hostel?

When considering the purchase of a walking frame, electric scooter or any other mobility aid or equipment for personalised use, it is important to choose the correct style or type to meet individualised needs.

Residents / family members should seek advice and guidance from Coppin Community Hostel's experienced Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist, who will be able to assess and recommend the most suitable purchase. The wrong choice of equipment may not only fail to provide the comfort or assistance you seek from it but may actually present risks to your safety and well being or even necessitate the purchase of alternative equipment.

Where a resident is assessed as requiring personal use items such as hip protectors or footwear for example, the resident will need to meet the cost of purchase of these items. Royal Freemasons will consider meeting the cost of the provision of such items in circumstances where financial hardship can be demonstrated.

Are meals provided?

Yes. Nutritious seasonal meals are prepared daily in our kitchen, under the guidance of our qualified chef. Meals are served in two dining rooms and in the residents' rooms when necessary.

Meal times are as follows: Breakfast 8:00 am Lunch 12:00 noon Dinner 5:00 pm

There is flexibility with breakfast for late risers or for those who prefer breakfast in their own rooms. Residents who are unwell can take all their meals in their own room, and meals will be kept for residents who are out at an appointment. Morning tea, afternoon tea and evening supper are also served.

Visitors are welcome to stay for lunch at a cost of $10.00 per person. Bookings are required and can be made with the Dining Room staff. Coppin Coffee Shop is also open for morning tea, light lunches and afternoon tea, and offers an assortment of snack foods. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 3.30pm, Friday 8.30am - 2.00pm and on Weekends 1.30pm - 4.00pm.

What allowance is made for food preferences?

Every effort is made to accommodate individual preferences, menu variety and specialised dietary needs. A consulting dietician assists us in this task. Residents' personal likes and dislikes are recorded on admission and meals prepared with this in mind.

Can I keep food in my room?

Most certainly. While fruit is on the daily menu, some residents like to keep their own supply as well. This is best kept in one of the refrigerators located conveniently near residents' rooms or on bedside tables, as food left in drawers or cupboards is sometimes forgotten. Sweet treats are also popular amongst our residents and an airtight jar is a convenient method of storage in one's room.

Can I make tea & coffee in my room?

While we recommend residents use the tea and coffee making facilities located throughout Coppin Community Hostel, you can have a kettle in your room for such purposes as long as it is in good working order and checked periodically by our electrician.

Can I have wine with my meal?

Yes. Residents may provide their own wine, beer or spirits, or preferred soft drinks or fruit juices. We ask that these be clearly labelled and our staff can assist with managing and serving drinks before meals or at other preferred times.

Can I enjoy a cigarette?

In the interests of other residents and having regard to health and safety regulations, smoking is not permitted inside Coppin Community Hostel. However, smoking receptacles have been placed in designated outside smoking areas for your convenience.

Are there hairdressing facilities?

Coppin Community Hostel has a very competent hairdresser who attends every week day expect Monday between 9.00am and 4.00pm. The charges are very reasonable and appointments can be made directlywith the hairdresser.

Are other general requirements available at Coppin Community Hostel?

Yes, Fashion 'n' Things, located adjacent to Coppin Coffee Shop, sells a variety of items, including men's and ladies' clothing, gifts, children's toys and stamps. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 11.00am - 3.00pm, Friday 10am - 2pm and Sunday 1.30pm - 4.00pm. A clothing company also visits each quarter with the latest men's and ladies' season fashions. Newspapers and magazines can also be delivered daily and the Prahran Market Newsagency will send the account directly to residents.

Is transport available to nearby shops?

Our bus takes residents to Chapel Street for personal shopping and banking on Tuesdays at 1.15pm and Thursdays at 12.40pm and 1.15pm. There is also a free taxi phone situated in the bus waiting area at the entrance to Coppin Community Hostel.

What recreation and activities programs are available?

Every effort is made to enable residents to continue to enjoy any activities or hobbies they may have pursued before entry to Coppin Community Hostel. A wide range of group and individual recreational activities is available including periodic outings to events and attractions, cooking groups, shopping trips, snooker, card competitions, art, pottery and even a men's group. In addition physiotherapy, gentle exercises and massage therapy programs are also available.

Are visitors welcome?

We strongly encourage visits from family members and friends between 7:00am and 7:00pm, seven days a week. Children and even well-behaved pets are also welcome to visit. Visitors are welcome to use our front car park accessed via Moubray Street.

What can my family and friends do when they visit?

Residents and families may enjoy quiet contemplation, sitting or reading in the various sitting rooms, courtyards and garden areas. Tea and coffee making facilities are available for their use and they can feel free to bring a home baked snack to share with the resident should they wish. Coppin Community Hostel has a barbecue area that can be used for summer meals, celebrations or for family activities. Arrangements for parties or functions for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries, can be booked at reception.

Can I stay with my family overnight?

Of course. A maximum of 52 days social leave is available each year; however accommodation charges are still payable during this time. When residents are going on outings or staying overnight with relatives, staff will make every effort to prepare clothing and other necessities in readiness for the occasion. For safety and legal requirements however, we ask that you notify staff in advance of leaving and when they should expect you back.

What medical information should I bring with me?

The more information we have about your current medical condition and medications the better our level of care will be. We recommend that your current doctor provide a comprehensive medical evaluation, inclusive of all details regarding medication. These will be treated in the strictest of confidence. You should also bring your Pension Card, Health Card, Private Health Insurance Card, Veterans' Benefit Card as are appropriate to your circumstances.

Can I continue to see my own doctor?

If your own General Practitioner is willing to visit Coppin Community Hostel, we encourage you to maintain continuity of medical care. However, for some GPs this may not be practicable or you may wish to make a change. Coppin Community Hostel has a panel of doctors approved by our highly regarded General Manager Medical Services, Associate Professor Sam Scherer. The doctors conduct a clinic in theHealth Centre each morning, Monday to Friday. They are also rostered on call after hours seven days a week. You are most welcome to select either a doctor from the panel or another doctor of your choice. Medicare covers the fee for services provided by our panel of doctors. However, you will need to determine payment arrangements with any private doctors.

Are other health professionals available?

A large variety of health services are available to you within Coppin Community Hostel. These include Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, dietician, Optometry, and Australian Hearing Services. Generally there is no cost for the use of these services, but you will be required to purchase any extra aids, such as glasses. There is however a charge for podiatry depending on your status. Assistance can be provided to arrange attendance at a local dental clinic specialist or hospital, however you will be required to meet the cost of these services.

Can I still receive religious instruction?

Representatives from all religious affiliations are welcome and we respect the personal beliefs and preferences of residents. A Morning Prayer service is held every Sunday morning at 9.30am in the Coppin Community Hostel Chapel, which is located in the garden near Punt Road, and every second Wednesday in the Blue Room at 10.00am. The services are conducted by visiting Ministers of Religion and other pastoral care persons. Holy Communion services are held twice a month and a Catholic pastoral associate visits fortnightly.