The Australian aged care industry thrives to offer the best services to the country’s ageing population, using innovative frameworks based on the principles of better quality, improved efficiency, and safety. However, it is still important to remember that not all aged care centres are created equal. And, your elderly loved one’s needs are also unique to them, and you need to find the right facility that can meet those needs.
When it comes to making the right decision for your loved ones, you do not want to leave anything up to chance. You would want to find them a place that will provide them with the highest-quality aged care and home-like comfort in their later years.
We understand the importance of finding a facility that ticks all the boxes, which is why we have put together this complete guide on searching “aged care facilities near me” online, so you can make an informed decision.
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Benefits of Using Aged Care Services for Your Elderly Loved Ones
Sending an ageing family member to a nursing home can be an emotional experience. Of course, you would not want someone else to take care of your elderly loved one, but at some point in the journey, you may need additional support to care for them.
This is where aged care facilities come in. They make sure your loved ones are in the best care possible, while still allowing them to enjoy being independent and having a sense of control over their lives.
Here are some of the many benefits that these facilities provide to seniors.
- 24/7 supervision – Most aged care facilities have round-the-clock nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals on staff who can respond quickly in case of emergencies or health concerns for your loved one.
- Professional caregivers – Staff members at aged care homes are highly skilled and experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing top-quality elderly care services.
- Flexible accommodation options – Aged care homes provide various types of accommodation depending on your needs and preferences. Options include private rooms, shared apartments, and residential care villages.
- A range of services – Most aged care facilities offer a wide selection of services, such as housekeeping, laundry services, meal preparation, transport assistance, and more.
- Social activities – There is a variety of social activities for seniors to stay active both physically and mentally. These may include group exercises, music and art classes, movie nights, and trips to nearby attractions.
Considering the benefits that aged care offers, there is no more reason for you to hesitate to search “aged care homes near me” online and find the right one for your family’s needs. Not only that you will be freeing yourself some precious time to look after other important matters, but you will be giving your elderly loved one the quality care they deserve.
6 Essential Factors to Consider When Selecting an Aged Care Facility
When you search “aged care services near me” online, there could be several aged care providers in your area. But, if you want to make sure that your elderly family member receives the best possible care, then it is important to consider some essential factors before making a decision.
1. Your Loved One’s Medical or Health Condition
When selecting an aged care facility, you must consider your loved one’s health condition and specific needs. If they have any special medical requirements or disabilities, it is best to look for a centre that has the resources and staff capable of providing appropriate medical support.
For example, if your elderly relative has dementia, then you should look for a facility that specializes in providing care to people with this condition. Similarly, if they need physical therapy or other rehabilitative services, make sure the centre you choose offers these treatments.
During your research, you can do a quick “aged care assessment near me” search. This will also give you a list of centres that can perform an assessment of your elderly relative’s needs and abilities, as well as suggest the best options for them. This will save you time and energy trying to figure out the perfect facility for your needs.
2. Location
Convenience is key when it comes to selecting a suitable aged care facility. You should look for one that is close to your home or your elderly relative’s current residence, as this will make visiting them much easier.
If you choose a nursing home that is too far away, then you may find it difficult to visit them regularly. This can put additional strain on the relationship and make caring for them harder in general.
Also, having easy access to healthcare providers and other facilities nearby can make a huge difference in terms of getting timely medical help in case of emergencies.
However, this does not mean that you should just choose the nearest centre during your “aged care facilities near me” search. You should also compare the centres and their services to make sure that they are the right fit.
3. The Centre’s Accreditations
The best aged care centres are accredited by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC), which is a regulatory body that evaluates the quality of services provided by aged care providers in the country. With them, you can rest assured that your elderly family member will get the best possible care and treatment that they need.
You may also want to check if the centre has any other certifications from other bodies, such as the Department of Health and Aged Care and Dementia Australia.
Another way to find out if the aged care centre is up to the required standards is by reading online reviews and testimonials from former and current residents. This will give you an insight into how the facility operates and what kind of services they provide.
4. Aged Care Services Offered
Aged care services come in various forms. Depending on the needs of your elderly relative, you will have to choose a facility that can cater for them. Here are the different types of services that aged care facilities.
Residential Care
This is the most common type of aged care service, and it involves living in a nursing home. Here, your relative will have access to round-the-clock healthcare services and support they require while maintaining their independence.
This service is also suitable for those suffering from chronic medical conditions that require constant care and monitoring.
Retirement Village
This is a more independent option for elderly people who do not need full-time nursing care but still require some assistance. The retirement village offers various facilities, such as a gym and swimming pool, to help them stay active and socialise with other residents.
Supported Living
This service combines the best of both worlds—living independently, but with access to care services. The residents will get their own private spaces while still having someone nearby who can help them in case they need it.
Restorative Care
If you are looking for short-term care for your elderly family member, then restorative care may be the best option. Here, they will have access to services, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative treatments. This type of care is aimed at helping them improve their overall health and quality of life.
5. Amenities
Before you decide on a particular aged care facility, you should first visit it personally. This will give you a chance to get a better idea of the amenities offered by the centre and whether or not they are up to your standards.
Inspect the rooms and check if they have comfortable beds, adequate storage space, and other basic amenities that your elderly family member needs. Also, take note of the common areas, such as dining halls, sitting rooms, activity centres, and recreational grounds. This should give you an idea of how much social interaction your loved one will be able to access in their new facility.
And, do not forget to ask about the basic services, such as laundry and housekeeping. These can make all the difference in terms of how comfortable your relative will feel living there.
6. Cost
Lastly, you should consider the cost of aged care. Services by these facilities are not cheap, so it is important to do an “aged care facilities costs near me” online search, and then compare prices and services offered before making a decision.
You will also want to find out if there are any subsidies or government assistance that may be available for your elderly family member’s particular situation. This can help take some of the financial burden off the shoulders of you and your family.
Preparing Your Elderly Loved One for the Transition to Aged Care
Now that you have a good idea of how to choose a centre when doing an “aged care facilities near me” online search, it is time to learn how to make your loved one’s transition to their new environment easier.
First, you should discuss aged care with your loved one in advance. This will give them a chance to voice their concerns and ask any questions they may have about the process.
Secondly, you should involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible. Take them with you on visits to the potential centres so that they can get a better feel for the place and meet other residents who will be part of their new community.
Thirdly, plan ahead. Arrange for transportation from your home to the aged care centre, make sure all of their belongings are packed, and ensure that all paperwork is taken care of before the move.
Finally, it is important not to forget about yourself during this time—make sure you take breaks throughout the whole transition process, so you can focus and be ready to help your loved one whenever they need it.
Parting Thoughts
All too often, people would make quick and uninformed decisions when it comes to sending their elderly loved ones to aged care. However, it should not be that way! Being well-prepared and choosing an appropriate facility is essential to ensuring the well-being of your beloved elderly family member.
With all our tips when performing an “aged care facilities near me” online search, you can rest assured that you will be choosing the best possible centre for them.
For more useful tips and information on health care, please check out our other posts!
