What does support at home actually look like?

For many people, the words aged care bring to mind the “nursing home”.

But support often begins well before residential care in people’s homes.

Support at home is about helping older people continue living safely and independently in familiar surroundings, while staying connected to the routines, people and places that matter to them.

And it can look different for everyone.

It might start with just a little help

Sometimes, it’s a hand with jobs around the house that have become more difficult. It might be help with personal care, transport or getting out and about. It might mean having someone check in regularly, or extra support following illness or a hospital stay.

For some people, a couple of hours of help a week can make everyday life feel much more manageable. For others, needs change over time and more regular support becomes helpful. The important thing is that support should fit around the person – not the other way around.

It’s about more than getting jobs done

Far from simply ticking off a list of tasks, good support at home is about helping people keep doing the things that make life theirs.

That might mean continuing to attend a regular social activity, getting into town or down the street, seeing friends, tending the garden or simply feeling confident at home. It can also give family members reassurance that their loved one has the extra support they need.

When should you start thinking about support?

There doesn’t need to be a crisis. In fact, talking about support early can make the process much easier for everyone.

You might notice Mum isn’t getting out as much as she used to. Dad might be finding some household jobs harder. Perhaps you’ve started worrying about how they’re managing when you’re not there.

These don’t automatically mean someone can no longer live independently. They may simply mean it’s time to think about getting extra help.

Start with a conversation

Working out what support is available can feel confusing, particularly if you’ve never navigated Aged Care before.

Please know you don’t have to have all the answers before you ask for help. At The Forrest Centre, we work with older people and their families to understand what matters to them and explore all the possible support options available.

If you or someone you love could benefit from some support at home, talk to The Forrest Centre team today. Give us a call on 02 6932 3009.