Choosing home-based care in Australia for our elderly family members can be a complex decision, and so often mistakes made in the decision process can affect the quality of care in the long run.
Considering in-home aged care is a challenging decision, as it involves finding the right balance between meeting the needs of the elderly and ensuring that they receive high-quality, personalised care in the comfort of their own home. However, the complexity of the process can lead to various mistakes that may negatively impact the quality of care provided.
Navigating the vast array of home care providers, each offering different services, costs, and levels of care is just one hurdle that if not considered carefully can have a lasting effect on our loved ones’ quality of life.
At Your Service Homecare (AYS) believes in helping families through the decision process by offering expert information and resources to make the process easier and help avoid common mistakes made by those going through the process for the first time.
Here are some common mistakes to be aware of when choosing in-home aged care:
Not researching home care service provider qualifications
Without proper research and understanding, people may choose a provider that doesn’t fully meet the needs of their loved one, whether it’s due to a lack of appropriate qualifications, insufficient staff training, or services that do not align with the elderly person’s specific medical, emotional, or social needs.
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Ensure that the provider meets the Australian Government’s Aged Care Quality Standards
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Check their qualifications
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Ensure they are accredited
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Understand the care services they provide
Ignoring individual needs
Failing to consider the specific needs of the elderly person, such as medical requirements, personal preferences, and lifestyle, can lead to mismatches between the care provided and what’s actually needed.
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Make sure the services provided by the health care provider aligns with the needs of your loved one
Overlooking financial considerations
Not fully understanding the costs involved, including government subsidies and out-of-pocket expenses, can lead to financial strain. It’s important to understand what is covered under government programs like My Aged Care and what additional costs may arise.
Many people underestimate the costs involved in home-based care, or they may not fully understand how government subsidies and funding work. This can lead to unexpected expenses that put a strain on the family’s finances, potentially compromising the quality of care in the long term.
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Understand what subsidies are available
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Get a breakdown of care costs upfront
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Plan for future care requirements and expenses
Not reviewing aged-care plans regularly
Needs can change over time, and some people don’t review and adjust the care plan regularly. As the elderly person’s condition evolves, their care needs may change, and failing to adapt the plan can result in inadequate care. Furthermore, people often focus too much on immediate needs without considering potential future requirements, such as increased medical support or mobility assistance, which could lead to disruptions in care later on.
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Understand what extensive care options are available for future care needs
Choosing aged care services based on proximity or price alone
Opting for the closest or cheapest option without evaluating the quality of care can lead to subpar services. Balancing cost, convenience, and quality is crucial.
Lack of communication with aged care providers
Poor communication with care providers can result in misunderstandings about the level of care required. It’s essential to maintain open and regular communication with both the provider and the elderly person. Effective communication with both the care provider and the elderly person is essential to ensure that the care is aligned with expectations and that any issues are promptly addressed. Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings about the level of care required or dissatisfaction with the services provided.
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Ensure there are adequate communication channels in place
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Understand the process of in-home care and the care review schedules provided by the provider
Underestimating emotional and social needs
Physical care is important, but emotional and social support is equally critical. Some people overlook the need for companionship, social activities, and mental stimulation in their care plans.
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Ensure you understand the needs of your elderly loved one when choosing an in-home care provider
Not considering future needs – does the home-care provider offer these services?
Focusing only on current needs without considering how care requirements may evolve can be a mistake. Planning for potential future needs, such as increased medical care or mobility assistance, is essential.
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Ask your provider for expert advice about what may be required in future to ensure you understand the type of support that may be required.
Neglecting to involve the elderly person in decisions
Sometimes, decisions are made without involving the elderly person in the process. It’s important to include them in discussions to ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed. Their preferences, comfort, and sense of autonomy should be respected, as this can greatly affect their overall well-being and satisfaction with the care they receive.
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Come up with a list of preferences together so you have a clear idea of what your loved one needs
Failing to understand legal obligations
Not being aware of legal obligations, such as power of attorney or guardianship arrangements, can lead to complications if the elderly person becomes unable to make decisions for themselves.
Ensure you have discussed this with your loved one and have a plan in place in case this situation arises.
Summing it all up
Avoiding these commonly overlooked areas requires careful planning, research, and ongoing communication to ensure that your elderly loved one receives the best possible care tailored to their individual needs.
The most important part of the process is that you choose a provider that you can entrust with such an important job and that can provide you with expert advice throughout the home-care journey. At Your Service Homecare are here to help guide you through this process, giving you expert advice and information about these critical areas of care so that you can make the best decisions for you and your loved one. Contact the expert team today.
