Do you know the three types of Government Funded Aged Care?

A common misconception when thinking about Aged Care is that the only option available is Nursing Homes. However, there are three Government-funded options available for Aged Care.

Understanding your options when it comes to Aged Care is a crucial step to making sure you get the right support and are making the right choice for your lifestyle.

Home care-support at home while living independently

One type of Government-funded aged care is home care. Home care is care that comes to you. This allows the individual to remain in their home without moving into a new atmosphere. It means the person can continue to live independently for as long as possible. Home Care is a great option  for people who do not need 24/7 care and can still look after themselves enough without constant care.

At Healthcare Australia, we offer home care services tailored to your needs and wants from your home care. Whether it is a little help around the house or care for more complex lifestyle needs, our in-home care specialists are experts at developing personalised care plans that meet your specific needs. We offer free expert advice, personalised attention, a perfect match for your needs, attention to quality, 24-hour support line, and we are happy to move between locations.

Services we offer at Healthcare Australia include-

• Domestic assistance: this includes providing support and assistance with household chores that may have become harder to do.
• Gardening: we know the importance of having a kept outdoor area that can be enjoyed. We can help keep your garden tidy and well maintained.
• Home maintenance & safety: we will make sure your home is maintained and safe. This may be changing fire alarm batteries to putting in a ramp.
• Personal care: we will make sure you are comfortable while assisting you with all your daily self-care needs.
• Medication support: we will provide you with friendly medication reminders and support to ensure your medications are working for you.
• Meal preparation: we can help prepare delicious and nutritious home cooked meals.
• Equipment: we want to make sure you understand your options and will help you get set up with equipment that assists in your lifestyle needs.

If you are looking for more information on what else, we offer with our home care head to this link to read more: https://healthcareaustralia.com.au/services/aged-care/home-care/

Short term care (respite care)

Respite care is designed to give you and your carer a break for a period. It allows you and your carer to do things independently from each other. Respite care can go for a few hours, a few days, or longer – this is dependent on your needs, eligibility, and services available to you in your area. Available in your home, in the community, or in an aged care facility. It can be planned, if your carer is going away or has an appointment, or may occur due to emergencies, for example, unplanned hospital stays.

Respite care may be-

• Community respite: provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to those eligible, it helps support the relationship between you and your carer through a range of planned respite services. It gives your carer a chance to take a break from caring duties.
• Residential respite: available in an aged care home, it can run for several days or a few weeks at a time. This respite is best suited to individuals who need continuous support for most tasks.

To find out more information, head over to this link: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/short-term-care/respite-care

Residential aged care

The final option for Government-funded aged care is residential aged care or nursing homes. They are designed for people who decide to no longer live at home independently, as they need help with everyday tasks and healthcare. Making the decision to move into an aged care facility is not easy. However, nursing homes can provide you with the care and services you need to maintain your quality of life.

The government funds a range of aged care homes across Australia to ensure care and support is provided to those who need it. Every care facility is different, so finding the right fit is extremely important.

Finding your right fit will include understanding-

• How much it will cost
• How it works
• How much it will cost
• How long it will take

To find out more information on nursing homes, head to this link: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-homes

Non-Government Funded Aged Care
Finally, non-government-funded aged care includes retirement communities and independent living units. These are available if you are not eligible for government funding, but you will be required to pay the full cost.

Retirement villages or independent living communities are an excellent option if you do not need the higher level of care offered by aged care homes.

To find out more about retirement homes, head to this link for more info: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/health-home-travel/retirement-homes