The benefit of getting extra help at home
If you’re wondering about the benefits of home care, look no further. Research confirms that it can help people stay in their home for longer. Previous studies lacked evidence on the impact of in-home care and the specific help that is most effective.
What does the research show?
In this groundbreaking study, researchers from Macquarie University and the Australian Institute of Health Innovation examined the relationship between in-home care services and the need for permanent residential aged care. It confirmed in-home care services can help individuals stay in their homes for a longer period.
The study, published in The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (JAMDA), revealed:
- Each hour of weekly home care service received is associated with a **6% lower risk of entering residential care**. As the number of hours of care increases, the risk of moving to residential care decreases.
- Combining higher levels of social support services (e.g., one-on-one companionship visits and help with community-based social events) with domestic assistance and transport services helps individuals remain in their homes for longer.
For those in the early stages of considering in-home care, this research highlights the importance of accessing services sooner. It is also a perfect reminder that social support is just as valuable as other services like personal care. While our health is so important to our quality of life, so is our ability to connect and maintain relationships with others.
Signs it may be time to get some help in the home
The signs that someone you love needs a little help at home won’t be glaringly obvious. However, there are some things to look out for.
Is the house or garden not looking as well kept as it used to be?
Is there food in the fridge that is well past its expiry date?
Is someone struggling to hear you, even in a fairly quiet place?
Have they missed a regular appointment recently, but can’t remember why?
Have they lost weight unintentionally recently?
Have they become more socially isolated?
Has there been a decline in their appearance and/or mood?
If you’ve noticed several of these changes, it might be time for you to look into home care for your loved one.
How do you go about getting help at home?
The type of care and help available will vary depending on funding arrangements. To pay for care, people either privately fund services or access some form of government funding.
Currently, around one million Australians receive aged care services. Around 80 per cent receive that care in their own home.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of government funding available:
- The Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
- Support at Home.
How to access these types of funding and eligibility criteria are discussed in the [Finances and Funding](/posts/understanding-government-funding) article.
What home care services can you get?
Whether through government funded, or private in-home care services, below are examples of some services and support people regularly use.
Social support and activities
Transportation and personal assistance
Grocery shopping and meal preparation
Domestic assistance and yard maintenance
Personal services including help with bathing, dressing and communication
Respite
Nursing, allied health and other clinical services.
Mobility and dexterity, for example, crutches, walking frames, pressure-relieving mattresses and assistance with use of these aids
Home modifications like hand-rails or ramps
Support at Home
Support at Home provides more comprehensive, coordinated care for people with higher support needs. It includes eight funding classifications and features additional short-term pathways for specific situations like recovery from illness or end-of-life care.
Support at Home key features:
- Eight funding classifications, from basic to high care
- Income-tested participant contributions
- Coordinated care management included
- Three short-term pathways: Restorative care, end-of-life, assistive technology & home modifications.
This mix of ongoing and short-term funding ensures you don’t have to wait for your funds to accrue to receive the right support at the right time.
Starting a conversation about in-home care
It's hard to reach a point of realising home care may be needed. If you’re feeling anxious about starting a conversation with your loved one about the need for home care, here are some starting questions to help you.
- When you think about the next few years of your life, do you picture yourself living at home?
- Have you looked at the different options and services for home care, and is there one that you think really suits you?
- It seems like there are some things around the house that are getting a bit hard to juggle. Would you feel better if you had someone here to help out?
It’s never easy watching your loved ones get older. Getting help to manage their mobility, diet, safety, mental health, and personal care makes sense for the long term.
With some early support, you could help your loved ones to live well in their home for longer.