While traditional care homes provide many Australian seniors with excellent care and a sense of community, there are many in need of assistance who prefer to live at home. Home care balances the assistance they need with the ability to live independently, and it can be tailored to their needs. This short guide explores the different types of home care available in Melbourne to help you choose the right care plan for yourself or a loved one.
Assistance with Daily Living Activities
Personal care services are some of the most common types of home care in Melbourne. These help seniors and the disabled with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and going to the toilet.
Domestic Assistance
Domestic assistance provides support with daily chores around the house. That includes things like cleaning and vacuuming, doing the laundry, and cooking. Grocery shopping also falls under the heading of domestic assistance.
Companionship and Support
Companionship and support services are there to help tackle the problem of isolation and loneliness among the elderly. The services can include simple conversations, playing games or partaking in hobbies, and providing company during outings and appointments.
Nursing and Medical Care
This type of care is delivered by qualified medical professionals and helps individuals with medical needs that do not require hospitalisation. This includes things like administering medicines, changing wound dressings, injury rehabilitation, and the management of ongoing conditions like diabetes.
Allied Health Services
Allied health services are a range of nonmedical therapies administered by health professionals such as physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and dieticians. These all create personalised care plans for individuals to support their health needs and goals.
Respite Care
The care needs of most senior and disabled individuals are taken care of by members of their family, however, this can be extremely physically and emotionally demanding in some cases. Respite care offers family members a break from caring for their loved ones.
Specialised Support
Special training is needed to assist individuals with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, so this type of care is not covered in any of the above categories. This type of care helps those with certain conditions to go about their daily life safely and with minimal distress and confusion.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of home care for your situation can drastically improve the quality of life of the individual being cared for, helping them with the things they are struggling with while allowing them to retain their independence as much as possible. Knowing the types of care available in cities like Melbourne will help you find the right one.
