Reaching old age gives us thoughts of aged care environments. It can be in a nursing home or residential aged care units. Aged care options increase over time to suit every family and senior’s needs. Each aged care space has to provide different levels of support for the elders, which are discussed below.
Table of Contents
Three (3) Aged Care Options
Home Care
The first aged care option is funded by the Federal Government to support seniors residing in their own homes. The Commonwealth Government has to offer two different packages: The Home Support package and Home Care Package Program.
The Home Support package funds the basic care for the aged, including meals, transport, and other primary needs. It is so-called entry-level support at home.
Seniors with a higher level of needs can take advantage of the Home Care Package Program. It consists of a larger amount of funds to help aged people continue living in their homes.
The care package program comes with care and services that support a wider range of needs like clinical services, nursing, and personal care. It is divided into four levels, each requires a different amount of funding. Your home care provider will collect the funds and will soon deliver them to you.
- Pros
- Within the comfort of your own home.
- It is custom-made to easily identify the level of needs, with choices for a care provider.
- A good option for the initial aged care step.
- Cons
- Fund packages can be below the assessed care needs.
- Has a higher chance to develop social isolation, in cases of mobility issues.
- Offers an only limited time of care
Nursing Homes/Residential Aged Care
Nursing homes are mostly the first option people may think of for aged care. It is suitable for seniors unable to continue living alone in their homes. The facility focuses on clinical-based care for the elders.
Residential Aged Care is operated by particular organizations, with the Government’s approval. The care services can vary from facility to facility. Visiting aged care facilities will show the type of services and how they accommodate seniors, which soon helps in finally choosing one.
Aged care units in Australia require all residents to pay 85% of single aged care pension for a basic daily fee. The Department of Human Services will determine your additional fees after reviewing your income and assets.
Find nursing homes in your area with Aged Care Homes Finder, and then visit the facilities before sending your application.
- Pros
- Focuses on a higher level of care needs for 24-hours.
- The Government grants care budgets.
- Cons
- Can be expensive for people with high assets and income.
- The care plans are not always transparent.
- Some aged people are not in favor of a hospital-like environment.
- It does not permit couples to live together.
Aged Care Communities
As the aged care markets continue to grow, the hybrid model was developed. It is commonly known as aged care communities.
The final option combines the previous aged care options in terms of the services they offer. It consists of independent living apartments with Home Care Packages that demand a price.
The aged care units for this option are secured to promote peace of mind just like living in a homely environment. It delivers 24-hour care while letting the residents live independently. Helping the seniors with whatever they struggle with would be more instant with this environment.
People who struggle with social isolation are a perfect fit for aged care communities. They are someone not quite ready for aged care, but to live alone is becoming more difficult each day.
Unlike the prior options, aged care communities allow couples to live together while enjoying higher care needs. The unit also welcomes small pets to be part of the family. It offers accommodations like a personal home with up to three bedrooms. Visitors may stay in the apartment for a while.
A personalized care plan is accessible with Seasons and Envigor’s Café Services Manager to deliver all you need. The home care package will be transported to your home with privacy in mind.
To top up your needed care, Seasons will offer a personal care fund and Equity Security Program, if needed.
Freedom Aged Care is another aged care community to choose from. They offer similar services with different structuring elements for the costs.
One more thing is how aged care communities emphasize your lifestyle, including social events. Meeting the other family members and friends gives comfort to aged people. Most aged care units will prepare a timetable of events for you. An open-door policy is made available for visitors, rather than visiting time schedules.
- Pros
- Promotes peace of mind with a home-style environment, which comes with a personalized care plan.
- Allows a couple to live under one roof.
- Encourages better lifestyle, with independence in mind.
- It prevents the feeling of social isolation through social gatherings.
- Cons
- Demands higher funds to cover all the needed contributions.
Final Say
Australian senior citizens can enter residential aged care Melbourne to gain access to personal care. A range of subsidies shall be covered by the Australian Government to manage your aged care costs. It aims to bring comfort for older people that depend on the income and assets of the family. The level of care will cover everyday tasks, healthcare, and additional essential services. Contact the right aged care home to take care of your seniors. Make sure to visit the facilities to assure the wellness of your family members.