If you are in the process of looking for elderly care for your loved one, there are different options and solutions to ensure that everyone gets what they need. The structure of 24-hour elderly care can depend on the circumstances, for example, one caregiver a day will work a full 16-hour day with breaks followed by eight hours of in-home sleep but if there’s the need for two caregivers, they will work 12-hour shifts where one caregiver stays awake through the night to monitor the health and safety of the individual.
24-hour care is essential for many, but the big issue is that it can be very expensive because of the various costs of the care provider which can soon add up, so if you’re looking for different approaches to getting 24-hour elderly care, it’s vital that you look at the big picture. Here are 6 key things to consider:
Choose the Right Provider for Everyone’s Needs
- It is essential that we have a comprehensive understanding of the level of care required, which could cover different needs, such as involve personal care, nursing care, safety care, domestic systems, companionship, or support for any post-hospital medical conditions that require attention. When you are assessing the provider and what they offer it is key to pay attention to the range of services they specifically provide, because as a range of therapies may be the necessary approach for the sake of the individual, so if they do not offer what you require, do not settle for the bare basic packages. Ensure they offer personalised care plans that tailors to individual interests and lifestyle needs; all our needs naturally change over time, so hunting for that sense of flexibilty can help you make the right decision.
- Another way to ensure you are taking care in picking the right provider is to evaluate the qualifications of both caregivers and the nurses. We need to be sure they are highly trained with both the necessary qualifications and experience so they are able to provide a comprehensive level of care.
- Look for testimonials or reviews from clients who have used the services of the provider as any positive feedback can indicate a reliable and trustworthy provider of elderly care.
- Arrange a consultation with the potential provider to discuss the needs. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions about the services, assess their approach to care, and determine if they can meet all the requirements effectively to make an informed decision that suits the person’s and loved ones’ needs to ensure quality care and support.
Assess the Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for 24-hour care can vary based on individual circumstances. Some can include:
- Dementia or advanced Alzheimer’s.
- Disability
- Recent injury or illness.
- The need for constant supervision and support with the activities of daily living.
The decision to engage in 24-hour elderly care is often driven by the individual’s desire to stay at home while receiving the necessary care.
Look for Funding
In Australia, respite care is partially subsidised by the government with the Australian government funding up to 63 days of respite care per eligible person per financial year. The eligibility is typically for Australians aged 65 years and over or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders aged 50 or over. Elderly care in Australia can be obtained through various government programs and subsidies:
The Australian government subsidises aged care services for older people through programs such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and the Home Care Packages (HCP) Programme to provide financial assistance for various Home Care services including 24-hour care. The CHSP provides entry-level home help and respite services, and the Home Care Packages support offers coordinated care packages from approved providers to support people in their home for as long as possible.
Individuals may also require an assessment by Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT) to determine eligibility for the services which are performed by My Aged Care, which involves assessments over the phone before being referred for face-to-face assessments.
Knowing the Benefits of 24-Hour Home Care
When choosing elderly care at home, it may appear to be a more costly option; however, it’s vital to look at this in terms of the bigger picture:
- Personalised care plans which cater to the individual’s needs, interests, and lifestyle can ensure a far more focused approach to care over somewhere like a residential home. A personalised care plan ensures support is given to the individual.
- The care takes place in the home, which is a familiar environment and can reduce a lot of the stress and strain that comes with moving to an aged care facility.
- 24-hour home care provides more consistency as it focuses more on building relationships with the person and the families to guarantee comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
Understand the Legal Requirements and Standards
There is a lot of concern in handing your life over to someone, but it’s vital to remember that providers of 24-hour care must adhere to the Aged Care Quality Standards to ensure they are delivering the best care. These standards cover critical aspects like personal and clinical care services and support for daily living, as well as rights-based approaches such as the dignity of the person.
Be Sure to Manage the Care Plan
Nobody’s needs stay the same over a long period of time; therefore it is essential to review the care plan on a semi-regular basis to meets the person’s needs. If a someone receiving care has to make changes, booking an appointment with the home care provider can get the ball rolling to discuss adjustments to the care plan.
When it comes to getting 24-hour elderly care, there’s so much that we need to guarantee, from the daily needs to their health, wellbeing, and supportive care. Around-the-clock care is a fundamental right and should be conducted by trusted caregivers that must ensure peace of mind for everybody involved. We all deserve to have our rights preserved when we are in receipt of care, and this is why gaving personalised support when staying at home can make a massive difference.
