Home care is a popular option for families with disabled adults. It can provide much-needed support and allow disabled adults to live independently. In this context, ” Is Home Care Right For Your Disabled Adult?” is one common question.
Imagine the comfort and independence home care brings, allowing individuals to receive personalised assistance in the familiarity of their own homes. But what exactly makes home care such a game-changer for those with disabilities?
In this blog, we will uncover the invaluable support system that home care services offer to those in need.
FACTS About Disability in Australia
An estimated 1 in 6 Australians (around 17.7% or 4.4 million) have a disability, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s 2022 report “People with disability in Australia”
Physical disabilities are the most prevalent, affecting approximately 77% of people with impairment. While mental or behavioural issues are the main form of disability for 1 in 4 (23%) people with disabilities. Hearing loss is another prevalent disability, with 3.6 million Australians experiencing some level of hearing loss
The likelihood of disability increases with age. While one in nine (11.6%) people aged 0-64 have a disability, nearly half (49.6%) of those aged 65 and over do.
Only 24% of persons with disabilities have very good or excellent health. 32 per cent of handicapped individuals express severe or very high levels of psychological distress.
In terms of care, 59 %of adults with disabilities live in residential care, while 41 % get home care. Under the age of 65, 2.1 % of persons used permanent residential aged care, 2.1 per cent used home assistance, 1.1 % used respite residential care, and 1.6 per cent used home care.
5 benefits of choosing Home Care For Disabled Adults.
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Participation in community and leisure activities that reduce social isolation
Disabled individuals have difficulty participating in community events and activities. Participating in local farmer’s markets, concerts, or religious meetings may not be allowed for disabled adults in nursing homes.
Having home care for disabled adults enables them to participate in community events with fewer constraints. Thus, this facilitates the development of social skills, helps prevent social isolation and nurtures stronger relationships.
Maintenance of Quality of life
Home care providers can improve the quality of life for disabled individuals by assisting and supporting them with daily duties. Caring for people with physical and/or mental impairment at home can help them achieve a higher quality of life.
Indeed, in-home care services may provide such persons with respect and thereby maintain or increase their well-being.
In fact, professionals working for trusted home disability support also allow some time for family members to stay close and help the challenged individual and ultimately minimise in-home carer burnout.
Peace of mind with in-home care for disabled adults
The best quality compassionate care is the goal of home care disability care and support services. Such disability care settings aim to foster a helping attitude among the elderly. They even assist in meal preparation, housework, transportation, and running errands.
These services are fully specialised and tailored to provide the best in-home care for disabled adults. Individuals with disabilities can enjoy a sense of purpose, independence, and dignity in their own homes, ultimately contributing to their family members’ peace of mind.
Advanced One-on-One Care at Home
Individuals with mental health issues such as dementia care, Alzheimer’s disease, or physical illnesses or injuries can get one-on-one care in in-home care for disabled adults. This type of care is tailored to meet the unique needs of the client, who, in this case, are disabled adults. One-on-one care is often considered the most effective form of treatment for both the client and their family members, as it provides personalised attention and support.
Assurance and Expertise
In-home care services include a carer who comes directly into a disabled person’s house, allowing the person with a disability to live more independently.
In-home care services also aid with tasks such as bathing, dressing, light cleaning, washing, and transferring from bed to wheelchair or standing from a seated position. In-home care for disabled adults also makes daily life simpler for completely bedridden impaired persons.
Rules and Regulations from the Department of ageing disability
For Disabled adult care, the Australian Government’s Department of Health abides by the Aged Care Act 1997. The main law covers government-funded aged care, including approval of providers, subsidies and fees, standards, quality of care, rights of people receiving care, and non-compliance.
Another important aspect is that the Aged Care Diversity Framework aims to ensure aged care services are respectful and inclusive.
In addition, the Australian Government funds residential care/nursing homes, short-term care such as respite care, and in-home care for the disabled (care in your home).
Regarding residential aged care or nursing care for disabled individuals, the Australian Government funds them to make services more affordable and accessible. These aged care facilities provide 24-hour care and supervision for residents who need help with daily living activities.
NDIS home care schemes and offers
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) assists disabled people in living independently or with families. It funds different types of home and living supports, such as Living in and moving out of residential aged care, Short-term accommodation, Medium-term accommodation, Specialist disability accommodation, Individualised living options, Supported independent living, and Home modifications.
To initiate the process, registered disabled individuals with a home and living goal must complete a Home and Living Support Request form.
The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) reviews the information and documents provided and works to identify appropriate homes and live funding supports for disabled participants to pursue their goals.
Nursing Homes vs In-home Care Services
Area of Focus |
In-Home Care |
Nursing Homes(Residential Homes) |
Time with Family | More time and memories with family members | Lesser time to spend with family |
Safety | This kind of care reduces the chances of your catching a serious pandemic. | Here, professional services and safety are provided, but considering the scenario of (the COVID-19) pandemic, they may not be a good option. |
Bonding with Caregiver | Here, carers offer one-to-one care contributing to a stronger personal relationship with care recipients. | Strong one-to-one care may not be possible, and hence, bonding with the carer can be feeble. |
Options Available/ Types | Basic
Low Intermediate High care needs |
Retirement villages
Assisted care facilities, nursing homes |
Your lifestyle | Usually, the lifestyle of the one who gets service remains the same. | Here, the lifestyle may change, although it would not be that drastic change. |
How to evaluate and find trusted home disability care in Australia?
Finding the best home care disability services can be a daunting task that serves the purpose of providing quality care at home. A trusted home disability care provider, besides having NDIS-registered Qualified Caregivers, should offer other extra areas, which are:
Excellent health-care services
Home care for adults with disabilities must provide all the necessary health services to the disabled adult along with allied health services, including occupational therapists, dietitians and physiotherapists.
A reputable home health service should offer disability respite care and short stays, providing essential breaks for both individuals with disabilities and their primary caregivers.
Personal care and assistance
Under Home health care services, personal care services like bathing, restroom activities, incontinence care, grooming, personal hygiene, dressing, walking, and toileting/continence care are provided for a few hours a day.
Look for care providers who are great at home care disability services and can develop a care plan for disabled adults. When made under a certain contract, such personalised care and assistance can be run for 24-hour service in a day, too.
Food Preparation and Diet Planning
Disability home care services also include meal planning and preparation for clients. Here, the carer is involved in creating sustainable meal plans based on the client’s nutritional needs.
A disability home care service provider should assist with all grocery shopping, doing the dishes, cleaning the kitchen, and monitoring food freshness and expiry dates.
Proper Medication Management
Having a trusted home disability care lowers the chances of overmedication or less medicine consumption. The carer makes a list of all the medications, herbal remedies, vitamins and other supplements, and creams and ointments.
These caregivers should also review medications regularly, reminders, supervision, pillbox, organisation, daily log, etc.
Companionship, recreation and domestic duties
Beyond physical care, look for services that provide companionship and recreational activities. Engaging in conversations, reading, games, crafts, and other recreational activities can contribute to better mental health and reduced isolation.
Companionship and recreation for seniors and disabled people aid their better mental health as they reduce instances of isolation and help clients become more active and engaged.
Why Auspire Care?
Auspire Care aspires to bring happiness, independence, and enjoyment while enhancing the physical and mental well-being of elderly people and those with disability.
As a representative of caregivers in Australia, we commit to building and practising the home care process easier and more convenient. We ensure the highest level of care and support through our professionals- Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs).
At Auspire Care, we provide exceptional home care disability services in Australia. With our experience and commitment to customer service, we’re confident we can provide the best care possible for your loved ones. Contact us toady and start planning essential care for your disabled family members!
FAQs on disability home care services
How does home care in Australia work?
Australian Government’s Department of Health offers a Home Care Packages Program. There are 4 levels of Home Care Packages – from level 1 to level 4.
- Level 1: Supports clients with basic care requirements.
- Level 2: Supports person with minimal care requirements.
- Level 3: Supports person with intermediate care requirements.
- Level 4: Assists persons with significant care requirements.
What are Australia’s three primary categories of elderly care services?
Australia provides three categories of aged-care services:
- In-home care (care in your home)
- Residential care in aged care (nursing) homes
- Short-term care, such as respite care.
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How can I apply for home care?
To get in-home care for the people living with a disability in Australia, one must look for the Eligibility checklist, which includes:
- Age requirements( 7 to 65)
- Residence requirements(Are you an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder?)
- Do you live in Australia?
- Disability requirements caused by a permanent impairment( intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial)
- Disability-specific supports to complete daily life activities?
- Support now to reduce your future need
- Need support to build their skills to help you(disabled one)?
If you(disabled one) are eligible, then you can
- Make a verbal application by calling the NDIS Australia office.
- Complete an Access Request Form and return it to NDIS.
- Send document requirements for evidence.
- You will be further notified via mail or phone about acceptance or rejection.
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