Helping seniors stay safe and independent with 24-hour home care

Introduction

Older Australians need to stay independent at home and this is why 24-hour care is becoming popular among seniors. This full-time, person-specific aid guarantees safety, companionship and peace of mind for older people, as well as their families.

What 24-hour home care is all about

Round-the-clock home care implies continuous day and night support at a person’s home, provided by professional and educated caregivers. This model is not like regularly scheduled visitation. This involves facilitating unlimited access to support through helping with personal tasks like mobility, personal hygiene, meal preparation and emergency response. 

Whether the support is available to rotating caregivers or provided by live-in workers, the objective is the same: to make sure that no need is left unattended.

The real benefits of 24-hour home care to older Australians

The importance of 24-hour care to seniors and their families cannot be underestimated.

• Continuous safety monitoring
  In the case of a fall or a medical condition, the caregivers will be able to respond instantly to the situation before it leads to more complicated problems.

• Credible drug monitoring
  This supervision confirms that the right doses of drugs are taken at the right time.

• Friendship and nurture
  Help eliminate loneliness, which promotes a healthy mind.

• Person-specific routines
  Work and other activities are designed according to the preferences and habits of the individual.
• Comfort to families
  This ensures family members feel confident that their loved ones are safe even at night.

Who will benefit from 24-hour in-home care?

Round-the-clock services are beneficial to everyone, but they specifically fit the needs of ageing individuals with greater needs.

• People with cognitive conditions
  Confusion and wandering at night are not uncommon among persons living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

• People with chronic health conditions
  These are people who need to have their parameters — blood pressure, oxygen level or glucose level — checked on a regular basis.

• Post-hospital
  Individuals who have experienced surgery — along with any type of illness — are possible beneficiaries of this immediate and continuous assistance.

• People with mobility limitations
  Older people with challenges in terms of balance, transfer and walking without an aid.

Seniors should be provided with continuous, ongoing care at home and, in the process, obtain the support they require.

Where and how to find the correct 24-hour home care service

It is a top priority to have proper communication and trust with the 24-hour care provider, which is important to maintain optimal quality. In order to find a suitable provider, follow the steps outlined here.

• Ensure government accreditation and compliance
  One can start with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

• Seek experience and continuous education
  Make sure that the carers are experienced, certified in first-aid practice and trained to take care of the medical and emotional support needs of the person.

• Pay attention to cultural and linguistic compatibility
  Watch out for some personal associations, such as linguistic, cultural and value. Make an effort to find carers who know you and what you desire.

• Ask to see clear prices and the terms of service
  Make sure to request a breakdown of pricing during the night, on public holidays and at weekends.
• Focus on flexibility and personalisation
  A good provider would watch over your needs by developing care plans that will evolve with each change. This also involves trial arrangements and flexible timing.

Effective ideas to promote independent living with 24-hour care

Round-the-clock care by itself is not usually sufficient. It is the role of families and other caregivers to collaborate and achieve a safer and more empowering home environment.

• Make the home safer
  Fix poor lighting, avoid tripping risks and use grab bars in shower rooms.

• Embrace smart technology
  Installation of medical alarm systems and voice assistant devices that can facilitate communication and movement.

• Encourage gentle movement and activity
  Constantly encourage daily activities, such as stretching or walking to maintain strength and flexibility.
• Plan out nutrition and hydration
  Carers should be involved in the development of a food plan and preparation of wholesome meals, along with stimulating a sufficient intake of liquids.

Conclusion

Twenty-four-hour care support in Australia presents to many older Australians the best of both worlds: complete independence in familiar surroundings, combined with professional support at all times. This kind of care contributes to the fuller and more confident lives of the seniors.

This guarantees families that their loved ones live out their years in a safe and comfortable environment. Visit the Australian Department of Health for more information on aged care programs.

Is 24-hour care a necessity for you? Let the team at Talking Aged Care know your thoughts and subscribe to the newsletter for more information, news and industry updates.

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