Human bodies change as people get older. The shifts are natural, though the pace at which they happen can vary from person to person. Consequently, each individual will require a different level of assistance depending on their state of health.
Therefore, home care programs are flexible, offering different levels of support. Whether you need help with housekeeping, social activities, or more intensive care involving medical treatment, the packages can be tailored to suit your needs.
This blog provides an overview of the various levels of home care services to help you decide the support that’s best suited for you or your loved ones.
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Levels of Care
The Australian government provides funding to cover the needs of elderly care. There are four levels of care packages that are subsidised, and those are:
Level 1 (Basic Care)
The first level of care is for those who are still capable of completing daily duties, yet need additional assistance to remain safe and healthy. It includes receiving a weekly visit from a caregiver who will provide assistance for a few hours. They will help with cleaning your house, food preparation, and even grocery shopping. This care level is beneficial in lessening the household chores that the elderly need to complete every day.
Level 2 (Low Care)
This level is ideal for seniors who wish to maintain their independence at home but need a little help with everyday tasks, getting to appointments, or staying socially connected. Support staff will visit regularly, around three or four times a week, and can also provide helpful equipment, like a walking frame, to make moving around the house safer and more comfortable.
Level 3 (Intermediate Care)
This level is suited for the elderly who need a moderate amount of ongoing support at home. In addition to helping with personal care and household tasks, it also offers access to qualified healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, nutritionists, and dietary specialists. You will also receive therapies to support speech, physical function, memory, and mobility.
Level 4 (High Care)
This level is for seniors who need a consistent level of support at home. Along with help around the house, a caregiver visits daily to assist with personal hygiene, meal preparation, and more involved care tasks. It’s a common choice for individuals with serious health conditions, such as advanced dementia or significant mobility challenges, who require a higher level of daily care.
How Is My Home Care Package Level Determined?
In order to obtain financial support from the government, you need to undergo several assessments, including an in-person meeting. During these examinations, you will be asked about your current condition, the ongoing treatments you are in, and the care packages you prefer. You can also make use of this opportunity to raise any concerns that you have regarding the care you want. If you wish to have someone accompany you during this assessment process, you can take a family member or a friend with you.
Based on the results of your assessment, you’ll be assigned the level of care that best fits your needs. You’ll then have the freedom to choose your care provider and arrange a schedule that works best for you. If you want to customise the program, you can collaborate with the provider, so they can arrange it for you.
How to Find a High-Quality Care Provider
Many people assume that when seniors need constant supervision, the only option is a nursing home. When in reality, many seniors prefer to stay in the comfort of their own homes during their golden years. Home care is the ideal solution because it allows them to remain where they feel most at ease while still receiving professional support.
There are numerous providers offering home care services for seniors, so it’s important to be thorough when choosing the right ones. Below are some key factors to consider as you make this important decision.
- Ensure the provider is government-approved and accredited to deliver aged care services, meeting the required quality and safety standards.
- Check if the provider offers the specific type of care you need.
- Ask about the qualifications and ongoing training of their care staff to ensure quality and up-to-date care practices.
- A trustworthy provider will clearly explain their services and care approach.
- Consider whether the provider respects your loved one’s values, language, and cultural background to ensure comfortable and personalised care.
- Confirm their response times in emergencies.
- See if the provider offers trial visits to assess if their service is the right fit before making a long-term commitment.
- Look for reviews, ask for recommendations from trusted sources, or check with local senior care organisations.
Conclusion
Home care services offer different care levels and treatment options to suit various needs. Fortunately, government subsidies help ease the financial burden for patients and their families. Additionally, a thorough assessment is conducted to determine the most appropriate level of care. This program enables seniors to receive quality healthcare while comfortably staying in their own homes. For more information and personalised advice, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted care provider in your area.
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