Finding the right aged care solution is a top priority for a growing number of older Australians and their families, and there’s a lot of important information that requires careful consideration. At My Care Journey, we know through our client consultations that everyone’s definition of the “right” care solution varies based on their unique needs and preferences. This is why we think it’s not just important, but essential to offer personalised, client-centered care placement consulting. In this blog, we discuss why not all care placement consultants are the same, what we think is important in a service like this, what you should look for, the hidden pitfalls of things like “free” services offered by placement agencies, and our commitment to independence and advocacy setting us apart from others.
Why choosing the right Care Partner matters.
Choosing the right care provider goes beyond the services they provide, their fees, or the location they offer their service. Other important things to consider include:
- The care team: do they align with your values and treat you or your loved one with the dignity and respect they deserve?
- The team structure: is it the same person delivering the care each week?
- Reliability: do they have trained backup team members to ensure care is delivered when planned?
- Communication: what is the responsiveness if you need to speak to someone, or if plans change for some reason?
- Years of operation and experience: this can feed into all the above factors.
There’s a lot to consider and it’s important to feel like more than just a number. That’s why we believe the right care partners are a team that will offer support, guidance, care, and expertise to help you towards your best care solution.
Transparency and quality of service are key.
When it comes to selecting an aged care placement service like My Care Journey, transparency and quality of service are key. We believe the focus should be on identifying the most suitable care solution tailored to the client’s needs and preferences. By focusing on this at the forefront, it ensures that every recommendation we make is guided solely by what we truly believe will bring you peace of mind, satisfaction, and the highest standard of care.
Beware of “Free” placement services when it comes to Residential Aged Care: what they don’t tell you.
First of all, it’s important we clarify that My Care Journey itself has free placement services on offer to our clients, but to be clear our services are subsidised by the service providers and quite often restrict the choices you’re presented (in particular in Residential Care). While it may seem appealing or even necessary to choose “free” services offered by certain care placement consultants, it’s crucial to understand the fine prints.
Organisations only offering free services means they will receive payments from the care providers they recommend, which could limit the range and suitability of options they offer to you, making it less personalised. This is why at My Care Journey we offer a range of service options (from Free through to our Concierge) that are carefully tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you receive unbiased information and don’t feel limited in your decision-making process.
Continued support beyond placement.
Choosing the right aged care partner goes beyond finding a suitable care solution, it’s about establishing a trusted relationship that provides ongoing support and advocacy. At My Care Journey, we’re committed to being your partner every step of the way, we don’t just tick you off and add you to a completed list. Beyond placement, we offer continued support to ensure your transition is smooth and your needs are consistently met. Whether it’s coordinating care services, addressing concerns, or adapting to changing circumstances, our team is dedicated to providing guidance and reassurance on an ongoing basis.
Partnering with you on your Aged Care Journey
Choosing the right aged care solution for our clients isn’t just about a transaction, or looking at names and numbers in order to recommend a number of providers and leave all the work up to you. We understand these choices can greatly impact your quality of life and well-being. At My Care Journey, we’re committed to taking a client centric approach, guiding you through this significant decision with empathy, expertise, and unwavering integrity. Our independence guarantees that your best interests are always our priority.
And remember we’re just a phone call or email away. You can always contact us for a quick, no obligation conversation to discover how we can assist you in finding the ideal aged care solution. Your peace of mind means everything to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
