How to Know When Your Loved One Needs Help
Ageing is a natural part of life and for most people, maintaining their quality of life is a key priority. An important part in achieving the maintenance of quality of life is for people to remain living in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible. Remaining independent helps maintain a sense of competence and healthy self-esteem. Being connected to family, friends and the local community can stave off feelings of loneliness and depression. However as we age simple day-to-day tasks can become more and more difficult and if you have a loved one who you suspect needs some extra help, how do you know when the time is right to step in? For a start there are signs you should look for that indicate your loved one may not be coping. For instance:
- Do they look like they haven’t washed or smell unpleasant?
- Is the bathroom dirty or mouldy?
- Is there spoiled food or food past its use by date in the fridge or pantry?
- Are there dishes stacked up in the sink?
- Do the rubbish bins smell or are they overflowing?
- Is the lawn in need of mowing and the garden overgrown?
These are just some of the signs that you should look for to indicate that it may be time to get your loved one some extra help. But like many people, you may not know what’s available or how to go about accessing the services you need. The good news is that there is a wide range of easily accessible services you can get to help your loved one live the life they want in the comfort of their own home.
The Types of Domestic Assistance and Personal Care Services available for the Elderly
The types of personal services you can access is almost endless and these range from personal care in maintaining hygiene to services that add value to your loved one’s quality of life. Some specific services available are:
- assistance with getting in and out of bed
- help with showering and dressing
- assistance with personal grooming including hair care and application of make-up
- laundry and ironing
- mopping, dusting and vacuuming
- meal preparation and assistance with eating and drinking
- light gardening
- assistance with shopping and running errands
- companionship and help in pursuing interests or hobbies
And while you may think that the cost of accessing these services is expensive, the truth is that there are a number of affordable services that can easily be tailored to meet your needs and budget.
Domestic Assistance and Personal Care Costs for the Elderly
The cost of obtaining personal care services will vary depending on the level of care you require and your individual circumstances. For instance, some people may only need help for a couple of hours a week while others may need assistance for several hours a day.
If your loved one is over 65, they may be eligible for government subsidies for basic services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or for higher level services under a Commonwealth Home Care Package. To get access, your loved one will need to undergo an assessment to determine their eligibility. For more information on this, please visit My Aged Care.
Even if they are not eligible for government funding, there is a wide range of affordable services that can be funded privately.
An easy and stress-free way to go about accessing these services is through a reputable Homecare Service Provider. Colbrow Care provides Quality Domestic Assistance Personal Care for the Elderly in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. With over 60 years of experience, Colbrow Care is perfectly placed to help your loved one access the personal care services they need to live a quality life while remaining at home. We are registered providers of Home Care Packages and can advise you on what government subsides you may be eligible to receive. Our experts will work with you to tailor a package that fits your needs and budget.
If you suspect it’s time to get your loved one some extra help, contact us today to find out how we can give you the peace of mind of knowing your loved one is safe and living the life they want in the comfort of their own home. To find out more call 1300 33 11 03 or email homecare@colbrow.com.
