Home Care vs. Aged Care (nursing homes) – How to Choose the Right Support.

There will come a time for most people where they feel that they could use some support to better manage everyday life. This may be you, or someone you care about. Some like to stay at home using help from home care services, while others may take steps to move into residential care. These types of decisions are never easy and often involve difficult conversations.

 

There are many questions and considerations that go into making these big life decisions, so we’ve put together some useful information to help make the process feel a little less overwhelming.

 

Your preference matters

 

Research conducted by The Global Centre for Modern Ageing found that 8 in 10 people wanted to stay in their current home for as long as possible, and 3 in 4 people wanted to stay in their current home, even if help was required because of change in circumstances.   

 

Many prefer to stay within their communities where they retain access to the amenities and services they’re used to. However, sometimes In-Home Care is not sufficient for the level of support required.  

 

How much care or support is required?

 

Answering some fundamental questions will help you plan your next steps.

 

• Is support needed on a part-time or full-time basis?
• What kinds of support and care is needed?

 

The amount of care required, and the person’s desired lifestyle will determine whether In-Home Care support or an Aged Care Home is a better fit.

 

You should also consider how much care you will need in the future. With in-home care, you can increase the amount of services as your needs change, including high levels of care. It’s even possible to remain at home with 24-hour care, 7 days a week if this is required. However, there are some services that can only be provided properly in residential care. You may need to consider moving into residential care at some point, if you require higher-level care than what is possible with In-Home Care and support.

 

What to expect from In-Home Care?

 

In-Home Care can range from basic services for one or two hours per week to give you help with identified tasks, up to full-time 24-hour care. The maximum you can expect to be funded by a Government Home Care Package is around 14 hours per week. This is the ideal solution for those who want to age in the comfort of their own home and is sufficient for most people’s needs if their services are well-managed.

 

Home care workers are organised by your Home Care Provider and deliver the all-important services that help you reach your independence goals. This can be achieved by providing companionship, or by providing care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) including services for personal care, meal preparation, transport, medication, and general domestic tasks.

 

Skilled professionals such as nurses, occupational therapists and podiatrists can also provide basic services into the home for those with higher care needs. Allied Health professionals are also able to provide reablement services to help you regain independence or get back on your feet after a change in your health.

 

Many people choose In-Home Care over aged care homes because they can still enjoy the freedom and familiar surroundings of their own home while continuing to maintain their independence.

 

What you should expect from a home care service:

 

• Personalised Care Plans: In-home care gives you the opportunity to enjoy personalised care plans developed to suit your particular requirements and preferences. That way you can make sure you’ll always receive the support you need for good health and wellbeing whilst remaining in the comfort of your own home. After all, there’s no place like home, and a personalised care plan makes it possible for you to enjoy this for as long as you can.

 

• Professional Caregivers: Behind all good in-home care is a team of experienced, professional caregivers who make this type of care possible. These dedicated specialists are committed to giving you quality in-home care and personalised attention. They’re also specially trained to help with most types of home care activities. Whether that’s assistance with daily living, help with medications, or just providing a few hours of companionship each day, you can expect your wishes to be their number one priority. 

 

• Flexible Scheduling: In-home care is all about being able to continue living and enjoying life on your terms. So, you want an adaptable schedule that fits in with your routine and preferences, not the other way around. In-home care provides this with flexible scheduling designed to accommodate you and your lifestyle. This means you get to choose the hours and the types of care you need, or want, and keep your familiar daily routine.
  
  
• Enhanced Quality of Life: We all like to think we’ll be able to stay in our own home for as long as possible. Doing so means we can remain independent and greatly improve our overall quality of life. That’s important, and in-home care makes this possible with a range of options that provide personalised care services in familiar surroundings. 
  
  
• Government Support and Funding: Most senior Australians can access some level of government aged-care support and funding. The funding is available so you can access a good level of care and support without putting yourself under financial duress. Through this type of funding, you can often access more in-home care services, and enjoy peace of mind whilst living life to the fullest!   

 

 

What to expect from Aged Care Homes?

 

Often referred to as nursing homes, residential Aged Care Homes can be the best option for those needing round-the-clock, high-level care. Most aged care homes offer semi-private and private rooms, with private rooms costing a bit more than those that are shared.

 

Care staff will assist residents with all ADLs, personal care needs, mobility issues, cleaning, laundry and provide medical care or therapy when needed.

 

This is why for many families who feel that full time care is needed, Aged Care Homes are often the clearest choice. Those with chronic health problems, severe mobility issues or who have had an extended time in hospital may also feel that an aged care home is a more appropriate choice.

 

What you should expect from aged care homes:

 

• Comprehensive Medical Care: Aged care homes provide you with a comprehensive level of medical care. This includes 24/7 medical support and emergency care should you require these. There is also access to regular health checks, experienced support for managing any health conditions you may have and help with administering medications. Plus, there is also usually access to a range of specialised health services including podiatry, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. And, should you need to see a doctor or external healthcare provider, your aged care home will generally coordinate it all for you.

 

• Social and Recreational Activities: If you’re socially minded, and enjoy recreational activities, an aged care home can be a great place to find these! Many homes offer plenty of opportunities for social interaction with communal dining and lounge areas and organised group activities – games, fitness classes, arts and crafts, outings, and excursions.
  
  
• Personalised Care Plans: When you first enter the aged care home, you should receive an initial assessment to determine your healthcare requirements, and establish your health care preferences. After that, you will have an opportunity to regularly review and update your care plan to make sure it continues to provide the services you require. Your family can also be involved in this process if necessary. Regardless, your plan should at all times take into account your personal health history, routines, and preferences for your care. 
  
  

• Safe and Supportive Environment: Aged care homes provide a comprehensive level of security and safety for residents along with extensive supportive care. This includes hygienically clean living spaces along with appropriate safety equipment like handrails, suitably modified entrances and building access points, and on-hand emergency call systems in rooms. Emotional and psychological support counselling and mental health services are also available should you need them. 
  
  
• Government Funding and Support: You may be eligible for government funding and support with your aged care home expenses. If you’re entitled to full funding, it will cover both your daily living expenses and accommodation costs. If you’re not – you may for example be selling your home to help fund your aged care expenses – you could still be eligible for some funding and support. It’s best to reach out and discuss your situation with us because all cases are different. 

 

Funding

 

Government funding and subsidies are available for both In-Home Care and residential Aged Care Homes. You can find more information on this on the My Aged Care website.

 

We have also provided some detailed information about In-Home Care government contributions on our website here.

 

Need help choosing what’s right for you?

 

Aunty Grace can help with information on any of the above and assisting you in making a choice for you and your family. Contact our friendly and supportive team today to discuss and they will be more than happy to answer all your questions.