As we age, we often find ourselves contemplating “what if” scenarios of aging. This kind of forward thinking can be a positive process, but many people don’t realize the many aged care options available to them. Many people think that nursing homes are the only way forward, but a lot has changed in recent years and there are more options available than ever before, each with their own advantages.
Whatever your needs, there are solutions available to help ensure you get the care you need. Nowadays Caring Community offered in various forms such as home care, community aged care, and residential aged care. In order to choose the right type of treatment, first of all, you need to understand exactly what each of the available options entails.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular treatment options out there so you can make the right choice for your needs.
Home Care Options
Many people prefer to live in their own homes whenever possible. The Australian Government provides subsidies to help those who need care at home through Home Care Package Program.
There are two options available, the first is Commonwealth Home Support. It’s for people who just need a little help with things like homework, eating, and shopping. The second package is residential care for those who also need care. The first thing to do if you want to go this route is to get an internal assessment, which will indicate the level of care you will need.
There are many advantages to living at home. You don’t have to leave the house you have known for years and you probably have friendly neighbors with whom you can continue to socialize. There’s nothing worse than feeling alone and living in familiar surroundings means you can keep the people you’ve built relationships with over the years around you. In addition, you will be able to choose a treatment package that suits your needs, however, the waiting list for these packages can be long and you may not feel like you can wait for the help you need.
Elderly Care Community
Going to an aged care community can be a great option for those looking for more help. This is different from nursing homes as you have your own apartment, but there is 24 hour maintenance, giving you the opportunity to live as independently as you want but with added protection to help out if something goes wrong.
Aged care communities are an ideal option for those who aren’t ready to go to a nursing home and work well if you are a couple looking to live together. Unfortunately, the hospice separated the couple which was far from ideal. It’s also a great option if one person has more health problems than the other.
These apartments are comfortable, often with up to three bedrooms, so you can have family and friends to stay over. Additionally, activities and outings are usually organized for residents, allowing them to make new friends. The only downside is that you have to have the money to buy one of these homes.
Nursing home
Nursing homes are a last resort for elderly relatives and are usually used when the person has a more serious medical condition and is unable to care for himself or herself. To enter a nursing home, you will have to do an assessment and once your application has been approved, you can visit different homes in your area and decide which one is best for you.
Residents must pay 85% of the Australian state pension, but depending on the amount of money you have, you may have to pay more. That The Department of Human Services decided this for older Australians who need this level of care.
Make the Right Choice For Your Situation
It is often difficult to decide which route to take when planning for the future of an elderly person. You want them to feel happy and safe, but you may not have the time or ability to look after them yourself, but you do have a number of options open to you.
If they only need a little help they can be cared for at home, if they need more help an elderly community may be the answer or if they need full time care a residential home is the best option. Take time to consider your needs and look at your options to make sure you make the right choice for your situation.