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Accessing care

Mildura Retirement Villages

Understanding when the “time is right” for aged care services can be challenging, but there are some signs that occur to indicate when the time is right to consider in-home aged care or long-term assistance.

What are some signs that it may be time for in-home aged care?

Reduced mobility

Walking and moving difficulties can make it difficult to complete routine daily activities, making in-home care a valuable resource.
Mobility issues can have far-reaching consequences, making it difficult to get around the house safely (especially if stairs are involved), shower, or go out for errands and social visits.

This can result in a slew of other issues, ranging from fall-related injuries to under nourishment . Home caregivers can assist your loved one in getting where they need to go while also providing valuable companionship and other aged care services at home.

A slippage in hygiene and grooming

A noticeable decline in hygiene and grooming is one of the most telling signs that your ageing parent requires aged care services at home. Inadequate bathing, overgrown facial hair, or a generally unkempt appearance are examples of this. 

When a person is no longer able to keep up with their personal routines, either physically or due to cognitive impairments, their hygiene and grooming habits tend to deteriorate.
Maintaining one’s hygiene and grooming is regarded as a daily activity, and many people collaborate with a home care provider to assist their loved one with these tasks.
Personal care assistance can assist a care recipient in both physically completing daily tasks and adhering to a more regular routine and grooming schedule. Other hygiene-related daily tasks, such as toileting and bathing, can also be assisted by in-home care equipment aides.

Physical modifications

When you hug a loved one, you may notice that they are thinner and frailer than usual. Perhaps you’ve noticed bruises on their body. These physical symptoms may indicate that your parent requires additional assistance at home.

Significant weight loss may indicate that your ageing parent is having difficulty preparing meals for themselves, that they are having difficulty getting around the kitchen, or that they are forgetting how to cook properly (a sign of cognitive decline).

Bruises are often the result of falls or other accidents, though your loved one may be reluctant to admit it.

An in-home caregiver can help ensure that your parent is getting proper nutrition and preventing falls.

Forgetfulness has increased

We all forget things from time to time, like the title of that book we read or what we came into the room to get. However, increasing instances of forgetfulness over time, particularly when it comes to important tasks such as taking medication or paying bills, may indicate that home care assistance is required. If your loved one’s memory problems are interfering with their daily activities and well-being, it’s a good sign that they should see a doctor about their memory problems, as these could be signs of cognitive decline.

Working with an in-home aged care assistant can assist you in ensuring that your loved one maintains their normal activities despite any cognitive decline.

Difficulty keeping one's home

Difficulty keeping up with housework is a common sign that an elderly person requires in-home care. Because of mobility issues, cognitive decline, or even depression, they may be unable to perform these tasks as well as they once did.
Dust, dirt, or grime in previously clean areas, excessive clutter, or piles of dirty dishes are all signs that your loved one is struggling to keep up with housework.
Our in-home caregivers help with housekeeping tasks like cleaning countertops and appliances, sweeping the floor, running the dishwasher, and doing laundry.

Loss of interest in hobbies and activities

Have you noticed that your loved one no longer seems to enjoy many of their previous hobbies? Perhaps their previously well-kept backyard garden has been neglected, or their weekly card game with friends has been abandoned. You may notice that your mother or father has stopped doing more sedentary activities like knitting, reading, or watching a favourite TV show.

Loss of interest in hobbies and activities can indicate a variety of underlying issues, most notably depression. While an in-home caregiver cannot solve these medical or mental health issues, they can help ensure that your loved one follows treatment plans, has regular social interaction and companionship, and can provide much-needed aged care services at home so that your mother or father can continue to enjoy favourite pastimes.

What are some signs that it may be time for residential care?

Sudden or gradual health decline

Sometimes the need to discuss additional support happens suddenly, following a fall, illness, or a stroke. In other instances, you might notice the decline in health over a period of time.

It’s important to speak with family members about your wishes when the time comes, to seek additional support services at home.

Memory loss

It’s important to remember that no two people are the same. Memory loss and/or dementia symptoms vary from person to person. Early warning signs include:

  • Confusion
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Difficulty completing everyday tasks
  • Mood changes, out of the norm for that person.
If you are concerned about your loved one’s memory loss, the first step is to consult their GP who can make the correct diagnosis and provide advice to assist your decision on any future actions.

What to do next?

Determining the type of aged care and eligibility is the first step in accessing residential care. Both these criteria are assessed by your local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT); and your GP or a hospital social worker can make a referral to receive an assessment.

Additional information is available by arranging a meeting with our Client Liaison Officer. If you have any other additional questions, our Director Care Services is also available to talk with you.

Carers need a break too!

Caring for our loved ones can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging at times. Information and services are available to support you and your elderly family members so that you can continue to provide the best aged care support possible.

It’s important to look after your own health and wellbeing too, so in some instances respite can provide you with a chance to take a break. Princes Court Homes offers two respite beds which can be booked for short term access to residential care. It can also be an excellent way for your loved one to “test the water” and experience what their lives could be like in this caring environment. This service is well used so please don’t leave it to the last moment to book.
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