Finding it harder to mow the lawn? Or keep the house looking its best? There are services that can keep you living at home longer – and the Government will pay for it.
You could be eligible for Government-funded home support (they call it ‘home care’).
This Sunday, we had Eric Hiam from Balance Aged Care Specialists on the radio show with Annie and Jill on behalf of Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT. He tells us many older people are unaware they may be eligible for home care – and some of the basic services available.
Most people think of home care as a nurse coming to look after us.
But home care packages cover an array of services, including simple things such as home maintenance, cleaning, minor modifications to your house to make it more comfortable and transport to doctor’s appointments.
Say you’ve stopped driving and are finding hard to see family and friends – home care can even organise social and community activities for you.
Support when you need it
There are two types of packages available – the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), which offers a basic level of care; and home care packages, which provide a wider array of services.
You do need to be over 65 to access Government-funded services or over 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander people.
It can make all the difference down the track. Eric points out it’s better to get help early before you feel ‘desperate’, or worse cause an injury.
You can find out more about home care packages on agedcare101.com.au here.
You can listen to the podcast of our interview with Eric below.
Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT is an approved provider of home care packages.
