Transitioning a loved one into aged care can be a difficult time for everyone involved. The person needing care may be anxious or reluctant to move while family members are often nervous about making the right decisions. At Heritage Care, we know it can be daunting and we’re here to help.
We acknowledge that the ageing journey is different for every individual, however there are often signs that sneak up on families highlighting the need to transition to professional care. By being informed about caregiving choices and staying flexible goes a long way to making better decisions about your loved one’s care. It’s also important to remember that aged care is a specialist field with a wealth of experts to guide you – if you know where to look!
Many families find themselves unprepared for common events that precipitate the need for residential aged care, like a bad fall, or the sad death of a parent caregiver. This is why it’s important to plan ahead and know your way around options, costs and aged care processes. Formulating a loose plan around appropriate options can help tremendously in activating immediate care in emergency situations.
Take Hazel’s story for example “I was living a typical life as a senior until one day I experienced a bowel obstruction. It landed me in hospital in intensive care for three days and I lost the ability to walk properly. So suddenly I needed around the clock care and support” Hazel explains.
While residential aged care did not immediately come to Hazel’s mind, with help from her children, she weighed up her options and agreed to experience a short stay at Heritage Epping. She has never looked back. “You can still live a great life in a residential aged care home. The support here allows you to live freely without the burden of fear. Everyone is nice and you will feel welcomed and loved.”
Michelle is another member of the Heritage Care community from Watergardens, who made the difficult decision to move her mother Lois into a care home after she was diagnosed with dementia. She has some wise advice for family members considering the transition. “If you’re feeling unsure about whether it’s time to find a place for your parent in a residential aged care home, know that you’re not alone. Ask for help and arrange professional care when your gut is telling you things are not right. Recognise the situation for what it is and embrace the next chapter of care.”
“Get to know the aged care system, talk with the staff, understand what residential aged care can provide. Your loved one can greatly benefit and live a life of happiness and joy when family form a partnership of care with providers.”
For compassionate advice and expert answers to your questions and concerns around the ageing care journey, book a free, non-obligation meeting with us.
To get started, call Katherine on 0431 338 240