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Preparation and Staying Healthy this Winter Season

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With the colder months fast approaching, staying healthy and active during winter can be difficult, but being prepared can make a world of difference. At Home Care Assistance, your health and wellbeing is our priority, so helping you plan, with the assistance of our dedicated Carer Workers, will ensure you are equipped for this season’s cold weather.  

The first and most practical step is to help prepare your home, and by getting this done sooner rather than later, means you are ready to go when it gets cooler. Here are a few simple tips our Care Workers can assist with to get started:

  1. Make sure your heater or fireplace is working. Test your heating before the cold months set in, to ensure it’s working properly, giving you time to get it repaired if faulty. If you use a fireplace, make sure you get your chimney serviced and ensure you have plenty of wood or coal.
  2. Check your smoke alarms. Every winter there are more than 1,100 home fires[1] and while house fire prevention is important,[2] a working smoke alarm will provide early warning of  a fire. Check that your smoke alarms are working and replace the batteries regularly.
  3. Check your electric blankets. It is important to check your electric blankets to ensure there is no damage or electrical faults. Turn it on for five minutes and check for any uneven hotspots. If it is damaged or has hot spots, replace it. 
  4. Prepare extra bedding. Pull out those extra blankets and check they are ready for use. Make sure you have enough blankets for your bed and put a blanket next to your favourite chair for those chilly days.

In addition to this, taking care of your personal health this winter is vitally important. The following steps should be considered to better ready yourself:

  1. Get a flu and covid shot. These are available at GP’s and local pharmacies. Book an appointment and talk to your Care Worker if you need help getting there.
  2. Stay active. Keeping fit can significantly reduce your risk of disease and helps you recover from illness a lot quicker,[3] yet only 41% of adults over the age of 65 are sufficiently active.[4] The Autumn months are a great time for getting in some exercise such as  walking, taking a tai chai class, or playing lawn bowls. It is also the time for planning how to stay active over the winter. At Home Care Assistance, our dedicated Care Workers can assist in helping you stay motivated and  active over the colder months.
  3. Unpack your winter wardrobe. Check that you have enough of everything you need. Talk to your Home Care Assistance Care Worker if you need help getting more clothes.
  4. Check your wheat packs. Wheat packs can be great for soothing muscles and aching joint affected by the cold, as well as for extra warmth. However, wheat packs can cause fires and burns if improperly used[5] so it is important to not overheat them and ensure they are in good working order. 
  5. Boost your intake of fruit and vegetables. Maintaining a healthy diet, including increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables, can not only help you boost your immunity to avoid catching a winter cold, but can also help you recover if you do get sick. Winter is a perfect time for cooking and with the assistance of your Care Worker, you will not only be making nourishing meals, but will have great company while doing it. For quick and delicious options, check out our  Winter comfort food ideas,

While staying warm, active, and healthy can be difficult over winter, it’s not impossible. The key is to ensure that you are prepared in advance, something that can make a big difference to your overall wellbeing and health during the cold, winter months. At Home Care Assistance, our Care Workers are here to assist you in helping you stay warm, safe, active and healthy this winter, so start now – there is no time like the present!  Support of an in-home care agency like Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefit and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home.  Home Care Assistance has viable solutions when it comes to supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance near me today.

[1] https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9284

[2] https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/gallery/files/pdf/community/Get%20Ready%20For%20Winter%20Checklist.pdf

[3] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/physical-activity-for-seniors

[4] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/insufficient-physical-activity

[5]https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9047#:~:text=Wheat%20bags%20can%20help%20pain,used%20to%20warm%20bedding%20materials

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    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.

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    My husband had two major strokes 6 years ago which turned our lives upside down over night. two years ago we were given the opportunity to look for a provider to help us make life easier at home for... my husband. We choose a provider and had them for two years. I can't tell express enough of how that ended up causing us so much stress and anxiety as they were in this business for the wrong reasons, very money orientated as fees were astronomical and the service was equally as bad. My husband even had a bad accident on his scooter where he could of been killed at Helensvale and some low life also stole his mobile phone while he was on the ground so he could not contact anyone but not even a word from my provider to say how sorry they were to hear that, it meant nothing, like I said just in it for the money. After two years I had had enough and found a provider by the name of Home Care Assistance. We have only been with them for one month and already it has made a huge difference to our lives, the stress levels are manageable now as they are absolutely in this business of caring for the elderly and disabled for the RIGHT reasons, they have been nothing but professional, kind and caring and they actually listen to what our needs are even though they are sometimes of the chart, but what counts is that it is to make my husbands life better, he is the one who was unlucky in life to have this happen to a very kind soul at a young age. We needed help and now we have it. The director of this company Michelle and our client advisor Jourdan have been the best and I can honestly say to anyone out there looking for a provider, as there are many, don't look any further than Home Care. If anyone would like to speak to me personally, pls get in touch with HomeCare as I will gladly tell u our story and how important it is that when tragedy strikes and you are a mess, you really need that help and support. I can't thank Home Care enough for everything in such a short time. I feel blessed to have found them.read more
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    In November I was looking for a New Provider for my package.Fortunately I found HOME CARE ASSISTANCE in SOUTHPORT Qld.Immediately after my phone call MISCHELLE,and JOURDAN VisitedMy home to... explain the care I needed,and immediately everythingWas put into place.My Care Givers are of First class help to me,Highly qualified and have allRelevant TRAINING. FIRST AID-CPR-and Police checks are currentAlso INSURANCE.I am just so Happy with the service,also Quality and Love, given by allStaff.THANK YOU Home CAre Assistance. All my problems are now solvedAnd this is a major relief for my HEALTHI would RECOMMEND your Company to Anyone. THANKS AGAINread more
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    Dave and the team go above and beyond to ensure your loved one receives the best possible care
    We have the highest praise for HCA as an organisation, and deep gratitude and respect for the people involved - all the way from Dave & Meg at the top right through office staff and on to the... wonderful warm carers who have meant so much to our mother over the last three years. From our experience HCA offers a service far beyond the general expectations of the aged care sector, and we have no hesitation recommending them. Thank you HCA, for all that you've done for Mum - and for us by extension.read more
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    We have been with Home Care assistance for last three years. I am impressed by the diversity of the services, they provide.I had few carers but the carer, Shweta, has been coming to us for last two... years, has been a Godsend. She pushes him to do the things which i am unable to. It’s a compliment to Homecare assistance to employ professionals of that standard.No matter what problem I incur, all I have to do is to ring the agency..The eagerness and understanding towards the need of the client is amazing.I would recommend Homecare assistance to anyone and everyone, who requires assistance in all aspects of life.In my case i am grateful of the help i am getting to look after my husband.read more
    A positive experience of co-ordinated care and provision of support services to meet my high care level of needs.
    In sporting circles these days there is an expression used to describe why athletes and teams are supreme champions, it is “they do the one-percenters”. To me this is what separates HCA from the... other providers I have experienced; they are always cheery when you telephone, they respond with some alacrity to an email, incredibly flexible re scheduling and most importantly from the very first visit by a staff member you are made to feel part of their family.read more
    Would recommend
    Yes Folks it's all true, you've found the best Age Care Provider on the Gold Coast.Flash Jourdan Lofthouse and his Merry staff are doing great work for my mum and several of her close friends.... Ramps, railings, shower ensuite, cleaning, gardening all set up nicely. All in a days work and carefully costed. When you meet and chat to Jourdan you'll be happy to sign up. Julieread more
    Highly recommend.
    I cannot speak highly enough of the team at Home Care Assistance. They treated my gran and I like we were close family and always ready to help 24/7. The carers they provided were of the highest... standard and loved by my gran. The family appreciated the nature of the carers when they spoke to us about her progress and their recommendations. Nothing was to big or small a task for them to solve.Definitely recommend reaching out to them for home care packages.read more
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    Home Care Assistance Gold Coast have been five star in the service and care they've provided for my grandparents. A huge thank you to the professional team behind the scenes who ensure all clients... are well taken care of. Highly recommend!read more
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    Great place and would highly recommend!
    A thank you to the team at Hone Care Assistance from the Gold Coast, for taking extrodinary measures to look after my parents. A well organised and professional manner, thank you again..
    Great service, lovely people
    At the beginning of this year I interviewed several care companies searching for help with my mum who is totally dependant every day.Mum was quite resistant to the idea of having strangers coming in... to her home, she felt very uncomfortable, but I was desperate at the same timefeeling guilty. When speaking with Jourdan as we discussed HCA & theirpolicies, prices, priorities I felt that this was the right company for my mum & I. The interest in my mums needs & her fears were clearly important, which put me at ease making this new journey a little easier.From the 7th March we have received excellent care. Whatever we asked for has been received. The carers who attend to my mum are perfectly matched to her needs, she now feels safe, very comfortable & well cared for, she is also looking forward to their visits. The services we require are cleaning, meals, companionship & most of all friendliness. All of these are of a high standard. Mum & I are very grateful to all at Home Care Assistance Gold Coast. Glenis & Normaread more
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    Happy Christmas to Jourdan my home care manager and thank you so very much for all the help and care you've shown over the year I've been with GCHA, very happy with my home care package and how... you've gone over and above many times for me. Much appreciated, have a super new year, catch up with you then. Blessings to you and yours (:-read more
    So blessed. Such a wonderful team to take care of me, keeping my life simple and enabling the very best I could wish for. Thank you, Meg and Dave!
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    Great team
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    This is the best home care company in Australia !
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    I looked long and thoroughly before I selected a care provider for my husband who has dementia. Being with Home Care Assistance for almost a year, has confirmed all my expectations. And more.As a... carer I feel very supported by David and Meg. They are always available by phone or email, and this means a lot. But perhaps the best quality of their organisation is the high calibre and personalised choice of all the care givers they have provided for us - whether it be someone to spend time with my husband or someone to slash our overgrown yard.I have no hesitation in recommending Home Care Assistance - and, indeed, have already done so.Pamela Payneread more
    Our family has benefited from the excellent support and services from David, Meg and the team at Home Care Assistance North Coast for the past couple of years. I had an extensive list of questions... when we were deciding which provider to go with. David answered promptly, and impressed me with his empathy, accessibility (available after hours, weekends), and ability to tailor a package to meet our particular needs. Add to that the best value for package dollars, and it was an easy decision to go with HCA North Coast.The staff employed by HCA North Coast have been excellent. David was able to source staff who were a good match for my Dad’s personality. As our needs evolved, it was easy to change any aspect of the care provided.I am very happy to recommend Home Care Assistance North Coast, for anyone looking for quality care for their loved one.read more
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    Home Care Assistance North Coast have been absolutely wonderful caring for my elderly parents. All their staff have been kind, considerate and very professional. Management is very friendly, always... willing to accommodate any needed changes and care greatly about the welfare of both their clients and their lovely careers. Their careers have been absolute angels, to say the least. My thanks go to all the people at Home Care Assistance North Coast.read more
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    Best Home Care Agency in South East Melbourne!Friendly ,Reliable, trusting in looking after your loved one.
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    Lovely staff
    Homecare assistance is a high quality company run by friendly and highly qualified faces, I could not recommend the company enough to those who need it
    They are great
    Would definately recommend, Kristy is the best :-)
    Megan is very good care manager.
    Kristi has been nothing but amazing, Couldn’t recommend her more !
    I have received care for the last 2 years so I would like to say how happy I am with the provider. My carer is a well trained ex nurse who has helped me to live a happier life and look after my... needs. I am a level 4 and would probably need assistance outside my home without their care.i would reccommend the provider too anyone needing assistance . I have the same carer which is great for continuety of service She notices when I feel unwell without saying anything and looks after me very well.read more
    The whole team at Home Care Assist are amazing. I can't begin to tell you how much help Geoff Doherty was to me when I was trying to navigate the Aged Care process. The Coffs Harbour team led by... Rachael, who is a wonderful caring and helpful manager, is an absolute gem. My every need is taken into consideration and the staff employed to do the actual caring/cleaning are second to none. Nothing is too much trouble. I need Physio and Hydrotherapy services and Emily, who is also a absolute gem always pays the providers promptly and they are very grateful for that. I would highly recommend this service to anyone looking for Caring, Compassionate, timely and reliable care.read more
    David and his team have been outstanding in the help they have offered my father. i would highly recommend them to anyone. First class job!
    Everyone I’ve interacted with at Home Care Assistance has been friendly, professional and very helpful.My 85 year old mother has settled into her daily routine in her own home very nicely with the... care and support received from Home Care Assistance.I have received excellent advice, service and care for my mother and highly recommend this professional organization.read more
    The team at Home Care Assistance are extremely caring towards their people and ensure every client has the best quality of life possible. They are a genuine, honest local organisation that would... recommend any of my family members use to manage their home care package.Highly recommend Traci and the team at Home Care Assistanceread more
    Home Care Assistance run by Jeremy and Samantha, a lovely couple with a caring attitude and a family themselves. After bringing my Mum to Sydney and needing expert help immediately I found HCA online... and liked their story. As soon as they walked in our door, we knew we were safe. I liked the fact that there was direct contact with the owners and nothing was too much trouble. The carers selected for Mum were perfect for her and very capable. Unfortunately Mum has had to move to a nursing home now but I would happily recommend this wonderful business to anyone with aged care needs.read more
    Home Care Assistance are always available to help Mum and Dad. The carers are always lovely and polite. I feel very confident in recommending them to anyone looking for care for their loved ones.

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