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Shifting Support – What Are Your Options When Transitioning Into Aged Care?

There is a lot to consider when you start planning your transition into aged care, with many of us unaware of what options actually exist and how they differ from one another. Anecdotal experience and unprofessional advice might help color your perception, but you want to be getting the right facts upfront so that you can make the most informed decision possible.

After all, this should be the start of a very bright journey, so why not give it more thought and due diligence? Today, we are going to discuss some of the aged care options available so that you can start to think about what kind of lifestyle will be possible for you or your loved one.

Let’s get started. 

Community care

Let’s start here, as community care appears to be one of the most popular routes for elderly individuals who are looking to dip their top into aged care without a larger commitment.

Community care will look different for all people, as it is a flexible solution that can include (but not limited to) assistance with gardening, cooking, cleaning and transport to appointments. These services are delivered by experienced and capable carers who visit you at your home.

If you or your loved one is requiring assistance in any of these day-to-day areas, this might be the option you wish to explore. 

Residential care

Residential care, like community care, also has a diverse offering.

Residential care by a reputable provider can be an incredibly enriching experience that includes a range of accommodation options to suit all residents.

This exceptional care also includes wellbeing support, all-inclusive amenities, social activities, advanced support services and more. One of the benefits of residential care is that you are opened up to a new community, with fellow residents and carers becoming more like family than neighbors. 

Retirement villages

Building on residential care is the retirement village model, offering its tenants a maintenance-free option with all the comforts you would expect from your home today.

This enables residents to be as involved as they wish to be in the vibrant and approachable community atmosphere, with the option to retreat to your own quarters for a moment of peace and reflection.

There is so much to look forward to when considering retirement village living, and these villages are typically located in central suburbs with external amenities aplenty. You also have access to a number of carers who can visit you and assist in your residence as often as you like.

It is also worth mentioning that you can change and manage your aged care plan at any time, you have control here.

Respite care

Respite care is very different again, and less common than the aforementioned aged care solutions.

Respite care is a short term care option that usually explored when there has been a temporary lifestyle shift, like before or after surgery. It is also an option that families feel comfortable with if they leave town for a short time or require a small break between care. Respite care can occur at your own home or in an aged care facility.

Now that you have familiarised yourself with the aged care options available, you can start to think about which of these sounds most like your current or near-future circumstances.

Like any large life decision, take your time with it and educate yourself as best you can. It is also wise to bring your family and friends on this journey, as they too have your best interests at heart and will be able to give you their opinions to help shape your decision.

Jeff Campbell