What is Aged Care? Understanding Your Options When Assisting a Loved One
With our modern society booming, it should come as no surprise that the population of Australia is aging. The combination of prolonged life expectancy and sustained fertility has lead to an increase in the average age of Australians by an additional three years between 1996 and 2016.
As the life expectancy for elderly people increases, it has never been more important to find the right aged care provider. Luckily, this increase in demand has also come with a considerable number of quality aged care options to consider. So, what is aged care and what should you be looking for? To help you through the process, here is a brief guide to aged care in Australia that will help you understand your options when assisting a loved one.
So What is Aged Care?
Aged care systems are designed to assist the elderly community. As we all get older, it’s normal to start needing a hand with things like household chores, travel, or in some cases specialized help with medicines or other health conditions. The assistance provided through aged care allows older people to spend more time experiencing the things they enjoy. Everyone should know what their aged care options are, as our loved ones will likely require some form of it in the future.
What Options are Available?
The most traditional approach to aged care is in the form of a helpful friend or family member. Some may invite an elderly person to live with them, and in this way provide assistance. This is not always possible, however, as busy schedules may not allow for suitable care to be given. Another option is home care, which allows a person to live at home with varying levels of assistance available to them.
Aged care residential villages and homes are also an option that many would love. This can help create a feeling of community and introduce older people to new friends. It can also offer an enhanced level of care not afforded in many cases by the other options. If you would like more information on your options, or those of a loved one, consult the aged care facility in Illawong website.
Special Considerations.
The Australian government has made a commitment to providing quality aged care options to all elderly Australians. There are also special considerations for Australians that are a part of certain communities, such as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, the LGBTQIA community, veterans and many more, who may be eligible to access to additional resources.
So, there we have it, a short guide to aged care that will allow you to assist your loved ones with their options. If you have any questions, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the My Aged Care website have many great resources. Additionally, you can consult your local GP to learn about the options available in your area.
