Preparing for in-home aged care for a loved one in Australia involves several important steps.
At Your Service Homecare understand that this process can be daunting for some of us, so we have put together a helpful guide to get you started.
Here’s our helpful checklist to guide you through the process of obtaining in-home aged care:
Assess care needs
☐ Conduct a needs assessment
Identify your loved one’s physical, emotional, and social care needs. Consider factors like mobility, medical conditions, personal care, and companionship.
☐ Seek a professional assessment:
Arrange for an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment through My Aged Care. This will help determine eligibility for government-funded aged care services.
Explore funding options
☐ My Aged Care
Check if your loved one is eligible for government-subsidised services such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or Home Care Packages (HCP).
☐ Private care services
If your loved one is not eligible or prefers private care, research providers that offer tailored in-home care services. At Your Service Homecare are specialists in private in-home care.
☐ Financial planning
Review your loved one’s financial situation, including superannuation, pensions, or other savings to ensure you have funds to cover any care costs that are not subsidised.
Select the right care provider
☐ Research providers
Look for reputable aged care providers in your area. Check reviews, service offerings, and their approach to personalised care.
☐ Ensure the providers are qualified
☐ Ask about staff-to-client ratios
☐ Ensure you can get the flexibility of services you need for your budget
☐ Ask if you can trial their services to access the quality of care and fit
Create a care plan
☐ Collaborate with healthcare professionals
Develop a care plan that addresses your loved one’s needs that were identified from your initial assessment. This may include medication management, help with daily tasks, and any specialist care required.
☐ Tailored services
Consider the services needed, such as personal care, domestic assistance, social support, meal preparation, and transport.
Organise regular monitoring and communication
☐ Set up regular check-ins with your loved one
Check in with your loved one to ensure their expectations and needs are being met.
☐ Schedule frequent visits or calls with care providers
Stay updated on your loved one’s condition and needs.
☐ Schedule a regular care assessment review
Make adjustments to the care plan as needs change.
Following these key steps will help you make informed and compassionate decisions for your loved one during their aging years.
By carefully assessing their needs, exploring funding options, and selecting the right care provider, you can ensure they receive the appropriate level of support tailored to their unique situation.
This thorough preparation guide will give you confidence that you’re making the right choices, allowing your loved one to maintain dignity, independence, and quality of life during this important time.
To start exploring reputable in-home care organisations, contact At Your Service Homecare for advice about in-home care, what packages are offered and set up a time for an initial consultation and assessment.
