Home health care keeps elderly Australians who are recovering from injuries or managing acute or chronic health conditions where they prefer to be – in the comfort of their own home.
This also applies to elderly Australians who are entering their twilight years but prefer to remain in their home living quality of life on their own terms while still receiving the support services they need.
This article will look into what other benefits there are to home health care and the government funded home care services that are associated with it.
Safety, Comfort, and Convenience
There have been various studies that have shown that elderly adults tend to recover faster when they are at home rather than in a hospital.
When at home receiving high-quality health services, the elderly are able to receive help managing their medication.
This is especially important when avoiding any complications that may see them back in hospital.
An example of this is an occupational therapist who can help create a safe environment that will reduce the risk of any falls occurring.
Furthermore, receiving health care services at home allows elderly adults the opportunity to stick to a routine that they are comfortable and familiar with.
This maintains a sense of normalcy that is incredibly important at this stage of life to ensure they are living a happy life.
Greater Independence
One of the great benefits that home care services afford the elderly is the level of independence.
Elderly adults may not admit that they’re struggling mentally or physically because they don’t want to lose their independence.
One of the main benefits of home health care services is that it assists in helping elderly adults continue living their own life while still doing everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, walking, and preparing meals.
This ensures they can live independently at home for as long as they possibly can.
Prevents Avoidable Trips to the Hospital
Elderly adults can avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital by having their health managed at home through government-funded home care services.
Furthermore, home health care allows an elderly person to be monitored regularly should anything go awry.
Those in being looked after in the comfort of their own home also have 24/7 access to a care nurse that they can call and rely on if they’re having worrying symptoms and aren’t sure what to do.
Relief for Caregivers
In most cases, an elderly adult is often looked after by family & friends on a regular basis. Home care service providers use nurses and care managers to help with dressing, bathing, and other daily tasks for their elderly patients.
This relieves some of the level of care provided by the network of family & friends through respite care.
This type of care support provides peace of mind and protects against what is commonly known as caregiver burnout.
Saves Money
Without stating the obvious, avoiding unnecessary trips to the hospital saves money.
Furthermore, the advantage of home health care services is that it can save money by delaying or preventing the need for more intensive care such as residential aged care or retirement living.
The cost of home care services is funded by the government where various levels of support can be accessed based on the needs of the elderly adult.
Personal Care
Elderly adults can receive one-on-one attention and a home care plan that is tailored to their individual needs.
This makes treatment much more effective and a high level of trust is built between the elderly adult and the caregiver, as well as the family of the elderly adult.
Companionship
Furthermore, in addition to receiving visits from the designated caregiver, it’s also easier for friends and family to visit their elderly loved one in their home rather than in a hospital.
The biggest benefit is that there are no time restrictions or set visiting hours and, more importantly, the patients get more social interaction in their own home.
This goes a long way to combating loneliness and any bouts of depression that may arise.
Wide Range of Home Care Services
There is a comprehensive range of home care services available through government-funded home care packages.
Focusing on health care specifically, these include wound care and medication management, as well as home care nursing, and equipment & mobility aids.
If you would like to hear more about how Accent Home Care can assist you with a higher level of home care, call us on (03) 8720 1338 or email us on homecare@accenthomecare.org.au.