When it comes time to choose aged care homes for a loved one, the process can seem daunting. How do you know which one is right for them? What if you make the wrong choice?
In this article, we will help you navigate the process, make it less stressful, and come up with the best decision possible. So, whether you’re just starting your search or already feeling overwhelmed, read on for some helpful advice!
Types of Aged Care in Australia
Before you look for aged care Brisbane, Sydney, or any other Australian city has to offer, it is important to know first the available options for your loved one. In Australia, aged care services are generally classified into two types: residential and home-based.
Residential Aged Care
This type provides 24-hour nursing and personal care, including meals and laundry service. It also ensures residents are engaged in social activities on a regular basis. Residents usually need to be assessed by a doctor to see if they’re eligible for this type of aged care.
Residential aged care is also classified into different categories.
- Nursing home – This is for older people and those with disabilities who need help performing daily tasks. It offers basic care, but there may be additional services available, such as wound management and personalised health programmes.
- Dementia care – As its name suggests, this type is designed specifically to accommodate dementia patients and address their needs accordingly. It offers 24-hour support from nurses who are trained to handle these patients’ behavioural changes and communication difficulties while using memory aids.
- Palliative care – For older individuals diagnosed with terminal diseases, like cancer or heart disease, this type of care is provided.
- Retirement communities or villages – Technically speaking, these are not aged care homes, but rather places that offer retirees a place to live where social and leisure activities, as well as some basic services (meals, laundry, etc.), are provided.
- Respite care – This type of care home is for individuals who need temporary help due to their primary caregivers being away. It’s usually offered in residential aged care homes but can also be found at nursing facilities and other healthcare settings, like hospitals or community organisations.
Home-Based Aged Care
This is more flexible since the elderly person still lives in their own home but gets some support from a nurse or other health professionals. This could include help with things like medication management, bathing, dressing, and grocery shopping.
It’s important to note that not all home-based aged care services are government-funded, and you may have to pay for them privately.
Picking the Right Aged Care Service for Your Loved One
Now that you know the different types of aged care services in Australia, it is time to pick the right one for your needs.
1. Assess your loved one’s needs.
Figure out whether your loved one needs help with basic activities of daily living (ADLs). Are they coping well at home but just need some occasional support? Or, are they in the early stages of dementia and require more specialised care?
Once you know their needs, you can start looking for aged care homes that offer those services. For example, if your loved one needs nursing care, then a nursing home would be the best option. If they only require minimal assistance, then a retirement village or home-based aged care service might be better suited.
2. Start looking for an aged care facility.
Aged care homes are inspected and regulated by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. You can visit their website to see if an aged care home has been accredited or not.
To get started with your search, you can use Google Maps or a local directory, like True Local. Simply type “aged care” plus your postcode into the search box and take note of any results that come up nearby. If none does, try expanding the radius until some appear on screen, then select which ones interest you most based on what they offer as well as their location and the distance from where you live.
You should also look at online reviews, as these can provide valuable insight into what the aged care facility is like from both past and present residents’ perspectives.
Once you have a shortlist of facilities, contact each and schedule a visit as soon as possible. Be sure to ask questions like:
- What kind of services do you offer?
- Do I need health insurance coverage before entering?
- How much does it cost per month?
- How many years have you been in business?
These will give you the peace of mind that the aged care home is reputable and can provide your loved one with all their needs.
3. Seek the help of an aged care advisor.
If you’re still not sure which aged care service to choose, an advisor can help. These professionals are trained in finding the right facility based on your needs and preferences. They will be able to answer any questions you may have about this type of care and give you valuable advice on important matters, such as financing, living arrangements, etc.
Encouraging the Participation of Family Members for Easier Transition
An aged care home’s admissions team would work with you to create a personalized transition plan, which outlines all the steps that need to happen before and after your loved one moves into the facility. And, it’s important to have family members on board with this plan.
Family involvement is key because they can provide support not only during the move but also in the years ahead. They can help out by dropping off meals, doing grocery shopping, or just checking in on a regular basis. Plus, it gives everyone peace of mind knowing that their loved one is being taken care of in a safe and comfortable environment.
Final Thoughts
Sending an elderly loved one to aged care homes can be emotionally challenging and stressful for both you and them. But with the information provided in this article, you can make the process much easier and smoother for all involved.
For more useful tips on daily life, feel free to check out the other articles on our site!
