HOME CARE FEATURE
Freedom to stay happily at home By Tracey Johnstone
S
taying at home, but not alone, is a real option for older Australians who are struggling to cope with everyday activities and their health. Jen, 74, (surname withheld for privacy) was determined to stay in control of her life but with a Parkinson’s diagnosis and a drop in weight of 12kg in one month, she confronted her limitations and decided to secure a Home Care Package. “I was becoming less able to do things,” she said. Her Home Care Package means she now can stay living in her own home and familiar surroundings for longer. Regardless of what level of care is required, Home Care support can be tailored to meet personal needs. Once assigned a Home Care Package you need to find a provider who will work with you to choose the care and services that best meet your personal assessed needs. Before signing up with a Home Care provider, Jen looked to her retirement village network to help her decide on what help she needed and which provider would best suit her situation. She spent quite some time observing the quality of service being provided by
24 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / February 2022
24.indd 2
social experiences and much more. Jen said it helps to ask others about what services they are getting and how happy they are with their provider. She also suggests having a written list of the services you need to have covered ahead of interviewing a potential provider. Jen is adamant that when a service person is assigned, they should meet all reasonable requests for assistance that she asks of them. And if the person isn’t a good fit, it’s acceptable to request a change. “Don’t be afraid to speak up if things aren’t right,” she said. “Luckily, my provider is very good at matching personalities.”
Home Care companies working with other residents of her community. “I then made appointments with several providers as I had been told by someone in the village that there is a huge difference in the rates that they charge,” Jen said. Ultimately she appointed a provider which has a particular focus on people
with Parkinson’s disease. The coordinated care and services offered by Home Care providers can include linking a package holder to respite and carer support, transport, meal preparation and diet, home maintenance, minor home modifications, goods and equipment including assistive technology, nursing,
HOW TO GET HOME CARE There are four steps to securing a Home Care Package before you can choose a Home Care provider. 1. You, a family member or your GP should call My Aged Care. You will be asked some questions to help them asses your needs. The helpline staff will then create your client record. 2. An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) member will then meet with you in your home to conduct an
Brisbane
2/02/2022 12:49:46 PM
