Home Care Assistance
Aged Care at Home
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Hourly Care -
24 Hour Care
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Hospital to Home
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Specialised Care
Care for your loved one: An invaluable support
When would home care be useful?
Home care can be a vital lifeline. Read Ann’s story:
Ann is a spritely 93-year-old who lives with her husband in their own home. Ann’s husband, Jim, has early-stage dementia and she has been his primary carer. She cooks the meals, does the housework and still drives to the shops for groceries. Ann gets a simple cold which then turns into pneumonia. Ann is hospitalised for two nights and receives IV antibiotics and fluids since she is also dehydrated. When she goes home, Jim is completely overwhelmed with the task of taking care of her. Ann’s daughter decides it is time for home care to help them. She makes enquiries to arrange 24-hour care. The care worker reminds Ann to do her breathing exercises, encourages her to drink water and makes nutritious meals. Having care for Ann speeds up her recovery while also keeping Jim happy and healthy.
What can home care assist with?
There is so much that Home Care Care Workers do that is vital for the support of those wanting to maintain their independence including:
Companionship and Socialisation
Isolation and loneliness are recognised as an increasingly serious and growing problem for older Australians. In-Home Care Workers provide conversation and encourage socialisation. They can also be a nurturing and comforting companion and re-instill meaning and purpose in life.
Not all family Care Workers are able to be a 24-hour support or companion to an ageing family member. The option of an in-home Care Worker relieves the burden for families who still want to provide support, but can’t be there every day.
Nutrition and Hydration
Heart and Lung Health
Transportation and Errands
Transportation is a significant challenge for many people. Most of us know of an older person who continues to drive, despite feeling that this may no longer be the best choice. Although it is hard to give up driving, having an alternative can make the decision easier. In-Home Care Workers can provide this valuable service, whether it is to attend important appointments or for socialising.
Dressing, Bathing and Transferring
You may have had the experience of being physically limited by an accident or injury. If you have had this experience, you know how challenging it can be to do seemingly simple things like get dressed or shower, not to mention cook, clean or drive. This situation is made even more challenging the older we get.
Having home care services means a Care Worker can assist with these routine daily activities. Things like getting out of bed, showering, getting dressed and also monitoring mobility. In-home Care Workers can also help someone transfer from the bed to the toilet. Whatever the task, home care for the elderly bridges the gap that is often needed in order to offer safety and support in a familiar environment.
Light Exercise & Movement
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Recovery for most of us means getting back to our previous level of functionality. Recovery in older adults generally takes longer and other co-occurring medical conditions can complicate the rehabilitation process.
An In-Home Care Worker can be an invaluable support for recovery in any number of situations including hospitalisation, an illness, a rehab stay or general decline that results in frailty. A good care plan developed by the Home Care Assistance Care Team, with feedback from the family and individual, can encourage a safe rehabilitation journey to recovery.
