At Able Nursing Care, we've spent years supporting families across Australia in their aged care journey. Through our experience, we've learned what truly makes a difference in ensuring quality care, dignity, and happiness for older Australians. Here are our seven essential tips for families navigating aged care.
1. Start the Conversation Early - Don't Wait for a Crisis
One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting until an emergency occurs before discussing aged care options. By the time a crisis hits - a fall, hospitalisation, or sudden decline in health - families are forced to make rushed decisions under stress.
What We Recommend:
Have open, honest conversations about aged care preferences while your loved one is still relatively healthy and able to participate fully in decision-making. Discuss topics like:
- Where would they prefer to receive care (home or facility)?
- What's most important to them (independence, social activities, proximity to family)?
- Who would they trust to make decisions if they can't?
- What are their financial resources and preferences?
These conversations aren't easy, but they're crucial. Frame them positively - not as 'planning for decline' but as 'ensuring your wishes are respected and you receive the best possible care.'
At Able Nursing Care, we've seen how families who plan ahead experience less stress, make better decisions, and ensure their loved ones receive care that truly matches their preferences and values.
2. Understand Your Funding Options - Knowledge is Power
Australia's aged care system offers various funding options, but many families don't fully understand what's available to them. This lack of knowledge can mean missing out on valuable support or paying more than necessary.
Key Funding Sources:
- Home Care Packages: Government-subsidised support for care at home (Levels 1-4)
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Entry-level support services
- Veterans' Affairs support: Additional assistance for veterans and war widows
- Private funding: For services beyond government subsidies
- Means-tested care fees: Based on income and assets
Our Expert Tip:
Contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422) as your first step. They can:
- Assess your eligibility for government-funded support
- Arrange an ACAT assessment
- Provide information about available services in your area
- Explain costs and subsidies
Don't be afraid to ask questions. At Able Nursing Care, we help families navigate the funding landscape, maximising available support while managing costs effectively.
3. Prioritise Quality of Life, Not Just Safety
While safety is important, it shouldn't be the only consideration. We've seen families make care decisions based solely on safety concerns, inadvertently diminishing their loved one's quality of life and independence.
Balance is Key:
Yes, install grab rails and remove trip hazards. But also:
- Allow calculated risks that enable independence
- Maintain social connections and meaningful activities
- Respect personal preferences and routines
- Support hobbies and interests
- Encourage decision-making and choice
Example from Our Experience:
We once supported an 87-year-old gentleman who loved gardening but his family wanted to stop him due to fall risks. Instead, we worked together to make it safer - raised garden beds, proper seating, supervision during gardening time. He continued his beloved hobby safely, which significantly improved his mood and wellbeing.
At Able Nursing Care, our philosophy is 'enable, don't disable.' We support people to live their best lives, not just their safest lives.
4. Build a Care Team, Not Just Hire Care Workers
Quality aged care involves more than just hiring someone to help with tasks. It requires a coordinated team approach involving family, care workers, healthcare professionals, and the person receiving care.
Your Care Team Should Include:
- Primary care physician (GP)
- Care workers/support workers
- Allied health professionals (physiotherapist, occupational therapist)
- Pharmacist (for medication management)
- Family members and friends
- The person receiving care (at the centre of all decisions)
Why This Matters:
A coordinated team approach ensures:
- Everyone works toward the same goals
- Information is shared appropriately
- Changes are noticed quickly
- Care is consistent and person-centred
- Medical and support needs are both addressed
At Able Nursing Care, we don't just provide care workers - we become part of your care team. We communicate with healthcare providers, keep families informed, and ensure continuity of care. Our staff attend appointments when needed, advocate for our clients, and coordinate services to provide comprehensive support.
5. Embrace Technology to Enhance Care and Connection
Modern technology offers incredible opportunities to improve aged care, from safety monitoring to maintaining family connections. Yet many families hesitate to embrace these tools.
Helpful Technologies:
- Medication management apps and reminder systems
- Video calling for family connection (FaceTime, Zoom, Skype)
- GPS tracking for people who wander (with consent)
- Fall detection devices
- Online portals for care coordination
- Health monitoring devices
- Emergency alert systems
Real-Life Example:
We supported a family whose mother lived interstate. Using video calls during care visits, they could 'be there' for personal care routines, meal times, and activities. This provided reassurance for the family and connection for their mother, despite the distance.
Our Approach at Able Nursing Care:
We embrace technology thoughtfully:
- We can facilitate video calls with family during visits
- We use care management software to keep families updated
- We support clients to use tablets and smartphones
- We coordinate with telehealth services when appropriate
- We implement safety technology respectfully, with consent
Technology should enhance human connection, not replace it. We use it as a tool to provide better, more connected care.
6. Take Care of the Carers - You Can't Pour from an Empty Cup
Family carers are the backbone of Australia's aged care system, but they often neglect their own wellbeing. Carer burnout is a real and serious issue that affects both the carer and the person receiving care.
Warning Signs of Carer Burnout:
- Constant exhaustion
- Sleep problems
- Increased illness
- Anxiety or depression
- Social isolation
- Resentment or anger
- Neglecting your own needs
Essential Self-Care Strategies:
- Accept help - you don't have to do everything alone
- Use respite care regularly (not just in emergencies)
- Maintain your own health appointments
- Stay connected with friends and activities you enjoy
- Join a support group
- Set boundaries - it's okay to say no
- Seek professional help if feeling overwhelmed
How Able Nursing Care Supports Family Carers:
- Regular respite care so families can take breaks
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate family needs
- Open communication about concerns
- Practical advice and emotional support
- Connection to community resources
- Recognising and valuing family carers' contributions
Remember: taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's necessary. You can only provide good care if you're well yourself.
7. Focus on Person-Centred Care - Know the Person, Not Just the Diagnosis
This is perhaps our most important tip. Quality care recognises the whole person - their life story, preferences, values, culture, and individuality - not just their care needs or medical conditions.
Person-Centred Care Means:
- Respecting personal routines and preferences
- Understanding life history and using it to guide care
- Supporting independence and choice
- Recognising cultural and spiritual needs
- Maintaining dignity in all interactions
- Focusing on abilities, not just disabilities
- Adapting care to the person, not forcing the person to adapt to care
A Story from Our Practice:
We once cared for a lady who became distressed during morning care. Through gentle conversation, we learned she'd been a schoolteacher who always dressed immaculately. She was resisting our help because we were rushing her routine. Once we understood this, we adjusted our approach - allowing extra time, laying out clothes the night before, respecting her desire to maintain her standards. The difference was remarkable.
At Able Nursing Care, we take time to know each person:
- We learn about their life, career, family, interests
- We ask about preferences and respect them
- We maintain consistent staff who build genuine relationships
- We adapt our care to each individual
- We involve the person in all decisions
- We treat every client with the respect and dignity they deserve
Getting Started with Able Nursing Care
If you're looking for aged care support that embodies these principles, we're here to help. At Able Nursing Care, we provide:
- Home care services across all levels
- Respite care for family carers
- Personal care and domestic assistance
- Social support and companionship
- Coordination with healthcare providers
- Cultural sensitivity and multilingual support
- 24/7 care coordination when needed
We don't just provide tasks - we provide genuine, compassionate care that honours each person's dignity, independence, and individuality.
Final Thoughts
Navigating aged care is a journey, not a destination. These seven tips aren't just theoretical advice - they're practical wisdom gained from years of supporting Australian families. By starting early, understanding your options, prioritising quality of life, building a care team, embracing helpful technology, caring for carers, and focusing on person-centred care, you can ensure your loved one receives the support they need while maintaining their dignity and happiness.
Remember: you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Whether you need a few hours of support or comprehensive care coordination, Able Nursing Care is here to walk alongside you, providing expert care with genuine compassion.
For more information or to discuss your aged care needs, contact Able Nursing Care today. Let us show you how quality aged care can enhance life, not just support it.
