Making the decision to receive Home Care Services can be daunting for some, as there are numerous providers to choose from, each offering different levels of support and operating in varying service areas. Additionally, the time required to research these options, compare them, and select the right provider can often be a significant deterrent.
However, the benefits of receiving in-home support often outweigh the challenges associated with the decision-making process.
Another major consideration that may prevent someone from pursuing Home Care Services is the question of timing—when is the right time to consider in-home support? To help address this, we have identified 10 early warning signs that indicate additional support may be necessary.
Declining Personal Hygiene
* Wearing the same clothes day after day without washing them
* Failure to perform daily routine personal care practices such as bathing and grooming
* Noticeable body odour or poor dental hygiene due to difficulty attending to basic grooming tasks
Changes in Physical Health
* Unexplained weight loss or gain
* Difficulty recovering from a minor illness
* Frequent bruises from falling or bumping
* Worsening chronic health conditions
* Missed medical appointments
Medication Management Issues
* Forgetting to take medication doses, or omissions
* Confusion about when medication is taken
* Failure to replenish required medication once it has run out
* Taking the wrong medication dosages
* Keeping expired medications in the cabinet
Household Maintenance Decline
* Unopened mail piling up
* Unwashed dishes piling up
* Spoiled food in the refrigerator
* Rubbish/waste accumulating in the house
* Dirty and cluttered conditions of living
* Neglective maintenance of house
* Overgrown yard or garden
Changes in Cognitive Function
* Increased forgetfulness
* Confusion with familiar tasks
* Becoming disoriented in familiar places
* Difficulty following conversations
* Poor judgement in financial matters
* Missing important appointments
Safety Concerns
* Scorch marks on pots and pans
* Stove or oven forgotten and left on
* Doors unlocked
* Stairs become difficult to climb
* Recent falls or other accidents
* Poor lighting within the home
Social Withdrawal
* Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
* Avoiding social interactions
* Failure to attend regular social events
* Reluctance to go out of the house
* Limited interaction with family and friends
Difficulty with Mobility
* Notice difficulty arising from chairs
* Feeling unsteady when walking
* Not wanting to climb stairs
* Holding onto furniture for balance
Difficulty Nutrition/Meal Preparation
* Uncleanness of the refrigerator or pantry
* Relying entirely on convenience foods
* Missing Meals
* Weight loss or malnutrition
* Difficulty in preparation of meals
* Burns or cuts from cooking attempts
Difficulty with Money Management
* Bills not paid
* Unusual purchases
* Inability to manage chequebook/banking
* Signs of scams being perpetrated
* Statement not opened
* Confusion regarding basic financial concepts
Taking the Next Step
If you or your loved one can relate to any of the signs outlined in this article, we suggest that now is the right time to begin your Home Care Services journey. Remember, early intervention is fundamental in preventing avoidable decline. Additionally, Home Care Services are not about giving up independence. Instead, they are designed to help you remain independent, safe, and well in the comfort of your own home.
If you have identified yours or your loved one’s need for Home Care Services, you can take comfort in knowing that the Clayton Church Homes (CCH) Home Care Services team is here to support you through this important transition, ensuring the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. CCH Home Care Services are customised to meet your individual requirements, ensuring you receive the appropriate level of support tailored to your specific needs.
How to Get Started with CCH Home Care Services
- Contact the friendly CCH Home Care Services team for an obligation-free conversation to discuss your needs, including if you intend to receive services that are Government-subsidised, or if you will self-fund. Please note that:
- Government-subsidised services require you to register with My Aged Care. It’s worth noting that it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months for Government-subsidised services to be approved, so it’s better to start the My Aged Care registration process as soon as possible. If you need assistance with the My Aged Care registration process, the CCH Home Care Services team is equipped to help.
- Self-funded services are available immediately without the need to register with My Aged Care.
- Once you have decided how to fund your services, and if you choose CCH as your Home Care Services provider, the CCH Home Care Coordinator will arrange a home visit to assess your situation and needs. During this visit, all care options will be discussed.
- The CCH team will then design a customised care plan tailored to your requirements, including matching you with an experienced CCH Home Care Services support worker.
- You will review and agree on the care plan, and once finalised, you will begin receiving CCH Home Care Services!
Learn more about CCH Home Care Services today.