Are you planning for aged care?
Peter Scutt is the CEO and Founder of Better Caring, an online platform where people with a disability, or those who are ageing, can find and hire local care and support workers.
There are currently one million Australians receiving some form of aged care, with over 10 per cent of people aged 70 plus living in permanent residential care. Despite these figures, aged care isn’t always something at front of mind, for most, it’s not something we like to think about.
The good news is that with increased innovation, options for aged care are growing. It’s easy to put off the thought of aged care while we are younger and healthier, but there are some simple steps to help you plan ahead and keep the lifestyle you love.
1. Learn about your options
Today, aged care isn’t limited to conventional notions of white walled nursing homes. Traditional nursing homes are increasingly focussed on creating a more positive experience for residents. While many people would prefer to stay in their own homes, it’s important to start researching the services and support available - and to start early. Technology and connectivity are opening up a world of possibilities. Not only is it becoming easier to access information about services, but new services, like Better Caring, provide choice to those who want to tailor specialised, individual care. It’s important to research your options. Find out what aged care services are available in your area on the My Aged Care website.
2. Start saving
Over the past few years there have been many improvements made to the aged care system in Australia. These changes include streamlined access to entry-level support services for older people, and their carers through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Regional Assessment Service. There has been a strong push for more choice and control to be given to older Australians to stay independent, and in their own home, through consumer directed home care packages. Information and a full list of reforms can be found on the Australian Government’s Ageing and Aged Care website.
Depending on your needs, the cost of care can vary. Despite the complexity of the aged care system, one thing is a reality - the more money you have, the more options and choice are available to you regarding where you live and the lifestyle you will enjoy. Ensuring you have enough money saved for ageing comfortably is something that must be planned.
3. Prepare your home and garden
While the government’s aged care system is designed to encourage and support people living at home for longer, it’s important that individuals take necessary steps in their home to make it possible. Staying at home longer means making sure it’s comfortable. To keep your home your (safe) sanctuary, it’s important to transition it to a low-maintenance space, free of clutter and risk of harm. Start a regular ‘spring clean’ to clear away unnecessary items and potentially dangerous furniture.
Think about whether it’s time to brighten things up. Install automatic lights that light up when you enter the room, and ensure that hallways are properly lit for any potential tripping hazards. Not only will light brighten things up, it could keep you out of harm's way.
If you have a well-established garden, installing automatic watering systems would make it more manageable. This ensures that your hard work continues to grow, with a little less effort. Consider also planting low maintenance, hardy plants such as Lomandra and Nandina.