Types Of Aged Care In Australia

While this is an option, many people aren’t aware that there are alternatives for senior Australians. After all, a traditional aged care facility isn’t for everyone. Some people prefer to live in the comfort of their homes but require supported living options.

In this handy guide, we will talk you through all the types of aged care services in Australia that are available to you.

Types of aged care services in Australia

In Australia, there are various types of aged care services available. After all, each individual’s aged care journey looks different from the next. So rest assured that you or your loved one will have options to choose from that best cater to your needs.

Help at home

As you get older, living independently at home can get increasingly difficult. While reaching out for help might seem like admitting to losing your independence, it’s the exact opposite. It takes a lot of strength to reach out for help; by doing so, you can more actively go about your daily routine.

In-home aged care, also known as home care, will provide you or your loved one with the support needed to remain as independent as possible in the comfort of your own home. The required help and support will look a little different for everyone. The types of at-home responsibilities you may need assistance with vary from personal care to transport, food, shopping, housework, physiotherapy, social activities, or even supplying necessary modifications to your home — like handrails to help you walk up and down stairs.

In-home aged care is a wonderful way to provide much-needed support to complete day-to-day tasks more easily and live at home for as long as possible. It’s an excellent opportunity to socialise and interact with staff, who are happy to help!

Depending on your care needs, you can access services from the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or a Home Care Package (HCP). An assessment process will determine what program is more suitable for you. As of July 2023, both of these support services will be combined and be known as Support At Home services.

Short-term aged care (respite)

Do you or a loved one require short-term aged care after a hospital stay? Is your regular family carer taking a holiday? Short-term aged care is ideal for accommodating all of life’s common interruptions. Whether you need care for days or months, short-term aged care is flexible to suit your needs. That way, you’ll be on track to restore or help maintain your independence.

Services are delivered at home, in an aged care environment, in a community or in a mix of locations depending on your needs.

Services to help restore independence include physiotherapy or occupational therapy, chiropractic services, aids and equipment, personal care and assistance, podiatry and psychologist or counsellor support.

Improve your health after a hospital stay with plenty of therapy services, clinical care and personal assistance for everyday tasks.

For eligible individuals, the Australian Government subsidises short-term care providers directly to make care more affordable. However, you’re expected to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to do so. How much you pay depends on the type and level of care you receive.

Residential care in aged care homes

If you or a loved one has reached a stage where it’s become too difficult to live at home, even with the support of a carer or home care services, most families consider moving into an aged care home as the solution.

We understand this is a difficult decision to come to terms with. After all, we spend our lives accustomed to our daily routines in the comfort of our own homes. That said, it pays to consider your options and what suits you or your loved one best. By choosing the right aged care option, you can live comfortably while receiving help with everyday tasks, personal care and nursing care.

The Australian Government provides funding to eligible individuals that live in Australian aged care homes. Families can review their options using the My Aged Care website and understand all the key details. This includes types of funding, co-contribution amounts, the application criteria and process and more.

Aged Care the LDK way

At LDK we take a different approach to aged care and combine retirement living with aged care as well as home care and respite. Our aged care offering is called Aspire Aged Care by LDK which is co-located within our flagship LDK village in Canberra, Greenway Views.

Greenway Views caters for those from retirement living and throughout their ageing journey as part of our ‘One Move Promise’, which means once you live in an LDK village you won’t have to move again. Our villages offer a vibrant, fun environment in which residents can enjoy their retirement with a range of amenities, activities and opportunities to socialise. With a full range of care services located on-site residents have access to care if and when they need it.

Aged Care at LDK is an extension of living in our beautiful community. You continue to live in the comfort and security of your own apartment and receive scheduled aged care services to the privacy of your own home. As an approved home care provider, residents can access the funding they have been approved for. Our privately funded respite program is available to residents should they require it as well. Aspire is a genuine alternative to a traditional aged care offering delivered care with love, decency and kindness.

Considering what type of aged care is right for you? Chat with us today

At LDK, we stand by our values of love, decency and kindness, it can be found in everything we do. Our founder, Paul Browne, has a vision that every senior Australian to be treated with the love, decency and kindness they deserve.

LDK has two villages in Australia, Greenway Views in Tuggeranong, Canberra and The Landings in North Turramurra, Sydney. If you’re considering aged care services for yourself or a loved one and ready to tour an LDK village, reach out to our team, who will be more than happy to assist or visit our FAQs page for more information.