Types of Services
Understanding Aged Care Services: A Guide for Families Looking to Support Their Parents
If you’re starting to notice changes in your parent’s ability to manage daily tasks or stay independent, aged care services can provide the support they need to thrive. Here’s a breakdown of the types of services available and how they could help.
1. Social Outings, Groups, and Visitors
How It Helps:
- Arranging for a visitor to make in-home or telephone-based social calls.
- Providing a companion for shopping or attending appointments.
- Coordinating transport to social events or group activities at a center.
- Assisting with setting up phone or internet communication to stay connected with loved ones.
- Short visits from a care worker while the usual carer is unavailable.
How to Access:
Available through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or a Home Care Package.
2. Bathing, Hygiene, and Grooming
How It Helps:
- Assistance with bathing, showering, toileting, dressing, and undressing.
- Help with hair washing, drying, shaving, and getting in and out of bed.
- Medication reminders.
How to Access:
Available through CHSP or a Home Care Package.
3. Help with Impairments or Continence
How It Helps:
- Support with continence, dementia, vision, and hearing.
How to Access:
Provided through CHSP or a Home Care Package.
4. Meals and Food Preparation
How It Helps:
- Assistance with preparing meals (including special diets for health or cultural needs).
- Meal delivery services (cost of food not included).
How to Access:
Available through CHSP or a Home Care Package.
5. Nursing Services
How It Helps:
- Wound care and medication management.
- Health assessments and education to improve self-management.
How to Access:
Provided through CHSP or a Home Care Package.
6. Podiatry, Physiotherapy, and Other Therapies
How It Helps:
- Speech therapy, podiatry, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy.
- Hearing and vision services.
How to Access:
Available through CHSP or a Home Care Package.
7. Aids to Stay Independent
How It Helps:
- Walking aids like crutches or walkers.
- Mechanical devices for lifting in and out of bed.
- Pressure-relieving mattresses, slide sheets, and tri-pillows.
How to Access:
Available through CHSP or a Home Care Package.
8. Home Modifications
How It Helps:
- Installing grab rails, ramps, or easy-access taps.
- Providing safety advice and minor home modifications.
How to Access:
Provided through CHSP or a Home Care Package.
9. Cleaning, Laundry, and Other Chores
How It Helps:
- Help with making beds, laundry, ironing, and cleaning (e.g., dusting, mopping).
- Unaccompanied shopping assistance.
How to Access:
Available through CHSP or a Home Care Package.
10. Home or Garden Maintenance
How It Helps:
- Fixing uneven flooring, cleaning gutters, weeding, pruning, and lawn mowing.
How to Access:
Provided through CHSP or a Home Care Package.
11. Transport
How It Helps:
- Arranging driver services or transport vouchers.
- Assistance with shopping, visiting health practitioners, and attending social activities.
How to Access:
Available through CHSP or a Home Care Package.
12. Transition Care (After Hospital Stays)
How It Helps:
- Therapy services like physiotherapy or occupational therapy.
- Clinical care like wound management, dementia support, or oxygen therapy.
- Assistance with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating.
How to Access:
Provided through the Transition Care Program.
13. Help to Restore Independence (Short-Term Restorative Care)
How It Helps:
- Personal care, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.
- Aids and mobility equipment.
- Podiatry, counseling, and psychological support.
How to Access:
Delivered at home, in the community, or in aged care homes through the Short-Term Restorative Care Program.
14. Day/Overnight Respite
How It Helps:
- Respite at day centers, clubs, or residential settings.
- Flexible in-home respite, allowing regular carers to take a short break.
How to Access:
Provided through CHSP or a Home Care Package. For emergency respite, contact Carer Gateway at 1800 422 737.
What’s Next?
If you think these services could help your parent, the next step is to arrange an aged care assessment to determine eligibility. Services can be customized to their specific needs, offering support that preserves dignity, independence, and quality of life.
