Why support at home is important

Choosing extra support at home isn’t a loss of independence; it’s a smart way to protect it, helping you stay at home longer while keeping choice, control and confidence firmly in your hands.

Time and time again, we see the benefits of taking a proactive approach to ageing, yet too often, people delay seeking support because they believe they’re ‘not ready yet’, or they worry that asking for help means giving something up. In reality, the opposite is true. Early support can preserve independence, improve wellbeing and make everyday life easier and safer.

I’ve been working in aged care for more than 25 years. In that time, there is one message comes through loud and clear: most older people want to stay in their own home for as long as possible. Home represents independence, familiarity and dignity. Community aged care services exist to support exactly that — yet many people are unsure what help is available or how to access it.

Community aged care is far more than help with household tasks. True quality care, as provided by Resthaven, looks holistically at a person’s needs. This can include nursing and clinical care, allied health services, restorative care, dementia support and end-of-life care — all delivered in the comfort of your home. Care should adapt as your needs change, providing continuity, flexibility and reassurance along the way. It should feel like a partnership, not a transaction.

Since the introduction by the government of ‘Support at Home’, the process of accessing services is through a central location. For those seeking government-funded aged care support, the first step is the My Aged Care website, myagedcare.gov.au, or phone 1800 200 422. This is the national entry point for assessments and approvals, and while it can seem daunting at first, it is designed to match people with the level of support they need. At times, there may be a wait for assessments and approvals so seek out services as soon as you need them.

For those who prefer to arrange services directly, or who do not have government funding, fee-for-service options provide flexibility and immediacy. At Resthaven, our Lifestyle Choices Plus program offers people access to our full range of accredited, high-quality community services without waiting for government approval. Importantly, these services are tailored to the individual — not just to a package level or funding category.

Resthaven can help you navigate the aged care system. Simply call us on 1300 13 66 33 or visit your nearest Resthaven community office.

With more than 90 years of experience supporting older people, Resthaven has grown and evolved alongside the communities we serve. Today, that includes care at home, retirement living, residential aged care and innovative health and wellness services. Our investment in centres such as the Resthaven Western Wellness Centre — with another Wellness Centre at Marion to open later this year — reflects a commitment to helping older people stay active, connected and well for longer.

If I can leave you with one parting thought, it’s this: if you are thinking about support at home, get onto it now. When support is chosen, rather than forced, it becomes a powerful tool for living well on your own terms.

Opinion piece by Mel Ottaway
Executive Manager Community Services & Retirement Living
Resthaven Incorporated