Navigating aged care in Australia: residential aged care vs home care

Deciding on the right type of care for a loved one can feel overwhelming. In Australia, there are two main options for aged care: residential aged care and home care. Both have their own benefits and challenges, and understanding these can help you make the best decision for your loved one’s situation. 

Let’s explore the differences:

What is residential aged care?

Residential aged care is a service designed for older adults who can no longer live independently at home. It offers a safe and supportive environment with 24/7 care provided by trained professionals. At HillView Care, we cater to various needs, from basic assistance with daily tasks to specialised dementia or palliative care.

Benefits of residential aged care:

• Around-the-clock care: At HillView Care, our residents have access to professional carers and nurses at all times, providing peace of mind for families.
• Social opportunities: We provide group activities, outings, and communal dining, helping residents stay social.
• Safe environment: Our facilities are designed to be accessible and safe, reducing the risk of falls or other accidents.

Considerations:

• Cost: Residential aged care involves fees, including a basic daily fee, means-tested care fees, and accommodation payments. Government subsidies are also available.
• Transition period: Moving into a residential facility can be emotionally challenging for some residents, taking time to adapt to their new environment.

What is home care?

Home care allows older individuals to stay in their own homes while receiving support for daily tasks, personal care, and health needs. Services range from basic help, like cleaning and meal preparation, to complex care delivered by healthcare professionals.

Things to consider when choosing between residential and home care

Level of care needed:

It’s important to assess the level of support your loved one needs. If they need constant supervision or specialised care, residential aged care might be the better option. For those with lower care needs, home care can provide enough support while they maintain their independence.

To choose the appropriate level of care, the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will conduct an evaluation. ACAT assessments are free and help identify eligibility for government-funded aged care services, including home care packages and residential aged care. This assessment ensures that the care provided aligns with your loved one’s specific needs.

Social interaction:

Social connection plays a huge role in a person’s overall well-being. Residential care provides structured opportunities for social engagement, while home care requires you to organise social activities yourself.

Costs:

Understanding the overall costs is essential. Compare the costs of residential care and home care packages, factoring in government subsidies and out-of-pocket expenses.

Family involvement:

Home care usually needs more time and effort from family, while residential care provides more full-time support.

Personal preferences:

For some, staying in your home is non-negotiable, while others may find the security and community of residential care more appealing.

How HillView Care can help

At HillView Care, we understand how difficult it is to navigate aged care options. Our residential aged care homes on the Gold Coast provide a warm, family-like atmosphere with personalised care tailored to each resident’s needs. We prioritise dignity, respect, and compassion, so every resident feels valued and supported.

If you’d like to learn more about HillView Care’s residential aged care services or discuss your options, contact us today.