This worry has been creeping up on you slowly for a while now, and you knew the dreaded day would come when you’d have to start looking for options of care for your aging parent. It’s not a pleasant subject, but an important one nonetheless, and must be handled very carefully. If you’re working full-time, and your aging loved one has found themselves in need of more care urgently, you could be feeling immense pressure to find an answer. There are a few steps that can ease you in the direction most appropriate for you and your parent.

Assessment

The first step on finding appropriate care for your aging parent is seeking an assessed by a professional Aged Care Assessment Team. This determines how well your loved one could manage care on their own, or what degree of help they need. To do this, you must go to the My Aged Care website, and get in contact with them regarding consultation for your loved one, to become part of the Federal Government’s aged care system.

Care at Home

Many aging people continue to enjoy their home comforts, and the thought of moving from their sanctuary is a nightmare. For those who are assessed as safe to do so, your aging parent may be able to stay living at home, with the assistance of a care package – a team of caregivers caring for your loved one in their own home. Unfortunately, these care packages often come after a substantial wait – something you may not be in the position to allow for.

Respite Care

If you feel as though you are in need of care for your aging parent now, but are unsure about long-term, then respite care may be the answer. Respite care is usually care provided by an Aged Care facility for a short period. This gives time for other arrangements to be made if necessary, for your loved one to experience what an Aged Care facility is like, and to provide you with a chance to get everything in order in the comfort of knowing that they are safe and well looked after.

Aged Care Facility

An Aged Care facility is often for those who are assessed as unable to manage at home, even with a care package. There are fantastic Aged Care facilities around, enabling your aging parent a new sense of home, being well looked after and in the company of others in a similar situation. It’s an opportunity to be safe, secure and offers the valuable interaction that many aging people miss out on. While an Aged Care facility provides some great relief, it is something to be carefully considered beforehand, taking into account the desires of your loved one.

It’s important to stay calm and not to panic when faced with decision making for your aging parent. Make sure that you discuss their options with them, to keep them involved with the process. It is a daunting time for you, but quite possibly more worrying for your loved one. Having had the correct assessments for your loved one, you should have the right information to help you moved forward in the appropriate direction.