When someone needs more support as they age, there are broadly two paths: bringing care into their own home, or moving into a residential aged care home. Both are government-subsidised, and many people use one and then the other as their needs change.
What is home care?
Home care helps people keep living in their own home with support that comes to them - things like help with showering and dressing, cleaning, meals, transport, nursing visits and social support. In Australia this is delivered through in-home aged care programs (arranged via My Aged Care), with different levels of funding depending on assessed need. It suits people who are managing reasonably well at home but need a hand to stay safe and independent.
What is residential aged care?
Residential aged care means moving permanently into an aged care home, where care, meals, cleaning and 24-hour nursing are all provided on site. It suits people whose needs have grown beyond what can be safely and reliably met at home.
How to decide
There is no single right answer, and it often changes over time. Home care may be enough when needs are moderate and the home environment is safe. Residential care becomes the kinder choice when:
- Care needs are high or increasing, especially overnight
- Safety at home is a real concern - falls, wandering, leaving appliances on
- A family carer is exhausted or unable to continue
- Isolation and loneliness are affecting wellbeing
- Health conditions need closer, around-the-clock monitoring
Many families start with home care and move to residential care as needs increase - there is no failure in that; it is simply matching support to the moment.
Paradise Lakes provides permanent residential aged care. If you are weighing up the move, our guide on moving a parent into aged care may help, or register your interest for a no-obligation chat.