Caring For Elderly Parents
In Australia, the responsibility of caring for elderly parents is becoming increasingly common. Unfortunately, many Australians are in the dark about where to start when the time comes. In this guide, we explore essential things for families caring for elderly parents in Australia to consider, from how to go about assessing your parent’s needs, to understanding care types, finding funding solutions, and more.
Understanding Care Options for Ageing Parents and Elder Care
“Can I care for my elderly parent?” It’s a question many Australians face as their parents age. The answer is yes, but it may not be the right solution for every family or every situation. It’s important to understand your care options and recognise that you don’t have to manage everything alone.
Here are the three types of care you should understand to make the best decision for your elderly parent — and for yourself.
In-Home Respite Care:
If you choose to care for your elderly parent yourself, respite care offers crucial temporary relief. Types of respite care include planned respite care and emergency respite care (see explanations below). This much-needed support allows family caregivers to recharge and manage their multiple responsibilities more effectively. The benefits of respite care for parents of young children, for example, include the opportunity to focus on their children’s needs, take a holiday with their young family, or simply have a break when it’s needed.
- Planned Respite Care: Planned respite care is a pre-arranged service offering temporary relief to family carers. It allows carers to take scheduled breaks to rest, attend to other responsibilities, or go on holiday. This service ensures consistent and reliable care for elderly parents during the carer’s absence. Benefits include assistance with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, and transportation to medical appointments.
- Emergency Respite Care: Emergency respite care is an immediate, short-term solution supporting family carers in unforeseen situations. It is designed to provide instant relief when an unexpected event or crisis occurs, such as illness or an urgent personal matter, ensuring that the elderly parent continues to receive necessary care without disruption.
In-Home Long-Term Care:
In-home long-term care provides continuous, comprehensive, and flexible support tailored specifically to your parents’ needs – allowing them to stay in their familiar environment without the upheaval of moving to a new location. In-home care can be organised on an hourly basis as needed, or even around-the-clock, if continuous care is required. In-home care services from Care For Family include:
- Monitoring medication
- Nursing care
- Personal care and grooming
- Assistance with household chores
- Cooking healthy meals
- Transport to and from appointments
- Social support and companionship
- Assistance with engaging in social activities (and more!)
Long-Term Care Facilities:
Long-term care facilities are suitable for elderly parents who are no longer able to live independently and do not feel that in-home care is the right solution. These facilities offer structured care plans in a specialised environment, staffed by professional healthcare workers and care teams.
Understanding the various aged care service options means being able to significantly improve your loved one’s quality of life and ensure comprehensive care as they age. We encourage families to explore all available care types, including short-term and long-term solutions, to ensure their elderly parents receive the most appropriate support, depending on their specific needs.
Assessing Your Elderly Parent’s Needs – What to Look Out for
Spotting the early signs that your elderly parent might need a helping hand is crucial for getting them the right care when it’s most needed. You might notice they’re struggling with everyday tasks such as managing finances, cooking, maintaining personal hygiene, or remembering medications. Changes in their mood or behaviour, like becoming easily upset or confused, are also important to watch for. Addressing these signs early can make a significant difference, especially when caring for a parent with dementia. This allows for earlier care interventions and better planning, particularly as dementia progresses.
The following information will prepare you with all the info you need to ensure your parent receives exactly the care they need, when they need it.
Arranging Proper Care for Elderly Parents in Australia
Trying to navigate aged care options may seem daunting at first glance, but this step-by-step guide will provide you with the clear direction and support needed to arrange the best care for your loved one:
- Consult Healthcare Professionals: Begin by consulting with healthcare professionals, such as your parent’s GP, to evaluate their medical needs.
- Assessment with My Aged Care: Apply for an assessment through My Aged Care by visiting their website or calling 1800 200 422. An assessor will visit your home to determine which services and supports could benefit your parents.
- Include Your Parent in the Process: Actively involve your elderly parents in the decision-making process to respect their autonomy and ensure the care plan aligns with their preferences, including their personal and social needs. Also, consider your own capacity to provide care and the impact on your personal circumstances.
- Contact Care For Family: For tailored solutions that adapt to your specific situation, reach out to Care For Family. We specialise in bridging the gap between your needs, your loved one’s care requirements, and the available services.
- Develop a Comprehensive Care Plan: Use the insights from the assessment to tailor our aged care services to your parent’s needs and covers all aspects of their health and daily living.
By following these steps, you ensure your parent receives the highest standard of care and maintains the best possible quality of life, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved one.
Financial Planning for Elderly Care
Caring for an elderly parent can have significant financial implications, which is why it’s important to know what care options cost and what support programs are out there. The Australian Government offers several funded programs, such as Home Care Packages (HCP) and the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), which help reduce the cost of aged care services. You can read more about HCP and CHSP in our blog here or consult with our team on the options available to you.
Care For Family: Support with Ageing Parents and Elder Care
At Care For Family, we are the experts in aged care, including specialised support for people with dementia. Our comprehensive and flexible services are designed to ensure your loved one receives the most exceptional care, no matter how complex their needs. For more information on our aged care solutions, and for help in simplifying the process, contact Care For Family today.
Other Useful Links:
- CHSP vs HCP: Which One is Right for You?
- What Can I Spend My Aged Care Package On?
- Home Care Packages Level 1 – 4
- The Ultimate Guide to Independent Living at Home for Seniors