Helping Your Parents Keep Their Independence

Jul 1, 2014

We often need a little extra help as we get older, but for many aging Australian’s, the thought of losing their independence is far worse than the idea of slowing down. As a nation of ‘battlers’ used to mucking in and get the job done ourselves, a lack of independence is one of the things that most worries us about entering our twilight years.

The thing is, times are changing – and getting older nowadays is a far cry from how things were even a couple of decades ago. We have better healthcare, access to improved technologies, and far more choice in all aspects of our lives than any generation before us. This choice extends to a range of aged care and assisted living options now available to us, and to our loved ones – many of which focus on quality of life and retaining independence to recognise our generations’ needs and expectations.

At Group Homes our focus is on living well for older Australians who are living with dementia, and require additional help and support.

What is In Home Care?

As the name suggests, our home care offers specialist dementia care and assisted living services to people within the comfort and familiarity of a group home environment. We seek to provide the same feeling of home while providing an additional level of care. While the scope of services that Group Homes provides can differ depending on each individual’s specific needs, our group home care can include help with:

  • Managing medications
  • Bathing and dressing
  • Grocery shopping and doctor’s visits

How is Group Homes different to a traditional Nursing Home?

One of the key differences between Group Homes and traditional Nursing Homes is that our homes look, feel and smell like a normal home. Our philosophy is to offer warm and engaging environments where people genuinely feel like they are at home.

Studies worldwide have shown that many elderly people would prefer to receive care and support within their own home, where possible, and that in home care and retaining independence can have a significantly positive impact on a person’s outlook and emotional wellbeing.

We also limit residences in each of our houses to between 6 and 10 people. This enables us to deliver care ratios that are usually one carer to every 3 residents.

What are the Key Benefits of Group Home care?

The key benefits of care, when undertaken in a group home environment, include:

  • Comfort and security in familiar surroundings
  • Retaining independence for as long as possible
  • Staying active and social, and maintaining familiar routines
  • Being closer to friends, family and social networks
  • Being closer to familiar social settings, clubs, shopping centres
  • A positive impact on outlook and emotional wellbeing
  • Staying at home while receiving expert dementia care and support

How Do I Choose the Right Homecare Option for my Parent or Loved One?

Finding the right home is a personal choice, and comes down to you and your loved one discussing their needs and requirements, while researching some of the most reputable and comprehensive options in your area. Talk to your parent or loved one about the aged care or living assistance they require, and think long term about what their needs may be in the future, and which in home care solution is going to best meet their requirements in the years to come. Group homes can be an excellent home care option for elderly people suffering from dementia who require additional care but want to maintain their independence.

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