As we age, living in a familiar and comfortable home becomes increasingly important. Our homes are where we create lasting memories and feel most at ease. However, as mobility and health issues arise, maintaining our homes can become challenging.
To this end, home caring has become increasingly popular within aged care. Home caring, a service that supports and assists individuals in their residences, enables older Australians to connect with services that increase their independence and quality of life.
Home caring options
There are many different ways that one might receive home care. These include:
- Home Care Packages: Home Care Packages offer personalised care and support for seniors living at home. These packages are tailored to meet everyone’s specific needs, covering daily activities, healthcare services, and social support. Home Care Packages come in 4 different levels, depending on the recipient’s care needs and can be self-managed for better value.
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): The CHSP provides various entry-level support services to help seniors live independently at home. These services may include housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care, and social activities. CHSP is designed to be affordable and accessible, offering the support seniors need to age with dignity and autonomy in their own homes.
- Living with a family member: For some seniors, living with a family member may be the preferred home care option. This arrangement allows seniors to remain in a familiar and supportive environment while receiving assistance from their loved ones. Living with family members provides emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging that enhances overall well-being.
- Live-in care: This care involves a caregiver residing in the senior’s home to provide continuous support. This option is ideal for seniors needing intensive care and supervision due to health or mobility issues.
- Adult daycare: Adult daycare programs offer structured activities, socialisation, and supervision for seniors during the day while their primary caregivers are at work or otherwise engaged.
Which home caring option is best for me?
Selecting a home care option can be challenging, especially if you are new to aged care services. When choosing a home care provider, it’s important to consider your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Start by deciding what type of care suits your lifestyle. For example, if you live with a family member who is willing and able to assist with your care, that person might be best suited to provide your care. However, a Home Care Package or CHSP may be more appropriate if you live alone.
Consider what services you need. If you require more complex care, a Home Care Package can connect you with all the services necessary to age well in your home. Home Care Packages can also be self-managed, giving you greater control over your care workers and care hours.
Before making a decision, research home care agencies near you. Review the services they offer, their reputation, and their qualifications. Ask specific questions about your care needs and ensure the provider can deliver the services that match your requirements.
What are the benefits?
Home care has gained popularity in recent years, with Home Care Packages and the CHSP enabling older Australians to age in place—in the homes they love. Home caring offers many benefits, such as:
- Personalised Care: Home caring ensures individualised support tailored to each person’s unique needs, ensuring a more personalised and attentive approach.
- Independence and dignity: Remaining in their own homes allows seniors to maintain their independence, dignity, and sense of autonomy, which are vital for emotional wellbeing and a high quality of life.
- Familiar Environment: Home caring enables individuals to stay in familiar surroundings, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with moving to a new living environment.
- Enhanced lifestyle: With the support of home care services, seniors can enjoy an improved lifestyle by receiving the help they need to engage in daily activities and maintain social connections.
- Cost-effectiveness: In many cases, home care can be a more cost-effective option than institutional care settings, as it eliminates the expenses associated with room and board.
How to commence home care
Home care is crucial in supporting older individuals to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Personalised care promotes independence and enhances the quality of life, enabling older Australians to age in place.
If you or a loved one are considering home care, take the time to research and select a reputable provider that aligns with your needs and values. If more complex care is required, feel free to view Trilogy Care’s services and view our competitive fees.
For more information, contact us on 1300 459 190 or visit our website.
