You may have experienced a gradual decline in health or independence over the years, or a significant health event, either of which may lead you to the realisation that you need more support from health care services. But will care in your home be enough? What about short term or respite care? Or is it time for a move into aged care? How do you tell?
Each type of care has benefits, and it will depend on your unique situation, wants and needs. The decision is a very personal one, and needs to take into account the level of care you need and whether you’re able to continue living on your own. And also whether you want to.
Let’s weigh the options.
Residential aged care
Aged care homes provide residential accommodation and health care for older people when they are unable to remain living in their own homes any longer. Previously known as nursing homes, aged care facilities are funded by the Federal Government to subsidise the costs of the aged care services they provide. All aged care facilities must meet certain accreditation standards in order to provide these services, which include:
- Help with day-to-day tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, gardening and home maintenance. In some cases, many of these tasks are completely carried out for you by staff.
- Help with personal care, such as feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and exercise.
- Clinical care, such as administration of medication, monitoring of medical or health conditions and wound care, under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Many aged care facilities also offer additional specialist medical and health care, such as palliative care, dementia care, stoma care and rehabilitation and access to therapy services such as speech therapy, physiotherapy and podiatry.
Home care
Many people prefer to remain in their own home as long as possible, until their care needs reach a point where this is no longer possible. Support in the home can be provided if you are not ready to move into an aged care facility, but still need a certain level of assistance to remain at home. Home care services can include:
- Personal care
- Nursing and support services
- Allied health
- Clinical services
- Food preparation, cooking and shopping
- Housework
- Transport
- Social support
- Domestic chores and home maintenance
There are different levels of home care that you can access, including the Commonwealth Home Support Programme to help with basic needs, and the Home Care Package Program, which provides access to four different levels of care.
Short-term care
Short-term care services may be available either in your home or in a residential setting for situations such as a transition from hospital to home, recovery from an accident or illness, or restorative care (returning you to independence).
Residential respite care
Residential respite care of up to 63 days each financial year can be accessed on a planned or emergency basis, if your carers need a break or are unable to care for you for some reason, if you would like a break from caring for yourself, or if your level of care required is higher for a short period of time. Depending on your needs, an aged care home may provide a range of services and care such as you would receive if you were a permanent resident of the home.
Which type of care is best for you?
To start with, ask yourself these questions:
- What goals do you have for your life?
- Where would you prefer to live?
- What is the lifestyle that you would prefer?
- How much help do you think you’ll need in the foreseeable future?
- What does your doctor recommend?
- What is your budget?
- Are you eligible for government subsidies in home care or residential aged care?
- What ongoing fees does each option involve, and what do they cover?
The answers to these questions will help determine which type of care will be best for you. You’ll then need to do your research into all the possible types of care available to you, discover what’s involved, the financial implications and how to apply, so you are able to make an informed decision.
Residential aged care might be best for you if:
- You have complex care needs and require more frequent and higher levels of care
- You have late-stage dementia
- You have a disability or condition that requires ongoing care and support
- You need end of life care
- You are socially isolated with limited access to family and friends
- You are unable to care for yourself effectively at home
Home care might be best for you if:
- You have moderate level care needs that don’t require round the clock care
- You wish to maintain your independence by living at home
- You are still able to care for yourself at home, but just need help with certain tasks
Short-term or respite care might be best for you if:
- You are coming out of hospital after a stay
- You are recovering from an accident or illness
- You are returning to independence after an incident
- Your carer needs or is taking a break
- You have a higher level of care needs for a short period of time
Whichever option you choose, you’ll need to confirm it with an aged care assessment, performed by your local ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team), to clarify the care you need and the best way for you to receive it. At your assessment meeting, you can discuss with the assessor your preference for aged care or home care, and how you think it will meet your needs. Click here to discover all you need to know about aged care assessments and when they’re necessary.
A good place to start with your research is by visiting the My Aged Care website. At the end of the day, the decision is up to you and your family, and should be made by considering both your life circumstances and personal preferences.
