Reaching the stage in life where aged care is being considered, can be a traumatic time in the life of any family. After all, this beloved individual, who has spent their life protecting and caring for us, will now be cared for by strangers.
An added stressor is the fact that many elderly people are reluctant to leave the familiarity and comfort of their home and routine. They can become anxious and fretful, at the thought of upheaval and change.
Balancing that consideration, soften our concern for their welfare if they are living alone. Often, it is unfeasible for relatives to take these loved ones into their own home if they have reached the point of requiring a high level of nursing.
Guilt, remorse, and stress can often be the result – putting a strain on marriages and on our mental wellbeing.
With these issues in mind, it is timely to address the benefits and facilities which aged care can provide. Being fully informed about aged care can make the transition easier for both yourself and your loved one.
Community Care – a helping hand
For many older people, still able-bodied and active, staying at home with regular in-home, supportive care, is the ideal solution.
This care service can be in the form of a helper coming to the client’s home on a regular basis. The aide can assist with preparing meals, housework, and shopping or provide transport when needed. The beauty of this scheme is that it retains independence whilst providing care at a level which is tailored to the individual.
This option can be Government subsidized or paid for privately.
Respite Care
Everyone needs a holiday now and then and respite care can provide a little time away to be pampered whilst carers take an often, much-needed break. This time away can be as little as a few hours, to a few days, or longer if needed.
Respite care can make the transition to full-time residential care, less traumatic when the time eventually arrives to upgrade their level of care.
If you think respite care may be the solution you are looking for, speak to a representative at My Aged Care, who can assess your eligibility for government funding. Alternatively, call your local council who can assist you in arranging a meeting with an Aged Care Assessment Team.
Residential Care
Many residents who are at first reluctant to transition into residential care, are surprised to find how much they enjoy it. After all, loneliness in the elderly is a huge problem in society but residential care can furnish residents with a varied range of activities, including:
- Arts and crafts
- A wide range of learning classes
- Music and singing
- Visits from local schools
- Fine dining
- Exercise programs
- Beauty and spa treatments
Retirement Villages
For those older individuals still active and independent, looking for a low maintenance lifestyle amongst other retired folk, retirement villages are a wonderful option.
About 5% of Australians aged 65 and older, live in retirement villages.
Many find it provides a structured social scene with others who are in a similar situation. This safe, social lifestyle is making retirement villages an attractive options for retirees looking to downsize. This fact is borne out by retirement villages have an average of a 92% occupancy rate.
Whatever stage of life we are at, it is comforting to know that there are levels of care to suit our situation. If you or a loved one, are transitioning to a phase in life where care is required, speak to your local council or a representative from My Aged Care. There are wonderful amenities available for older individuals to help them lead dignified, happy lives.
