For most of us, it’s common to need increasing levels of care as we age. And receiving care in your own home is the place where most of us start. That’s because Home Care provides us with all the benefits of being able to age in place, such as remaining in our own familiar home, keeping to our regular routine, and staying within our own community.
These are all wonderful benefits; but they’re not the only ones that come with Home Care packages. If you’re just starting out on your Home Care journey, or are interested in finding out more about the program, here are some of the little known benefits to accessing care in your home.
Access to allied health
Home Care packages provide access to a wide range of services, and these services can be tailored to meet your individual needs. While most common services include personal care, nursing care, domestic assistance, home maintenance and meal preparation, you can also use your package to access other types of services, such as allied health.
If you have injuries, mobility problems or age-related functional decline, your Home Care Package can provide you with access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, podiatry, hydrotherapy, chiropractic treatment or remedial massage to help you manage your problems effectively (as long as these services are not currently being funded by another government program).
Fewer hospital visits
Adequate support in your home can alleviate the chance of chronic conditions escalating and getting out of hand, thus reducing the need for hospital visits. Home carers will be able to regularly monitor your condition (such as heart disease, diabetes or respiratory diseases), help manage symptoms effectively and prevent minor health issues from degenerating into an emergency situation.
And if you do have to go to hospital, a Home Care Package can provide you with the support you need to fully recover and transition back to your home.
Social company and companionship
Getting older can be a lonely experience – and loneliness can have enormous negative physical and mental impacts on older people. Home Care Packages can help with social support and interaction, by providing funding for services that help older people to remain active and involved in their community. You can receive help with transport to activities, access to community and social activities (such as classes and gym memberships), help to stay connected to your community, or simply access to companionship with a home carer. All of these provide a way for seniors to stay connected and socially active, and can help alleviate the symptoms of loneliness and isolation.
Fewer medication errors
Taking the wrong medications is an error that’s easily made, especially if you have poor eyesight and are taking a number of medications. And incorrect medication usage or missed doses can lead to serious problems, sometimes requiring hospitalisation. Home Care can help prevent medication mismanagement, by helping you organise, manage and administer your medications correctly.
Better mental health
Mental health can deteriorate due to a wide number of causes – such as loneliness and isolation, feeling disconnected from your community, having physical conditions and illnesses, not being mentally stimulated or feeling unable to complete essential tasks adequately. A Home Care Package provides services that assist with all of these problems, leading to better mental health and a more positive outlook for recipients.
Reduction in falls and injuries
A Home Care Package can even help you reduce the risk of falls and injuries, by providing you with home modifications and mobility aids while allow you to move around your home and community more safely and easily. Wheelchairs, walking frames, mobility scooters, hand rails, non-slip flooring, personal alarms and lift chairs can all be included in your package if your care plan specifies that you need them.
A little support at home can lead to a much better life, and Home Care Packages are a vital strategy to helping people stay well and independent in their own home for as long as possible. Get in touch with Finley Regional Care to find out more about how we can help you in your home.
