A modern aged care home aims to provide all of the quality care and services a person might need as they get older, from medical support to help with day-to-day tasks.
But what services does aged care provide, exactly? Here’s a rundown on the types of care services and amenities you can expect if you or a loved one are moving into aged care in Australia.
Care services provided
First, let’s look at what care services actually include. What care is provided in assisted living or an aged care setting? While the aged care services list can vary slightly from provider to provider, the following list covers some of the key support systems typically provided for residents.
Residential aged care
Residential aged care is similar to home care services, in that it provides help and support with day-to-day activities. The difference is that residential aged care offers round-the-clock support in a safe purpose-built environment. Your care team is there to help with anything you might need help with such as dressing, bathing or mobility, as well as taking care of daily tasks like cooking and cleaning.
Nursing care
Nursing care is very personal for each resident, and can range from assistance with taking daily medications to wound care and general health. In a quality aged care home, your care team will work with you to develop your personalised care plan. This evolving document helps to ensure the nursing and clinical care you receive is safe and right for you.
Dementia care
There are over 400,000 Australians who live with some form of dementia, and specialised dementia care can provide an increased level of support and safety. For example, certain Aurrum Aged Care homes include dedicated memory support units with specially trained staff, thoughtful safety features and supportive activities.
Disability care
If you or your loved one are one of the 4.4 million Australians who live with a disability, you can expect tailored support and care when living in aged care. Depending on your needs, this can include access to physiotherapists and other health specialists, daily care support, and provision of required equipment such as wheelchairs or walking frames.
Allied health services
Allied health services encompass all that help you to live well and in comfort. An aged care home can help you to find the right health support from any specialists you might require. For example, this might be a visit with an audiologist for new hearing aids, a podiatrist for help with walking and mobility, or a speech pathologist or nutritionist for enjoyable eating.
Respite care
There are a few situations where temporary respite care can be really helpful, including if you’ve just had a hospital stay, or if a carer needs a short break. A respite care stay can also be a reassuring way to see what living in an aged care home will be like. Many aged care homes offer respite care places to provide short-term support including Aurrum Aged Care.
Palliative care
Palliative care is designed to provide care for those living with a life-limiting illness, and this can include end-of-life care. Palliative care can include lots of elements, from pain management to emotional and spiritual support. It’s important to find an aged care provider you trust and feel comfortable with, as they can provide lots of valuable support through challenging times.
Amenities and activities provided
As well as personal care services, aged care homes can also offer a range of lifestyle services and amenities: from delivering your mail, to cooking delicious and nutritious meals. Here are some of the supportive services you can expect.
Meals and dining
You won’t need to worry about shopping or cooking if living in an aged care home, as all meals are included including morning and afternoon tea. Our chefs and cooks are busy every day serving up delicious and dietician-approved meals that are created with fresh, seasonal produce. Importantly, you can also expect your unique preferences and dietary requirements to be catered for.
Laundry services
Let’s face it – there aren’t many people who would call laundry a favourite activity! Luckily in your aged care home your clothing, towels and linen will be washed for you regularly. You can simply enjoy your day knowing that your clothes will be cleaned, folded and waiting for you in your room. Because who has time for laundry when there are other things to do!
Social activities and programs
We all live better with social connection, and in an aged care home you’ll be able to choose from a range of social and lifestyle activities. These are often included in your aged care fees, though there may sometimes be optional extra costs that should be made clear.
At Aurrum our varied lifestyle programs can include craft and art activities, pet therapy, fun physical exercise, musical therapy and lots of cultural options like museum visits and picnics.
Essential toiletries
As well as having support with daily washing and dressing if you need it, you can also expect basic toiletries to be provided at your aged care home. Of course, you can choose to bring your preferred brands when you move in – and favourite items like perfumes or aftershave can make a great gift for loved ones to bring when they visit.
Transport services
There’s no need to feel limited by a move to an aged care home. Transport is typically provided by your provider, often in the form of a care home bus which can take you to medical appointments and other engagements. This can include outings to art galleries and other local destinations, depending on your care home’s unique lifestyle program.
Facilities management
You also won’t need to lift a finger to enjoy a clean and comfortable environment, because your aged care home will provide all housekeeping and maintenance services. You can enjoy beautiful gardens, a safe home and regularly cleaned rooms wherever you go. This frees up time to do more things you enjoy, whether it be reading, catching that new exhibition or watching a footy game in one of the living areas.
H2 – Personalising your care
Great care is highly personal, and it’s important that your aged care provider will have a tailored approach to your lifestyle and care services. When looking at aged care homes in your local area for yourself or your loved one, consider how your support and services can be customised to your needs with a personalised care plan. This will help to ensure you get the best support possible so you can live your life, your way.
It’s also useful to familiarise yourself with the Charter of Aged Care Rights if you are accessing Government-subsidised aged care, as the charter sets out the quality of care and services you can expect with any provider you end up choosing.
Choosing the right aged care home
We know that choosing the right aged care home can sometimes feel like a fraught and often high-pressure process, but we’re here to help with clarity. Aurrum Aged Care provides modern, personalised residential aged care in locations across NSW and Victoria.
We would love to show you around your closest Aurrum aged care home, free of any pressure or obligations. Simply get in touch with our team if you have questions or to arrange your tour today.