When you have ageing parents, you’ll want to do everything possible to ensure they receive the best care possible. That is why you would be doing an “aged care near me” search when the time comes that you need someone to look after them while you are away at work or for other important reasons. However, with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know which facility or service is right for them.
In this article, we’ll help you make a sound decision to choose the best aged care solution for your elderly loved ones.
9 Fundamental Factors to Consider When Choosing Aged Care
When you are looking for aged care services, there are some key factors that you need to take into account to ensure you make the best decision for your loved ones.
1. Location
First and foremost, you need to consider the location of the aged care facility you are considering. Typically, it should not be very far away from your home so that you can easily visit them when you want to.
It is also important to consider the location in relation to your loved one’s doctor, as they will need to be able to make regular visits. This is especially true if you have an elderly loved one who requires specialised medical attention.
2. Type of Aged Care
There are various types of aged care, and you have to consider what your loved ones need to be comfortable with it.
- Residential aged care – This is provided in a nursing home, where your loved ones will have around-the-clock access to medical care and assistance with activities of daily living.
- Retirement communities – Also known as retirement villages, these places offer a more independent lifestyle for their residents. In most cases, there are various services and amenities available on-site, such as swimming pools, shops, and gyms.
- Home care – This service provides support to people who want to stay living in their own homes. A home care worker can visit your loved ones at home to help with things like cooking, cleaning, and personal care.
- Respite care – This is a short-term stay in an aged care facility, and it is perfect if you need a break from caring for your loved one. It can also be used to give you some time to attend to other important matters.
3. Accreditation
All aged care homes in Australia must be accredited by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency (ACQA), which assesses these facilities based on quality standards and conducts regular audits. This ensures that all residents in aged care homes receive high-quality care.
If an aged care facility does not have accreditation, then you should look elsewhere.
4. Amenities
The amenities in an aged care facility will have a significant impact on the kind of experience your loved ones will have while in there. So, when doing your “aged care near me” online search, check if they have all the necessary amenities to ensure residents are comfortable.
Some of the things you should look for include:
- Spacious and well-lit rooms
- Comfortable beds
- Ensuite bathrooms
- Common areas, such as lounge rooms, libraries, and courtyards
- Wi-Fi Connection
Apart from these, it would be better if the facility also had a hair salon, barber shop, and a cafe. Sure enough, these things will make your loved one’s stay more pleasant.
5. Food
The food served in aged care homes is an important factor to consider, especially if your loved ones have special dietary requirements.
During your visit, take the time to try the food yourself and see if it is of good quality and if there is a variety of meals to choose from. It would also be helpful to talk to some of the residents and ask them about their experience with the food.
If possible, you should also find out about the kitchen staff. Are they qualified? Do they have experience in cooking for people with special dietary requirements?
6. Cleanliness
Of course, you would want your loved ones to be in a hygienic environment. So, when checking an aged care Brisbane has today, for example, take a look around and see if the place is clean and well-maintained. Are the common areas and bedrooms tidy? Do the bathrooms look clean?
It would also be helpful to talk to some of the staff members and ask them about their cleaning routines. This way, you’ll have a better idea of how often the place is cleaned and if they are using proper cleaning products.
7. Level of Safety
The safety of your loved ones is always a top priority, so you should make sure that the aged care facility you choose has adequate security measures in place. These include, but are not limited to, CCTV cameras, fire alarms, and emergency exits.
It is also important to know if the staff members are trained in first aid. This ensures that your loved ones will receive proper care in case of an accident or emergency.
8. Activities
Your chosen aged care facility should also have a variety of activities for residents to enjoy, as well as help them socialise, stay active, and be engaged.
Some examples of the activities that an aged care centre should offer include the following.
- Exercise classes
- Arts and crafts
- Board games
- Movie nights
- Day trips
9. Affordability
While aged care facilities vary in price, you should still pick one that is affordable for you. Keep in mind that the most expensive aged care homes are not necessarily the best.
You can use the My Aged Care website to compare facilities and services based on price. Simply go to their “Find a provider” page and then compare them with each other.
You can also get help with funding from the Australian government. If you think you’re eligible, you can apply for a subsidised place in an aged care home.
How Much Does Aged Care Cost in Australia?
The cost of aged care services in Australia depends on several factors, such as the type of care you need, the facility you choose, and your location.
For example, home care is generally cheaper than residential aged care. And, aged care facilities in rural areas are usually more affordable than those in major cities.
To get an estimate of how much an aged care service will cost you, you can again use the My Aged Care website. There you can gain access to financial advice and help with aged care fees.
You can also speak to a case manager, who can help you understand the cost of aged care and give you information on government subsidies and other forms of financial assistance.
Making the Transition Easier for Your Loved Ones
Once you have chosen an aged care facility or service, it is time to start the process of moving your loved ones in. This can be a difficult and emotional time for everyone involved, so it is important to take things slowly and be as supportive as possible.
Here are some tips to make the transition easier.
- Talk to your loved ones about their move to aged care well in advance. This will give them time to adjust to the idea and ask any questions they may have.
- Encourage the other members of the family to take part in the process. This includes visiting the aged care facility with you and helping to pack their belongings.
- Make sure you visit the aged care facility with them before they move in, so they can see where they will be living and get a feel for the place.
- If possible, help them pack their belongings and move into their new room with them. This will help them feel more at home in their new surroundings.
- Spend time with them after they have moved in, and help them settle into their new routine. You can also join one of the activities or clubs, so you can still spend time together even if they’re living in aged care.
- Don’t forget to stay in touch with them. A phone call, letter, or email can go a long way in making them feel loved and supported.
By taking these necessary steps, you can help make the transition to aged care easier for your loved ones – and for you.
Final Thoughts
Picking an aged care facility for your loved ones is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. Just do your due diligence when doing your “aged care near me” online search and keep the above-mentioned tips in mind. You’ll be sure to find the perfect place for your family.
Do you have any other questions about choosing an aged care facility? Share them with us in the comments below. And, feel free to check out the rest of our articles for more interesting and useful pieces of information!
