Australians are well supported when it comes to aged care, with the government contributing around 78% of costs to aged care services needed[1]. This funding is through My Aged Care, but in a recent Roy Morgan survey[2], when asked how they would find out information about aged care services, nearly half of adults surveyed said they would simply search the web. Only 9% of those surveyed identified My Aged Care as the starting point on their aged care journey, a clear indicator that many seniors are potentially missing out on the incredible benefits available to them.
Accessing aged care support through My Aged Care has traditionally been quite the process, which might also contribute to the alarmingly low starting point identification rate. A concerted effort has gone into streamlining this process, which may still take some time, but at Home Care Assistance, we pride ourselves in making this process as smooth, transparent and stress free as possible. We want to ensure that you can continue to live independently at home, with the right level of support you need, in order to focus on the things you love doing and not just the things you have to do. With in-home care services making the process easier for seniors to receive the funding support they need to assist with essential services, it is important that these funds are optimised to the fullest in order to achieve and enjoy the benefits they offer. At Home Care Assistance, we ensure that seniors get the most out of their funding by utilising the wonderful support options available.
We are here to guide you through the entire process – from assessment on first application to ensure you receive the right support to meet your lifestyle and needs, as this is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Everyone is unique and so are their support needs while ageing in place. These needs may change over time, further supporting the benefit of having a home care agency with you every step of the way. Our assessment team here at Home Care Assistance, has the experience and expertise to ensure the right type of support is applied for, in addition to ensuring that these are optimised to have you living your best independent life while ageing in place.
Optimising the use of My Aged Care support, ensures the many benefits of aged care services can be realised to their full potential, including:
1. Independence
Enabling independence is of paramount importance to our in-home services at Home Care Assistance and should be the focus of any in-home care provider. Being supported to live independently at home while ageing in place, boosts self-esteem, self-confidence and ensures safety and quality of life.
2. Familiarity of home
Nearly 70% of Australians prefer to receive any care support they might need in their own home when ageing[3]. The comfort and familiarity of home provides tangible benefits, while reducing the risk of displacement or confusion that can occur when people are relocated.
3. Personalised and individualised care
Care is tailored to your specific needs when receiving in-home care services, which means that your dedicated care worker is focused only on you and your needs, and not on those of others they are caring for at the same time, as is the case in an aged care facility. This builds a special connection and bond with your care worker, enhancing the social and emotional benefits of in-home aged care services.
4. Benefits for the whole family
Family members are quite often the primary caregivers of older relatives. Caring for a spouse, parent or family member can be stressful at the best of times, not to mention extremely overwhelming. In-home care services can help relieve the burden that can be felt by family carers, and it also offers peace of mind that loved ones are being supported, are safe and cared for.
It is clear that Australians prefer living in their own homes as they age, and here at Home Care Assistance, support and care is intrinsically at our core when it comes to seniors choosing this lifestyle. We are here to guide you every step of the way. With this in mind, a detailed understanding of My Aged Care and how to make the best use of the funding and support available to you, is required in order to reap the full benefits provided. With Home Care Assistance in your corner to support you as you age in place, you will enjoy living independently and optimally at home.
References
[3] https://agedcareonline.com.au/2021/05/Survey-Reveals-Australians-Want-to-Age-at-Home
As a leading age care provider, Home Care Assistance offers tailored in-home care services for older Australians, enabling them to live happier and healthier lives in the comfort of their own homes.
We offer private and government subsidised Care Packages and have office locations that are a registered NDIS provider. Our Care Workers undergo extensive training in order to deliver unmatched in-home aged care services where people can continue ageing in place. We are proud ambassadors of the My Aged Care government funded aged care program, enabling Australians to successfully navigate the process and gain approval for in-home care support packages. Home Care Assistance offers hourly care, specialised care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, hospital to home care, and 24 hour in home care.