Feeling safe at home
Most Australians aged over 55 say they want to grow old in their current home or neighbourhood, according to 20 years of data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, published in 2021. The benefits of this are well known – it supports a sense of independence, dignity and identity in old age, and helps people stay connected to familiar people and places, studies have shown.
It’s important to balance this with a safe and secure home environment, says Shipman, adding that home care can be vital in bridging the gap.
“For a family member who’s looking at their elderly parents and wondering how ageing in place might work, the best thing to do is to act early,” he says. “As soon as there’s any deterioration, start thinking about how your parents can be supported at home.”
“At Wesley Mission, we have a long legacy of helping Australians. We don’t see age as a number, we see it as a life lived and we want to get to know the person and their story, so we can design supports around them, based on that story,” explains Wesley Missions Scott Shipman.Credit: iStock
Finding the right partner
Getting a free Aged Care Assessment is the first step to unlocking government-funded support packages, which are coordinated by an aged-care provider. For Michael and Suzi, it was important to choose a provider that could accommodate Nora’s changing needs over time – she now has home-care staff visit twice daily to help with a wider range of tasks.
Shipman suggests getting word-of-mouth referrals and checking the My Aged Care website to ensure providers are meeting their obligations and standards under the aged care legislations. He also recommends looking for a provider that really listens and can engage with each client holistically.
“At Wesley Mission, that means knowing your story and building your care around that. It’s not about age, it’s about the life you’ve lived and the life you now want to live. It’s home care you can count on.”
Visit wesleymission.org.au for more information.
*Costs and contribution requirements for Support at Home vary based on individual circumstances. Consider seeking independent financial advice to understand your options before deciding how to pay for your care and contributions.
