Five Myths About Home Care

For thousands of families around Australia, home care services are a blessing, but many are a little wary about letting a stranger into their home to care for themselves or a loved one. There can be some confusion around home care services, including who is eligible to receive home care and the services that can be provided.

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Below are some myths that many people believe about home care:

Home care services are only for people who are very ill

While many home care providers care for extremely ill seniors or patients recovering from surgery, the types of care and services offered cater for a wide variety of needs. Of course, medical and therapeutic services are offered to those who need it, including rehabilitation, wound care, pain management and mobility training.

However, non-medical care is also offered to many home care clients. This can be a great option for those who, just need a little extra help around the house with everyday tasks. These services can include but are definitely not limited to: meal preparation, dressing, showering, housework, basic house and garden maintenance, transport to and from appointments, shopping and even social outings.

Depending on your situation, both types of home care services may be a possibility for you or your loved one.

My loved one needs 24-hour care so home care isn’t an option

Many home care providers do in fact provide 24-hour care for clients. The home care provider will be able to organise and coordinate a great team of care professionals who can provide your loved one with care 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. However, if 24-hour care is required over an extended period of time, you may consider looking at residential aged care as another option.

It is too expensive

There are actually a few ways that you can access home care that will help make it a lot more affordable. Luckily in Australia, the Government subsidises a range of aged care services.

Government subsidised Home Care Packages require you to be assessed by your local ACAT/ACAS. You can find your nearest ACAT/ACAS here. This assessment will determine whether you are eligible to receive a Home Care Package and the level that suits your needs:

Level 1: Basic care
Level 2: Low-level care
Level 3: Intermediate care
Level 4: High-level care

Your home care provider may require that you may a basic daily fee towards the cost of your care. This fee is up to 17.5% of the single basic Age Pension. You may also be asked to pay an income tested care fee if your income is over a certain amount.

If you don’t want to go through the assessment process or you are not deemed eligible for the home care services you want, you can always pay for private home care services out of your own pocket. No ACAT/ACAS assessment is required. You can contact your chosen home care provider to discuss your options.

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I am the primary caregiver so there is no need for additional assistance

Research has shown that a caregiver, including a family member, should never be on call 24-hours a day. This can cause physical and mental exhaustion and means that you are unable to provide the best care. Everyone needs to take a break. A professional home care provider can offer you a break from the strains of full-time care giving, without having to remove your loved one from their familiar surroundings. Whether you need a few hours, a day or a week off from your care giving duties, home care services can offer you the respite you need.

My parents/loved one only needs help with basic hygiene so we won’t qualify

However basic your loved ones care needs are, there is no limit to the types of care they can offer to assist you. It can be a good idea to find a home care provider that can offer a wide range of care options just in case care needs change.

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