There are many reasons people choose to access residential aged care that have little to do with health. Of course, for many people, poor health IS certainly a reason for a move into an aged care facility. But it’s definitely not the only reason.
According to the My Aged Care website (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/am-i-eligible), you may be eligible for aged care if you have:
- Noticed a change in your memory or in what you are able to do
- Reduced mobility
- Experienced a change in family care arrangements
- Experienced a recent fall
None of these criteria are directly related to your health (although keep in mind that there are certainly other criteria that do apply to health issues). You don’t actually have to be ill, unwell, or suffering from a chronic condition to apply to live in residential aged care.
In actuality, residential aged care is for those older people who are unable to live independently in their own homes – for whatever reason. Sometimes this reason involves being unwell, sick or having a chronic health condition – but sometimes it doesn’t. You may not be sick per se, but you may be dealing with one or more of the following issues that make you eligible to apply for aged care.
Mobility
Mobility issues can become more and more concerning as you age, and your wellbeing can be significantly compromised by restricted mobility. Our sense of independence depends largely on our mobility, and it can be difficult to adjust when you need to rely on others more and more. And mobility is not just limited to being able to get around. For instance, you may develop a shoulder issue that limits your mobility, and which thus makes it hard to perform tasks such as getting dressed, brushing your teeth or doing your hair.
When mobility issues start to limit the way you live your life, it might be time to consider aged care.
Care arrangements
Another valid reason for a move into aged care might be a change in care arrangements. If your partner or carer dies, experiences a serious illness or injury, moves away or has another change in circumstance that prevents them caring for you, you may have to consider a move into aged care.
Stability
Unfortunately, stability can often decline in older people, leaving them prone to falls or accidents that can be debilitating. People with stability issues might find residential aged care highly beneficial.
Memory or mental health problems
Memory also tends to decline as we age, and older people can also be subject to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and loneliness. Older people are also likely to be struggling with grief and loss, as their loved ones and friends age and pass away. Memory or mental health problems can lead to further issues with tasks such as taking medicine, managing money, paying bills, driving or taking public transport.
If you are dealing with mental health issues or problems related to memory loss, aged care is certainly an option that may be extremely helpful.
Ability to do tasks
You may not have any health conditions, but if you’ve noticed that you can’t do as many things as you used to, or can’t do them as well as you used to, you may be eligible for aged care. These could include:
- Getting out of bed or out of a chair
- Walking
- Getting dressed
- Preparing a meal
- Eating a meal
- Taking a bath or shower
- Going to the toilet
- Taking medicine
- Doing basic housework
- Shopping for groceries
- Driving or taking public transport
- Managing money or paying bills
All of the tasks on this list are necessary for good health and wellbeing, and being unable to do them will definitely lead to problems. Aged care services are ideally positioned to help you with any or all of these tasks, and to make your life both easier and pleasanter.
So, even if you’re not unwell, you may have other very valid reasons that will allow you to access residential aged care.
Click here to discover more about whether you would benefit from aged care.
