Research from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has found that Australians would prefer ageing at home independently while receiving assistance during their retirement years rather than enter an aged care facility. Furthermore, Australian seniors who are living independently at home lead happy, active, and healthy lives.
Older people usually need help with cleaning, cooking, shopping, and attending medical appointments and they prefer to receive it from people they know. However, receiving support from family or friends is not always the case, so aged care services can be provided through paid help instead.
Support services for ageing at home in Australia
In-home support services are available for Australian seniors. Different forms of assistance can be arranged to provide in-home care, especially for low-income households, which include both government-funded and community-based programs. These support services include:
- Home Care
- Meals on Wheels
- Personal Safety Alarms
- Community Visitors Scheme
- Continence Assistance
- Dementia Support
- Carer Gateway
- Respite
Home Care
A Home Care Package is a comprehensive option for Australian seniors. These are funded by the government and will be based on your assessed level of need.
Funding ranges from $9,000 to $52,000 per annum. The packages are designed for elderly with more complex care needs and coordinated with a local home care provider. A Home Care Package can include services such as:
- Nursing care
- Assistive technology
- Allied health and therapy services
- Assistance with activities such as showering, bathing, and dressing
- Meal preparation and nutritional counseling
- Transport for shopping or to social engagements
- Continence management
- Social support
Meals on Wheels
The Meals on Wheels program provides three nutritionally-balanced course meals delivered for approximately $7.00-$10.00 per meal. The pricing may be subsidised depending on whether or not the senior is on a pension. Meals can be provided on an on-going basis, or for a short-term period such as after hospitalisation.
Personal Safety Alarms
Personal safety alarms provide a way for family, friends, and emergency support services to be notified if your loved one needs help. Apply for Personal Alert Victoria (PAV), a program funded by the government, or use personal alert options such as an alarm service, a community “check-in” program, or phone service checking on your loved one at regular intervals.
Community Visitors Scheme
The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) arranges for volunteers to visit and provide companionship to seniors who are susceptible to feeling lonely and isolated. Visits are available to those receiving Home Care Packages or government-subsidised aged care.
Continence Assistance
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) is a government payment to provide assistance to seniors with severe and permanent incontinence. Administered by Medicare, it allows discretion, flexibility, choice, and cost management to those needing continence products.
Dementia Support
Dementia Australia is a national program with specialised support services, programs, and education for seniors with dementia, their family, carers, and the general public. They have advice and support helpline and offer counselling to you and your loved one living with dementia.
You can call the Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or send an email at helpline.nat@dementia.org.au to talk to one of their staff members. To access information about dementia, risk reduction, strategies, and other available resources, you can visit the Dementia Australia website.
Carer Gateway
The Carer Gateway is aimed to support the family and caregivers by meeting their needs as well as addressing their concerns. You are allowed to access counselling, skills courses, coaching, and connect with other caregivers to share your experiences in a supportive space.
Respite Care
Respite care is designed to give caregivers some time out for their own wellbeing. It can be delivered as part of a Home Care Package or outside of the program as a private client. Respite care can give you the space and time to attend to your own physical, mental, and emotional health.
Use the ASAG Reverse Mortgage to fund ageing at home
We offer equity release solutions to seniors who are looking for options to access fund to finance ageing at home. Through the ASAG Reverse Mortgage, one of our popular equity release products, senior homeowners can unlock the wealth in their home to access funds without selling the property.
The funds can be used for any purposes to elevate your lifestyle and objectives in retirement, including Home Care (In-Home Support). Ongoing repayments are not required as the loan is repayable at the end of the term when you sell your home.
For more information on ASAG Reverse Mortgage and other equity release products, call us on 1300 002 724 or send an email at info@asagfirst.com.au. You may also use our Reverse Mortgage Calculator below to learn what your available equity is.