Accessing Personal Care Services At Home
As we get older, our overall needs naturally change, and many of us may require additional support to continue living comfortably and safely in our homes. Personal care services in aged care offer a solution that respects the individual’s independence while providing the essential care and support that ensures we continue living a high quality of life.
At Whiddon, we are dedicated to the happiness of our clients which is why we personalise our services to align with your or your loved one’s preferences. If you or a loved one is currently exploring in-home aged care, this guide will help you make an informed decision about the level of support that is needed to lead a happy and healthy life.
What Is Personal Care?
Personal care includes receiving care or support in the comfort of your own home that may suddenly become challenging due to factors such as age, disability or illness. Services can range from basic help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and meal preparation to more complex care needs including medication management and mobility assistance. You are entirely in the driver’s seat of the care and support you require.
Personal care services are tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring that care recipients receive the right level of support while also fostering a sense of independence. It’s essential for families to begin recognising when their loved ones might need this support.
There are often a variety of signs to look out for which help determine when it may be time to find this additional support. Signs can range from the subtle — such as slight difficulties in handling personal hygiene or not being able to tend to their garden as well as what they used to — to more overt indications like managing chronic conditions that affect daily living. Recognising these needs early can help in planning and adjusting the level of care as required.
Benefits Of Personal Care At Home
Maintaining Independence
One of the foremost benefits of personal care is the support it provides to maintain their independence while living at home independently and safely. By receiving care in their own homes, you or your loved one can continue to live in a familiar environment where they feel comfortable and secure. This autonomy is crucial for mental health and overall well-being.
Customised Care
Personal care services are highly customisable, which means they can be adjusted to meet the changing needs of the individual. Whether it’s basic assistance with daily tasks or supporting an active lifestyle, this flexibility ensures that each person receives the care they need as their conditions evolve. This is in line with your individual Approved Package that has been allocated by My Aged Care. We are also able to provide private services should the need arise to fill in any gaps while you wait for your plan to be allocated to you.
Social Interaction
The social interactions provided by personal care can also help to prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation that many older adults experience. Regular visits from caregivers provide companionship and a vital connection to the wider community, which is as important for emotional well-being as physical care.
Enhanced Safety
As we grow older, the risk of falls or medical emergencies increases. Personal care helps mitigate these risks by offering a degree of supervision and assistance with tasks that could lead to injury.
How To Access Care Services
Accessing personal care services typically begins with an assessment by My Aged Care. This assessment helps to determine the level of care required. Once you’ve had this assessment, you are then welcome to contact Whiddon’s Home Care Coordinators to discuss the specific services that will best support you or your loved one’s independence and well-being.
Our team can help families and their loved ones understand the options available and the associated costs. It is also advisable to consult with a GP or a specialist who can provide an assessment or a referral, which may be required to access subsidised services under government schemes.
These aged care services include those found under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or a Home Care Package (HCP), depending on your loved one’s needs.
Look And Feel Well At Home With Whiddon
For those considering personal care options, it’s crucial to begin discussions early, plan thoroughly, and choose a trusted provider who understands the importance of compassionate, individualised care. With over 75 years of history and an award-winning model of care, Whiddon provides guidance to the quality support and care services that meet your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help enhance your quality of life at home.
