Older Australians are increasingly deciding to continue living at home and keeping their independence for longer. Over time an ageing loved one may find it difficult to complete certain household tasks and will rely heavily on the support of their family and friends as caregivers.

Home care services offer many benefits for older people allowing them to stay in familiar surroundings for as long as possible, while providing peace of mind to their family members. It allows someone to receive professional, personalised care and long-term assistance without having to make a big lifestyle change, such as moving to a residential aged care centre or assisted living.

The top 10 benefits of home care services

We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 benefits of getting home care services, so read on to find out about the importance of home care and how it can benefit you or your loved one.

1. Independence and empowerment

The main benefit of home care is the independence it gives you or your loved one to keep living at home with a little bit of support.

Home care offers personalised care and assistance with day-to-day tasks such as cooking, cleaning or doing the laundry so that someone can maintain their quality of life while they age in familiar surroundings.

Sometimes people are concerned that receiving home care will take away their independence, but getting help with certain tasks actually can empower them to maintain it. In fact, home care supports seniors to age in place and can prevent the need for relocation to an aged care centre (also called nursing homes).

2. Care at home

If you or your loved one are fresh out of hospital after an operation, for example, a professional at home caregiver can provide help.

A caregiver can help with recovery by assisting with wounds and dressings and ensure any medications are organised and delivered.

If palliative care is required, a quality home care team can help with a specialised program. If you’re considering this, be sure to ask about the home care provider’s experience, qualifications and partnerships with local health services. We recommend you find a provider with experience in holistic end-of-life care that can assist you or your loved one with accessing the help needed, offering gentle care and understanding of wellbeing, all in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.

3. Choice and control

A good home care provider will work with you and/or your loved one to develop the right support plan. You or your loved one can choose the support needed and control the schedule so the right services are delivered when it suits. Getting help at home is all about supporting independence and with the ability to choose and control the plan this is enhanced.

4. Improved health and wellbeing

Regardless of how much or little assistance is required, home care allows for services to be incorporated that will enhance an older person's overall health and wellbeing.

A caregiver can help provide access to allied health services like physiotherapy, podiatry and speech pathology or simply help with home safety repairs and modifications (like making sure a smoke detector works) as well as personal care.