Understanding the differences between aged care services

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You’ve decided to start looking into aged care, and now you’re wondering what type of care would best suit you. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the different services available.

Help at home

If you’re finding it more challenging to get on with things at home than you used to then ‘help at home’ may be the service for you, designed to help you stay independent and enjoying the comfort of your own home for longer.

Everyone’s needs are different. Here are a few services you can access under the ‘help at home’ category:

  • Home or garden maintenance – keeping your home safe
  • Housework e.g. cleaning, laundry, groceries – keeping your home liveable
  • Home modifications and aids for improved mobility, communication, reading, etc. – helping you stay independent
  • Meals and food preparation – keeping you well
  • Personal care assistance
  • Nursing – helping to monitor and treat medical conditions
  • Transition care after a hospital stay – helping you recover
  • Day/overnight respite – giving you and your loved ones a break
  • Transport – getting you to appointments and into the community
  • Social outings, groups and visitors – looking after your social wellbeing

Find a full list of the services available at My Aged Care – Aged care services.

Short-term care

  • Transition care – specialised care to help you recover and regain functional independence and confidence after a hospital stay. This may occur in your own home, your aged care home and/or out in the community.
  • Short-term restorative care – assisting you to restore or improve any challenges you’re having with day-to-day tasks due to having slowed down, physically or mentally.
  • Respite care – available in different capacities, according to what you and your carer(s) need to give you a break or allow you the space to do things independently.

Aged care homes

It’s no easy decision, but if you find it’s no longer possible to live at home and would benefit from ongoing assistance, then an aged care home can provide the care and support to keep you living well. Aged care homes provide:

  • Accommodation
  • Meals, laundry and social activities
  • Maintenance, including cleaning, heating and cooling, and safety.
  • Personal and clinical care

Aged care services are subsidised by the government, and the cost you incur is dependent on your particular circumstances, including your needs and financial situation. To access any service, you will need to complete an aged care assessment, which will determine your eligibility and the best program or support service for you.

The idea of completing an assessment can be daunting, especially when it relates to your future care. In our next blog, we will demystify the aged care assessment process so you can feel confident taking the next step to accessing the support you deserve.

Resources:

My Aged Care – www.myagedcare.gov.au

Help to stay at home advice for seniors – www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/help-stay-home-advice-seniors

OPAN Self-Advocacy ToolKit – opan.org.au/toolkit

Australian Government Department of Health & Aged Care – www.health.gov.au/topics/aged-care

Our Advocates are here to provide you with information and guidance throughout your aged care journey.  Call us on 1800 655 566.