4 myths about aged care homes

Moving into an aged care home can be an overwhelming time for you and your family. It’s not easy leaving your family home behind and relocating in a residential aged care home, however sometimes it’s the best decision for everyone. 

At HillView Care we are proud of our beautiful facilities and our wonderful staff who make all our residents feel at ease. We believe it doesn’t need to be stressful when you move into our Ashmore or Merrimac aged care homes and we go out of our way to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible. 

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions circulating about aged care homes that cause fear and anxiety. The reality is, most of this information is untrue. 

Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about aged care.

It will never feel like home 

It’s true, living in an aged care home will always feel different from living independently. But, that doesn’t mean it will never feel like home. 

In Australia there are many types of aged care that cater for different needs. The secret to feeling at home is finding a home that meets your individual requirements. 

There are a number of things to look for when choosing an aged care home that will determine if it’s the right home for you. These include: 

• Location
• Types of care available.
• Facilities. 
• Lifestyle and dining. 
• Staff. 

If you choose to make HillView Care your home on the Gold Coast, we’ll go out of our way to make you feel at home and as comfortable as possible. We know the transition can be difficult, so we’ll be here supporting you every step of the way. 

Our facilities are second to none and have everything you need to make you feel relaxed and included. While living at HillView Care you can take part in a variety of events and activities organised by our qualified diversional therapists to ensure you stay active and connected. 

Residents at our Ashmore and Merrimac aged care homes have all the luxuries you’d expect from premium aged care. You can book an appointment at our onsite hair and beauty salon, organise a home physio or therapy session or access fabulous onsite facilities such as a cafe, roof deck, sunrooms and lounges, beautiful gardens and recreation rooms. 

I will lose my independence

Moving into an aged home doesn’t mean you have to lose your independence. Depending on your level of care, it’s possible to be as independent as you like while living in an aged care home. In fact, at HillView Care we encourage our residents to get out and about as much as possible. 

You can enjoy a lifestyle as active or relaxed as you like. Jump on a bus trip or get involved in the recreational activities organised by our diversional therapists. If you have limited mobility, you can still join in, with a huge range of activities held onsite every week. 

When it comes to looking after yourself in an aged care home, care staff are there for you if you need them. While staff take care of the housekeeping and meals, you can choose how you run your day, just as you would if you were in your own home. 

All aged care homes are the same

If all aged care homes were the same it would be an easy decision, however not every aged care home will suit your individual needs. 

All facilities are different and the level of care they can provide is diverse. You may see differences in the physical facilities such as room layout and size, as well as differences in the layout of the common areas surrounding the accommodation. 

The food isn’t good in aged care homes

At HillView Care we’re proud to say that our wonderful chefs prepare home-cooked meals onsite. We serve breakfast, morning tea, a hot lunch or salad, afternoon tea, a 3-course dinner and a light supper every day. 

Our resident chefs cater to all dietary needs and you have the peace of mind that our menu is endorsed by a dietician. We’ve even won awards for food safety! 

If you have a special occasion, our chefs also cater for BBQ nights and special events – even private family functions. 

Don’t get caught up in the myths and misconceptions surrounding aged care homes. The move into a residential aged care home doesn’t have to be stressful, it’s an opportunity for you to get the care you need and live a more comfortable, relaxed life. If you’d like to know more about HillView Care’s Gold Coast aged care homes, drop by and take a look for yourself. Alternatively, schedule a call back to find out more.