Many older people in Australia prefer to stay in their own home to spend the rest of their lives. However, some families consider this arrangement as not always the best senior care solution to provide for their old folks because of some unexpected problems that typically result in such an arrangement.
As per Housing Decisions of Older Australians report in 2015, 60 percent of Australian seniors would choose to remain in their homes as they age.
The same report also disclosed that a majority of that number were hesitant to plan or seek advice for their senior care needs, sometimes reaching to a point where aged care decisions are only made after a health crisis, or at a time when they are most vulnerable and when their families are at their most stressed situation.
The Importance of Aged Care Planning and Availing Support Services
It’s undeniable that talking about frailty and ageing may not always be pleasant. But it’s crucial that families have a conversation about this topic because it means planning and giving the necessary senior care for their old folks.
In that way, families can consider the various senior care solutions available and begin the essential steps to take, such as appointing a power of attorney, updating wills, finalizing advanced health directive, seeking financial advice, and arranging ACAT assessments to see the eligibility for aged care packages of their older loved ones.
Many families want to support their elderlies in their wish to spend the rest of their lives in their homes. However, they have misgivings about the reality of taking care of an ageing loved ones with increased frailty and vulnerability.
While many people are reluctant to admit it, caring for older loved ones can become stressful, especially for those who have to juggle between taking care of their older folks and assuming the responsibilities of work and their children.
Sometimes, this arrangement can result in burnout on the part of family caregivers and a feeling of spending time with their older folks as something of a daily to-do list, instead of an enjoyable time to connect with them.
Options for Senior Care Service
While a lot of old folks can handle the fact of staying at home with support from family members and home care service providers, some elderlies need a higher level of aged care service that staying at home may not be viable.
Also, some of the older people who receive home care service feel a sense of social isolation and loneliness. As a result, this factor can affect their physical and mental wellbeing. Furthermore, these old folks also get a lower level of funding and care than they need
Although staying at home as you age sounds like an ideal way to grow old, senior care specialists say that other alternatives offer the best way to age in place. Some of these aged care options allow older people to maintain their independence while receiving the care and support that they need.
So if you have loved ones who need senior care service, you should not shy away from discussing it with them and the rest of the family members. In this way, you can know the best options available that are different from conventional nursing home facilities, providing your older folks to live and age in a home-like environment.
There are senior care communities in Queensland that offer a relatively new model of taking care of older people. These communities maintain a level of independence to their residents by allowing them to live in comfortable, private apartments while personalized care is provided to them. There are also social and lifestyle activities that make the stint of their residents a worthwhile experience.
Of course, these communities also allow their residents to spend quality time with their families. The family members can choose to take part in the care of their older loved ones whenever they like.
Takeaway
Providing your older loved ones the best senior care service is essential. In this way, you can allow them to live with all the necessary support and care that they need for the rest of their lives, and it can also be easy for the rest of the family members to face the reality of taking care for their old folks. So you should know and plan for the best age care service for them.
