The decision to use home care services for your parents is personal and sometimes agonising. You want to take care of your parents the way they took care of you when you needed their support. But you have a family of your own (possibly with young children), a full-time job, your own home to maintain, and other responsibilities. Regardless of what the media says daily, you can’t do it all, even if you’re Wonder Woman.
Bringing in home carers relieves you of the daily necessities. In fact, it will change your relationship with your parents. Instead of acting as an elderly home care provider, you’re free to resume your familial relationship. You need not worry about who’s picking up your parents’ medication, making sure your parent gets healthy meals, or cleaning the house or doing the laundry. Instead, you can focus on your relationship and enjoy your time with your parents. That, in itself, is the gift of home care services.
Choosing private home care
There is an abundance of professional home care agencies out there which, for some, can be a burden. Some things to look at are, first, if they provide the appropriate care services your loved one needs. Don’t settle for a home care agency that doesn’t provide the services you need but seems to have nice people. You’ll end up frustrated and still without appropriate care for your parents.
Look for elder care services that strive to help your parents maintain and improve their independence. They should be able to help you determine exactly what services your parent needs and how they can best support your parents’ quality of life. Beyond basic home care help, you want a professional who monitors your parent’s progress over time to make sure they’re always safe at home.
Finally, reputable personal care providers work hard to create a rapport with those in their care. They respect your parent’s home and their preferences, and they always treat your parent with dignity and respect.
Where to start
More than likely, you’ll want a Home Care Package from the Government. A Home Care Package is subsidised support and funding from the Australian Government for older people who want to continue living in their own home.
The first step is an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team. Start at the government’s website to learn more about how to schedule an assessment.
Once you’ve received an assessment, you’ll learn what level of Home Care Package your parents are eligible for. Packages range from Level 1 which offers basic care needs all the way to Level 4 for those with “high level” needs.
While you’re waiting for Home Care Package approval, you can always fund your care privately. Take the time you need to feel comfortable that the service provider you choose truly cares about your parents. Make sure they have a plan in place to introduce caregivers to parents and help them feel comfortable and safe with each other.
Final thoughts
Caring for your loved ones as they age need not be complex. You just need to find the right support. Sometimes your parents can make these hard decisions; sometimes, you must decide for them. Bringing in caring professionals can help you maintain your sanity, have a deep relationship with all your loved ones, and improve life for both you and your parents.
So, avoid the guilt and find the help you need.
If you’re uncertain about the best home care service for your loved one, contact My Guardian at 1800 694 827. We’ll walk through all your options and help you choose the one that best meet your preferences and your budget.
