How in-home care can help seniors maintain independence

Loss of independence is one of the most unfortunate consequences of growing older. Mental and physical decline both play a role in making it difficult for seniors to take care of themselves and manage their own lives. Perhaps your loved one used to go play golf or tennis loved walking or social events were a big part of their social life, but unfortunately, now it has been taken away due to challenges with mobility, stamina or dexterity.

Memory loss, stamina issues, vision and hearing decline are all issues can that can affect a senior's ability to keep a house clean, prepare meals, drive, attend appointments and maintain hobbies and interests. Loss of mobility - difficulty with climbing the stairs, walking short distances without assistance, standing up, or getting out of bed, can cause frustration as they can no longer get around as well as they once did.

If you’re reading this then there is a good chance you’ve already asked yourself: what can I do to maintain my independence or help a loved one maintain there’s?

Getting older no longer needs to mean trading in quality of life. If you are new to exploring aged care options or are currently in the process of selecting a care solution we urge you to consider in-home care as a potential option.

In-home care or home care enables you or your loved one to remain close to your community and helps you maintain your independence as you age. This is achieved through providing services in the home to help with the thing you can no longer achieve on your own; from cooking and cleaning, to help maintain your beautiful garden, help with looking after your beloved animal – from bathing, walking and trips to the vet. Beyond just the necessitates In-Home care can also help you get back to the hobbies and interests you enjoy but no longer can do on your own. There are a few types of government subsidised in-home care funding - Home Care Package, Commonwealth Home Support, Short Term Restorative Care, and of course, there is privately funded home care.

In-Home care can help with:

• Preparing meals and buying groceries
• Keeping the house clean. Anything from dusting, vacuuming, bathroom, and kitchen cleaning, scrubbing walls, cobwebs, cleaning out cupboards, decluttering;
• Housekeeping including changing linen, ironing, and laundry;
• Support looking after your pet including feeding, walking, support with vet visits; 
• Help in the garden or with the lawns including wedding, repotting plants, 
• Home safety including modifications and battery changing for smoke, gas, and heat, security alarms and falls detectors;
• Transport to any of your social or sporting events like bowls or bingo, medical appointments, visiting friends and family and running errands;
• We can also accompany you on trips, shops, hairdresser, social outings, sporting activities, visit friends and family. Visit your favourite places and do your favourite things such as going out for lunch, movies, theatre. Company at home to cook and bake together, arts and craft, scrapbooking, sewing knitting, card games, board games, listen to music.

Looking for nursing, specialist medical support within the home as part of your in home care funding? find out more about allied health in home services. 
 
Supports like these can allow you the freedom to continue enjoying the things you always have, without the added stress of getting through that long list of tricky tasks! Something not on our list that you’d like? We loved to hear from you, please send us a message and let us know what you’d like to see included in our services for in-home care. 

Read Next:
- 3 Things You Didn't Know You Could Spend Your Home Care Package On
- Why Home Care Is No Places For Games and Exit Fees
- 3 Things You Didn't Know About Changing Home Care Providers

New to Aged Care? Download a copy of the Understanding Aged Care Guide here.

Are you already on the waitlist for a Home Care Package? If so, you are eligible for our community volunteer program. To find out more, click here.