Are you starting your aged care journey? You can choose between help at home or an aged care home. Should you opt for home care, then you will continue living at your home. However, living independently becomes complicated with advanced age. Thus, home care services are designed to support you with daily activities to live independently in your house longer. This post provides insights into aged care services for individuals who live in their own house.

Home Care Packages Program

Aged care help at your house falls under the Home Care Packages program. This program supports older adults with complex care needs to continue living independently in their houses. The mix of services provided under the Home Care Packages is categorized into four levels, namely, basic, low, intermediate and high care needs. Notably, the Australian government funds the program through subsidies. In addition, there are approved providers who work with the program recipients to plan, organize and deliver services.

Eligibility for Home Care Services

Home care services recipients must fulfil two requirements. Primarily, you have to register with My Aged Care and then complete an eligibility assessment. Usually, you will be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This team comprises a doctor, nurse and social worker who assesses your needs and aged care requirements. Then, the ACAT provides you with a letter stating the subsidized services you can access. Afterwards, you can contact an approved provider in your locality and enjoy home care services.

Types of Home Care Services

Home care services depend on individual needs. Essentially, the services provided include the following:

Personal Care

The caregivers assist in maintaining personal hygiene and proper diet. For instance, you receive help in personal grooming activities like bathing, dressing and hair care. Also, you can get support in feeding and toilet use.

Domestic Chores

These activities aim at enhancing home cleanliness and reducing physical strain on the elderly. For example, the service provider takes care of house cleaning, laundry and ironing. Also, the caregivers can prepare meals and wash dishes. Besides, the assistants can accompany you for shopping, banking and appointments.

Social Support

In addition to physical assistance, home care services offer social support. Essentially, the caregivers offer company and engage you in fun activities like watching and board games. In this way, they help you to overcome loneliness.

Home Care

Home maintenance is a primary concern for older people. Thus, home care services include minor repairs and gardening to keep your house in shape. More so, the service can include house modifications to install safety devices and support rails or ramps.

Nursing Care

Home care services also factor in the medical needs of the elderly. Thus, help at home includes nursing care by qualified health professionals. Typically, the assistants help with physical therapy, medication, wound management or managing urinary incontinence devices.