Australians receiving care from the comfort of their own home has grown by 163% over the past decade1. This suggests that more families are supporting their loved ones to choose ageing in place with dignity and independence, whilst supported by professional home care services such as Home Care Assistance.
Perhaps one of the most challenging times the decision between a residential aged care facility and in-home care presents is when a loved one has an advanced illness, is severely weak or bed bound, and requires around the clock care. It might be an automatic assumption that the level of support needed at this time is only possible within a facility, but in-home care services are increasingly becoming a preferred option. Families and loved ones ageing in place benefit from involving a small team of trained, professional care workers to deliver the seamless care and full-time support needed to enable a life of comfort and dignity in their own home.
24/7 in-home care is ideal for those with conditions such as frailty syndrome, mid to late-stage dementia and advanced illness. The care provided is always tailored to the status, conditions, preferences, and lifestyle of each individual.
Having to relocate from the familiarity and security of your own home at a time when your care needs are at their peak can cause ‘relocation stress’ a significant risk factor for anxiety and depression in aged care residents2. Care Workers available 24/7 provides peace of mind for families and individuals knowing that their support needs, safety, and companionship are all provided for without the upheaval of a change in housing. In-home care for the elderly, around-the-clock, ensures compassionate companionship, familiarity and calm is provided to those who may have lost their sense of time and place and can help to manage anxiety.
We have seen all too often how the emotional strain associated with moving away from the familiarity and comfort of home can also lead to physical decline, further loss of independence and diminished quality of life. This is avoided with 24-hour in-home care, our care workers ensure that the support and care provided is also tailored to the status, conditions, preferences, hobbies, and lifestyle of the individual. Having trusted and reliable in-home care services ensures medication routines are upheld through day and night, and all personal and medical needs are met regardless of time of day. A 24-hour care regimen reduces the risk of skin infections and incidence of urinary tract infections too.
Another important advantage that 24-hour in-home care services bring is mobility support. Whether it is recovering post hospitalisation, or mitigating risk of falling, in-home care services can ensure that movement around the house or in and out of bed can be supported in a respectful and dignified way that helps maintain independence, whilst minimising risk of injury. 24-hour in-home care can be structured differently to suit everyone’s in-home care needs as well as ensure our Care Workers get their R&R time to be at their best for you or your loved one. This provides families peace of mind that if a support need or emergency arises overnight, someone is close by to lend a hand.
Tailoring to the individual and being flexible to respond to changes in need over time is at the heart of how our in-home care services work at Home Care Assistance. 24-hour care needs may be a catalyst for engaging in-home care from the get-go, or it may become apparent that more time and care is required for you or your loved one over time. Supporting people to live well in their own home is what we do whether it is for one hour or 24 hours a day. We know that families can rest easier knowing that a Home Care Assistance Care Worker is there whenever they are needed, offering help with daily living, emotional support, safety, companionship, and all from the comfort of their home.
References:
1 https://www.gen-agedcaredata.gov.au/Topics/Admissions-into-aged-care
2 https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-022-02859-1#:~:text=The%20move%20from%20home%20into,depression%20in%20aged%20care%20residents
