If you’re at the stage in your life where you can’t decide between home care and assisted living, you’re not alone. Many older Australians would prefer to age in familiar surroundings and receive quality home care services in Brisbane. Making the decision to do so, however, requires careful planning and a better understanding of your needs.
Benefits of Ageing in Place
Leaving your home because of old age doesn’t sound appealing at all. With the right support, you won’t have to. This is why more and more people prefer to age in place.
- Staying in familiar surroundings provides comfort that nursing homes don’t always offer
- More control over your lifestyle and schedule
- Maintain stronger community ties with family, friends, and neighbours
- Staying at home often costs less than moving into aged care
- Receive personalised elderly care services
Core Signs You Are Ready to Age in Place Safely
Ageing in place is often a popular choice among seniors, but it’s not always easy. It comes with responsibilities that you have to handle, some of which will help you decide whether you’re confident to age at home.
Home modifications
With changes in mobility and health, your home setup needs to be updated to ensure your safety. Only then can you gauge your readiness for ageing in place.
- Grab bars installed next to toilets and in the shower
- Non-slip mats or flooring in the kitchen or bathroom
- Widened doorways with steps replaced with ramps
- Installation of stairlifts, if needed
- Brighter hallway and indoor and outdoor paths
Accessibility features
Living independently as you age means you’ll be able to do most things on your own. You may need to add home features or fixtures that support independence.
- Replace doorknobs with lever-style door handles
- Raised toilet seats
- Removable or adjustable-height showerheads
- Storage you can easily reach and handle
- Intuitive appliances or those with simple controls
Proactive health management
More often than not, an elderly’s health care needs will determine whether assisted living or in-home care is best. You may qualify for in-home care if health management is not a problem.
- Capacity to keep up with prescribed medications
- Can monitor chronic conditions
- Regular visits to the doctor aren’t a hassle
- Prepare and eat healthy meals
- Stay active
- Access to mental health support
Emergency preparedness
Unexpected situations can happen at any time, and it’s important that you’re mentally and physically equipped to deal with them.
- Emergency contact list saved in your mobile
- Wearable emergency buttons or medical alert systems
- Backup power for any medical equipment used
Access to services
Some aged-care services are subsidised by the government, and your ability to apply for eligibility assessment is a strong indicator that you can safely age in your home.
- Reliable transportation for when you need to visit your doctor, go shopping, or join social activities
- Access to support workers to help you with bathing, cleaning or nursing
- Grocery assistance or meal delivery services
Deciding to stay at home as you grow old is rarely an easy decision, but one that you might prefer due to the freedom, comfort, and dignity it offers. As long as your home is modified to your ageing needs, and you meet all the signs listed above, you are more than qualified to age in place. If you’re over 65 and need tailored in-home care, consult Wesley Mission Queensland Limited for professional advice.
