Once a loved one loses their ability to function independently, it becomes the families’ responsibility to ensure they are looked after. For many, the best option is to move them to a safe environment where their needs are met, an aged care home.
As our loved ones age, their health can degenerate more rapidly than we are prepared for. Therefore, they may require a much higher level of care than we are realistically able to provide. Some ageing diseases can affect motor function making it impossible to care for your loved one at home.
The first step is to start talking things over with your loved one about their needs. Determine how and where they’d enjoy living in their later years. Put their mind at rest that you don’t want them just to be safe, but somewhere where all their needs are met. Visit a number of different aged care centres and note what you like and dislike about each one. This is a great way to find out what you can expect from each type of aged-care provider. It’s also worth discussing how it can work if you loved one decides they want to remain in their home.
There are several different options for aged care. A government-funded Aged Care Assessment can help you make the decision as to which type is best suited to your loved ones needs.
Low-level Care
This is primarily for people who require assistance performing their daily tasks. They can provide respite care to give some temporary relief for their regular caregivers. These type of homes provide personal care such as bathing, eating, toilet and dressing, rehabilitation and physiotherapy and they often have on-site doctors or nurses.
High-level Care
This is 24-hour nursing care for people who are physically unable to take care of themselves, or those afflicted by a life-limiting illness. This type of care is generally on-going. High-level aged care homes provide all the services that low-level care centres do, as well as individual assistance with meals and eating, recreational therapy and activities, walking aids, medical supplies and basic pharmacy and toiletry supplies.
Christian Brethren Community Services can also provide dementia care and palliative care, meaning that residents aren’t required to change homes as their care requirements or level of independence changes.
As you can see, aged care isn’t a case of putting your loved one out of sight and out of mind. Christian Brethren Community Services aged care homes treat their residents with loving respect and dignity to ensure all their needs are met. They provide residents with secure and safe housing in a modern environment and can help you take of their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.
Clear up any confusion you may have about aged care homes by calling us anytime on 02 9842 4111 or feel free to call into any of our care centres and chat with our staff.
