What is aged care and 5 signs you should you consider it

5 signs it might be time to consider getting aged care services

It can be pretty hard figuring out what type of care you need, and whether you need residential aged care or home care. For many older people, it’s worth considering whether home care can provide the support you need before jumping straight to residential aged care. However, there are naturally circumstances in which you’ll need more around the clock support. Here are some things to look out for when weighing it up.

1. Serious health challenges

If an older person’s health is deteriorating and requires more than just a bit of care here and there, residential aged care may be required. Speak to your doctor and other health professionals and get their advice. People will often move into an aged care centre when their health is declining and there’s a clear trajectory of needing access to ongoing support, such as increased hospitalisations. Having access to aged care provides peace of mind that health professionals will be on hand at all times.

2. Safety concerns

It’s important to consider whether or not it’s safe for an older person to keep living at home. While home care services can certainly help, they might not be sufficient if an older person is unable to manage daily life if their carer doesn’t live with them or if their carer is finding it too hard to manage. If someone has dementia, for example, it might be dangerous for them to be on their own in the event they forget an appliance is on or they get lost in the community. Another thing to watch out for is if they’re having frequent falls or accidents. In these cases, they may need more 24/7 professional care, especially if their current full time carer is a partner or family member and they are feeling overwhelmed.

3. Poor emotional wellbeing

Many older people are quite isolated and tend to suffer from loneliness and sometimes depression. While they might be able to stay at home with some care support, the negative impact on mental health might become too much, especially if they’ve lost their spouse. Home care services can certainly improve social connection, but if it’s a serious issue and you notice concerning changes in personality and mood, then residential aged care might be a good way for them to feel a part of a community with more regular social interaction.

Most aged care centres offer a range of lifestyle activities such as outings, bingo, arts and craft or pet therapy. It’s not just about receiving full-time or clinical care if needed, living at an aged care centre can also help improve one’s quality of life.

4. A messy home

As someone gets older, looking after their home and garden might become pretty overwhelming. With decreased mobility and increased health issues, it could put a lot of strain on them and it just becomes near impossible to keep up with household tasks. Home care can definitely help, but it’s worth considering if downsizing to something smaller and simpler could actually reduce stress and provide a healthier living environment.

5. You feel overwhelmed (as a carer) or just need a break

While caring for a special senior in your life is a highly rewarding role, it’s quite okay to take a break for yourself sometimes. Residential aged care can be a good option if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or simply can’t provide care for some reason. You can also access respite care as a temporary solution, which gives your loved one a change of scenery and opportunity to meet new people without committing to living at an aged care centre.

If you decide full time care is the best pathway for the person you’re caring for, it can actually lead to you having more quality time to spend with your loved one because when you visit you can focus on them without worrying about all the all the chores associated with caring for them. All that is covered by the staff at the aged care centre.