When a parent’s needs change, many families face a hard question: can they keep living at home with more support, or is it time to move into residential aged care? There is no single right answer. These questions can help you think it through together.
1. What does your parent want?
Start here. Most older people prefer to stay at home, and their wishes should guide the decision as far as safely possible. If memory is affected, include them as much as they are able.
2. What help is needed, and when?
List the tasks that are hard now: showering, meals, medications, cleaning, getting out. Note when help is needed. A few hours a week at home suits very different needs from round-the-clock supervision.
3. Is the home safe, or could it be made safe?
Stairs, a bathtub or a long walk to the toilet can be a problem. An occupational therapist can assess the home and suggest changes, such as rails or a shower chair, which may make staying at home realistic.
4. Is anyone needed overnight?
Needing support during the night, or wandering at night, is often the point where families consider residential care. Discuss this honestly with the GP and with care providers.
5. How are the family carers coping?
Caring can wear people down. If you are close to burnout, regular respite or more hours of in-home support may help before a move is needed.
6. How will it be funded?
Both options start with an assessment through My Aged Care (1800 200 422). In-home support can be funded through Support at Home, and residential care has its own fees and assessment. Ask My Aged Care to explain the costs for your situation.
7. What would make staying at home work?
Sometimes the answer is a combination: personal care in the morning, a carer for company in the afternoon, and allied health visits to improve strength. Trying a care plan at home for a few months can show whether it is enough.
Where Konex Care fits
We provide in-home aged care, allied health and respite in Melbourne’s south-east. If your parent has been approved for Support at Home, we can deliver their services through our registered partner provider. If you are still waiting, private care can usually start within days.
We also give honest advice. If we think needs are beyond what home care can safely provide, we will tell you.
Talk it through
Book a free consultation at home or at our Murrumbeena office, or call (03) 8524 7699. There is no cost and no obligation.
See our in-home aged care services.