Retirement villages offer a great lifestyle for older Australians, but as residents age, additional support through home care services often becomes necessary. Here’s a quick guide to understanding how to access home care from a retirement or lifestyle village.
What is home care?
Home care packages, funded by the Australian government, provide support to older people, helping them stay independent by offering personal care, domestic assistance, transportation, social support, and medical care. These packages are available to those living in both suburban homes and retirement or lifestyle villages.
How to access home care in a retirement or lifestyle village
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Eligibility: To access home care, you’ll need to register with My Aged Care. After an assessment, you’ll be assigned a care package level based on your specific needs, ranging from basic support to more comprehensive care.
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Choosing a provider: Retirement and lifestyle villages may have preferred or in-house care providers, but you are not obligated to use them. You have the flexibility to choose your own provider based on what best suits your needs. This allows for greater control and customisation of your care.
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What can you use your package for? Even if your village already offers services like maintenance or transport, you can still use your home care package for additional or personalised services. For example, if your village offers communal meals but you need meal delivery to your home, your package can cover that.
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Benefits of care in villages: Home care in a retirement or lifestyle village often offers more convenience and cost efficiency. Care providers can serve multiple residents in one location, reducing travel costs and time. You’ll also benefit from a supportive community, where services can be tailored to your evolving needs. Many villages also offer continuity of care, meaning providers familiar with you can offer more personalised service.
Why consider home care in a retirement or lifestyle village?
Living in a retirement or lifestyle village means that accessing home care can be easier and more efficient than the traditional family home. The proximity of services and residents allows for better use of resources, making care more affordable and timely. Whether you need help with daily activities or more specialised medical care, home care packages offer the flexibility to meet your needs as they change. Some village offer assistance in helping your source providers, so ask the village manager what they can do for you!
Conclusion
Accessing home care in a retirement or lifestyle village is a flexible and convenient way to maintain independence and receive the support you need as you age. By coordinating services between your village and a home care provider, you can ensure that your care is tailored to your individual preferences and needs, ensuring a better quality of life.
