Since the release of the Living Longer Living Better report, the government has been working hard on a program to provide older Australians a choice about the services they receive as they get older.
It is in the context of this reform agenda that a raft of changes was implemented on February 27, 2017, in regard to the provision of aged care services into people’s homes. Primarily affecting older people receiving services subsidised through Home Care Packages, these changes put consumers in charge of their package. This means that people receiving service through this program decide which services they will receive, how often those services will be provided and perhaps most importantly, who will provide these services.
Some of the implementation issues regarding this program have been well documented and were the subject of some commentary in the Tune Report. What is not well understood is how, in an environment of increased consumer choice, the ability of consumers to choose what services they will receive, by who and importantly in what environment is still being restricted.
Making a decision about receiving aged care services is often one that occurs after a crisis, usually a health event that is accompanied by an acute admission to hospital. Because of the pressure on hospital beds, it is not unusual for hospital staff to use what can be considered the path of least resistance when recommending options for people who need services upon discharge. It is frequently the case that people are told by well-meaning discharge planners and the like that admission to a nursing home or residential aged care is the only option available to them.
In some instances, this may be the case. However, with a bit of planning and a willingness on the part of all parties to think creatively about the situation, admission to a nursing home is often not necessary.
First, planning for your care needs as you age is the ideal circumstance to be in. Accepting assistance, even if it is to clean the house or mow the lawn, is important in keeping older people functionally independent as they age, with many research studies confirming that the first service a person receives is often the most effective. Think of accepting these services as no different to engaging a cleaner or a lawnmower man when you were working and didn’t have time to do these tasks. And if you never did, either because of circumstance or choice, then it is never too late to treat yourself.
Second, if you plan for your needs as you age, the likelihood of being forced to make a hasty decision following an acute event is reduced. If you are already receiving services, then you are “in the system” and it may be possible for these services to be increased.
And while you are in planning mode, don’t forget to think about where you want to live. I know that most of us quite romantically want to stay in our own homes until we pass away but for many people, this is not possible. The big 5 bedroom, 2 storey house with a pool in the suburbs was a great idea when the kids (and you) were younger but what is the point in maintaining all that space when it is just you and if you are one of the lucky ones, your spouse. The rise in the number of retirement villages in Australia in recent years is testament to the fact that older people do think about their living arrangements. If considered in the context of the negative impact loneliness and social isolation can have on your overall general health, there are some compelling arguments to justify at least having a look at the available options.
Finally, ageing is not a disease. It is a normal part of the human condition that needs to be approached the same way as we approach other major life events such as finishing school, going to university, getting married etc. The only difference between these life events and ageing is that one is insidious and often sneaks up on us, only making us aware of its existence when something bad happens. Which brings us back to the purpose of this article … planning for what we want to do as we age is as important as planning for our finances when we retire. That old line of if we fail to plan then we plan to fail is just as important in life as it is in business.
If you would like more information on services available to support you or a loved one, contact us or call 1300 368 446.