We at Bankstown City Aged Care understand that our country has an ageing population, and research shows that in-home aged care is growing in popularity. Staying home is not only the preference of most elderly people, but it’s often the most affordable option as well.

With Support at Home services, home care workers offer care and support to help you live your life as independently as possible. It’s all about keeping you comfortable and safe while supporting you with your daily activities and physical needs. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when you decide to go with in-home aged care services.

Getting a Support at Home Package is a Process

Our Australian Government offers the Support at Home Package Programme, which offers a variety of home care services that allow you to stay in your own home as long as you can. Every package is tailored to meet every individual’s unique needs. However, it’s important to understand that you can’t get this package immediately – it’s a process.

First, you’ll need to go through an assessment performed by the Aged Care Assessment Team, which will determine your needs and whether you’re eligible for subsidised services. You’ll be notified in writing of the results of the assessment.

Once you’re approved for in-home support services with a home care package, you may still not get your package right away. You’ll be placed in a national priority queue and contacted once the package is available for you. Your position in this queue is based upon the length of time you’ve been in the waiting list, your unique circumstances, and needs.

While waiting to get your package, you can begin your search for approved home care providers, and one that is well-suited to provide your needs. When you do get to the top of the queue, you’ll be provided with a letter that gives all the details of your home care package. Once you have that package, you have 56 days to take up this package and enter a Home Care Agreement with the provider of your choice.

Support at Home Services Can Help with Many Things

At Bankstown City Aged Care, we’ve often found that family members think that in-home support services only help with medical care. However, there are many other things home providers can help you with.

Along with medical care, allied health and nursing services, a wide range of care services are available, including:

  • Transport to appointments, social activities, and shopping
  • Help with personal care tasks like dressing and showering
  • Basic home maintenance, such as simple home modifications and gardening
  • Aid with routine domestic duties like house cleaning, ironing, and washing
  • Respite care for family members who help with your care
  • Help with preparing meals
  • Entertainment and companionship
  • Routine errands like picking up prescriptions and grocery shopping

The Benefit of No Major Life Changes with Support at Home

Although having a professional caregiver coming to your home may take some getting used to, most people find that it’s far easier to adjust to receiving Support at Home services than it is to adapt to living in a residential care facility. Big life changes can be even more difficult to adapt to as you age, and with home care, it’s possible to age in place where you’re comfortable.

Moving to a new environment is a major life change that can be stressful and overwhelming. Being in a familiar place while having the extra support needed to stay safe and thrive on your own is invaluable.

You also have the benefit of a familiar environment and a wide social network, since staying in your home often makes it easier to stay in touch with neighbours, family members, and friends. In addition, having a regular carer come into your home provides more friendship and companionship as you spend time together in an informal environment.

Government Subsidies for Aged Care Services

Home care often proves to be more financially viable than residential care, but if you’re still worried about the cost of aged care services, government subsidies may help you cover some of these costs. When you complete the assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team, it will help you determine whether you’ll be able to receive subsidies for the services you require. While this can reduce the amount of money you’re spending, remember that you’ll still be asked to pay a basic daily fee of 17.5% of your single person basic Age Pension. Note that you could be asked to contribute more, depending on your income.

Support at Home services have a lot to offer, from medical care to other supportive services that allow you to safely, comfortably age in place.

Bankstown City Aged Care: In Home Support Specialists

At Bankstown City Aged Care, we offer a variety of in-home support services, including home maintenance, personal services, personal care, house cleaning tasks, personal shopping, transportation for medical appointments and social events, help with pets, and so much more. We believe that there truly is no place like your own home.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you stay there, contact us for more information.