When you’re considering placing a loved one into aged care, it can be an overwhelming and emotional experience.
Unfortunately, many Australians don’t think about aged care until they have to – and may not realise they do not have to go through the process on their own.
In today’s blog post, My Care Path aged care expert Dana Sawyer breaks down the help that is currently available for families looking to place a loved one in aged care.
When should I start thinking about aged care?
For many families, there are warning signs your elderly parent or loved one will need an aged care service years before they enter an aged care facility.
They may have suffered a fall which has limited their mobility, are struggling with daily household tasks such as gardening or cooking or may be showing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
It is best to start planning for aged care as soon as you notice these warning signs to find out what your options are.
You may have a perception that there aren’t many options, but the Australian aged care system offers extensive aged care choices for different individual circumstances, is heavily subsidised by the government and is designed for the elderly to stay in their own home for as long as possible.
Why is it so important to be proactive in aged care?
If you wait until an emergency, entering the aged care system is much more likely to be a stressful experience.
In fact, you may find your loved ones are forced to enter an aged care facility fulltime when they would have been able to remain in their homes for longer, if they had accessed aged care services ahead of time.
If you find help when the early warning signs start, you will be much better prepared for the journey to come.
Independent Aged Care Consultants – Helping you navigate your aged care choices
Placing a loved one in aged care is often an emotionally exhausting and stressful process, particularly if you are not familiar with how the aged care system operates.
This is why a number of aged care consultants are available throughout the country, who can offer independent advice on the best aged care service for your individual needs.
What can an aged care consultant help me with?
An aged care consultant can provide the following services:
- An initial assessment of your aged care needs
- Recommendations on the type of care that is suitable for you, such as home care or an aged care facility
- Provide a short list of recommended facilities and home care providers within your area
- Organise and manage tours of the short-listed facilities
- Explain the different costs and fees, as well as negotiate fees with an aged care provider on your behalf
- Advocate for your care and help to change/move facilities if you are not satisfied with the aged care service provided
How much does an aged care consultant cost?
The cost of an aged are consultant can range from anywhere between $2000-$3000, however this cost can be reduced to $550* by engaging a My Care Path consultant.
My Care Path is a national aged care consultancy service, which has partnered with the largest aged care providers in Australia to reduce the rate of accessing an aged care consultant 80% below market rates.
We strongly believe that everyone should be able to afford the help an aged care consultant can provide, to make the transition into aged care as smooth as possible.
How can I contact an aged care consultant?
Simply head to our contact page, where you will find the best phone number and email to get in touch with a My Care Path consultant.
Where else can I research my aged care options?
You can use an online aged care directory, such as Aged Care Online to search for aged care care providers and facilities in your area.
Aged Care Online allows you to search for facilities in your area as well the specific care you need, whether it be home care, residential care or retirement living.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
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