At My Care Journey, we understand how tough it can be for seniors and their families to embrace aged care. It’s completely normal to have reservations, confusion, and concerns about this big change (don’t worry our team come across this each day talking to clients). In hopes of easing a few of these concerns, we thought we would share a few perspectives on aged care and the positive outcomes it can bring. Our goal is to help you and your loved ones feel more confident about the journey ahead and everything it involves.
What is aged care really about?
Many seniors worry that receiving aged care in any form means losing control over their daily lives. Completely understandable – they’ve spent decades building their independence, routines, and taking care of themselves and others. The thought of giving that up can be really daunting. But, what a lot of our clients come to realise is that aged care is actually designed to support their quality of life, not take it away.
We often talk to people who don’t even know they can get aged care services at home!
So, to clear up these misconceptions, we always take the approach of how aged care can help with providing the right support where it’s needed. With all the options available, seniors will still have the freedom to make choices about their daily activities, but with the added bonus of some help and support doing them. This can include assistance with tasks that have become challenging, allowing them to spend more time enjoying their day.
The quality of aged care can be a concern.
We often talk to individuals and families worried about getting the same quality of care they’re used to from partners or their loved ones. This fear can come from negative stories or uncertainty about aged care. But, for every not so good story, there are plenty of positive ones we get the pleasure of hearing and even being part of.
Personalised care plans offer real support. Aged care services, both in-home and residential, tailor these plans to each resident’s needs, covering some of the simplest tasks from cleaning and personal care to meals, medication, and social activities. At My Care Journey, we ensure these personalised care plans are a key part of our service, working closely with care providers to maintain the quality and individual attention that are important to our clients.
Aged Care can be a positive change.
Sure, change can be uncomfortable, especially for someone who has lived in the same home for years (even decades). For many, home is a place of routine and memories, so the idea of change can create a lot of anxiety. But, many of these concerns can be overcome with the right approach. This change can lead to a better quality of life, better care, and even stronger social connections in a new community. Taking small steps can help, such as having a home care provider visit or touring a few facilities to meet the people, taste the food and see the environment. This can help make the change feel less daunting and more reassuring.
Remember, it’s worth exploring whether home care or residential care is the best fit. Many seniors for instance think aged care means moving into a facility, but there are options to stay at home longer with the right support.
At My Care Journey, we’re here to help you assess care needs, preferences, and budgets to find the best options for you or your loved one.
Listening, empathy and communication are our best tools.
Uncertainty about the future often lies at the heart of many emotions and feelings that arise during the aged care transition, no matter the size of the change.
At My Care Journey, we believe that understanding these feelings and where they come from, along with finding information to relieve uncertainty are crucial steps for navigating these times. Keeping lines of communication open is essential – talking it through is what we do best! Discussing daily routines, activities, challenges, care needs and matching them up with the support available can greatly help in managing the care journey. Additionally, hearing positive stories and testimonials from others who have successfully made the transition tend to be very comforting.
We have many wonderful stories to share at My Care Journey, showing how this can be a positive change in the quality of life. It’s important to always remember that. So, whether you’re just starting the journey, or are looking to change providers, we’re here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way.
For a quick no obligation and confidential chat with one of our team, we’re just a phone call away on 1300 20 11 44
