Aged Care: What You Need to Know
Age Care can be a complex topic and involves all aspects of health care, lifestyle and medical care for your elderly loved one.
Introduction
Aged care can be a complex topic to think about, but it’s important to understand the different options that are available to you and your loved ones. On this website, we discuss everything from nursing homes, respite facilities and in-home care, right through to things like physiotherapist-recommended exercise plans, diet, lifestyle and social considerations.
We will also explore the services provided by allied health professionals such as social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and by medical professionals such as nurses, doctors, and specialist geriatricians. It’s essential to have all the information to make an informed decision about the best-aged care option for you or your loved one.
What is age care?
Age care is the term used to describe the various services available to support older people to live independently in their own homes, or in aged care facilities.
The aged care system in Australia is designed to support older people to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible. There are a range of aged care services available, depending on an individual’s needs and preferences.
Types of aged care services include:
– Home support services
– Home care services
– Residential aged care
What is a nursing home?
A nursing home, also known as an aged care facility, is a place where older people can live and receive personal and nursing care. Nursing homes are for people who cannot be cared for at home and need more help than can be provided by family, friends or carers.
Nursing homes provide 24-hour nursing care and support, as well as personal care, meals, laundry and recreational activities.
What is in-home aged care?
In-home aged care is when a trained aged care worker comes to your home to help you with everyday tasks like showering, dressing, cooking and cleaning.
In-home aged care can be short-term or long-term, depending on your needs. It can also be flexible, so you can choose the days and times that suit you best.
What services do allied health professionals provide?
Allied health professionals such as social workers, occupational therapists and physiotherapists can provide various services to support older people. Services may include:
– Helping you to stay independent in your own home
– Assessing your needs and developing a care plan
– Providing therapy and rehabilitation
– Helping you to access community services
“Allied health professionals are health professionals that are not part of the medical, dental or nursing professions. They are university qualified practitioners with specialised expertise in preventing, diagnosing and treating a range of conditions and illnesses.”
ahpa.com.au/what-is-allied-health
What services do medical professionals provide?
Medical professionals such as nurses, doctors and specialists such as geriatricians can provide a range of aged care services. Services may include:
– Health assessments
– Developing a care plan
– Medication management
– Wound care
– Pain management.
Financial implications of nursing homes
The cost of aged care depends on the type of care you need, where you live and your financial assets. Nursing homes are usually more expensive than in-home aged care, but this is not always the case. It is important to talk to different aged care providers to find out what fees they charge and what services are included in their fees.
Typically, if you have financial assets in your name, you will be expected to pay these fees, which can sometimes be quite expensive, whereas if you do not have financial assets in your name, the Australian Government provides a range of aged care subsidies and payments to help people pay for aged care. To find out if you are eligible for aged care subsidies and payments, visit the My Aged Care website or call 1800 200 422.
Choosing the right aged care option can be a difficult decision. It is important to get all the information you can to make an informed decision about the best aged care option for you or your loved one. The aged care system in Australia can be complex, but there is a range of services available to support older people to live independently in their own homes for longer before moving into aged care facilities.
“If you can afford to, you’re expected to help with the cost of government-funded aged care. How much you pay depends on things like your finances, the services you receive and care provider fees. There are limits and caps for some fees. Providers must get approval to change fees for some services.”
health.gov.au/health-topics/aged-care
Summary
Making the decision to move into an aged care facility is a big decision. It’s important to take the time to research all of your options and talk to your family members, friends and health professionals before making a decision.
There are also retirement communities to consider as an option for seniors. Make sure you talk to your family or health care professional to discuss and decide on the right option for you.