10 Benefits and advantages of Residential Aged Care
Explore aged care benefits and the advantages of residential aged care. Find out who might benefit from personalised care and around-the-clock support.
Moving from your own home into a residential aged care centre can be both a practical and emotional shift. Aged care homes or nursing homes are purpose-built communities where you receive personalised care in a safe, supported environment. Residential aged care is ideal for older Australians who can no longer live independently or manage daily tasks on their own.
1. Personalised and Professional Care
In residential aged care, you’ll receive 24/7 support tailored to your needs through a personalised care plan. This includes personal care such as help with bathing, dressing and eating, as well as clinical care like medication management, wound care, or health treatments provided by qualified staff. Your care plan is regularly reviewed to match your changing needs, ensuring you continue to receive quality care.
2. Assistance With Everyday Tasks
Household chores like cleaning, laundry, gardening and meal preparation are all taken care of in an aged care home. Residents enjoy nutritious, dietitian-approved meals tailored to meet dietary requirements. From breakfast to supper, your meals are part of a routine that prioritises both care and enjoyment.
3. Safe and Comfortable Accommodation
Your aged care accommodation will typically include a private or shared suite equipped with all essential furniture. Most aged care centres encourage you to personalise your space with keepsakes, photos or even your favourite chair. Accommodation costs may vary depending on the type of suite and your financial circumstances. Learn more about how aged care costs are calculated including the basic daily fee, means tested care fee and accommodation costs on the official Services Australia website.
4. Enriched Social Connection
Loneliness can impact your overall wellbeing. Aged care centres provide opportunities to build meaningful social connections through a range of group activities, including music sessions, crafts, intergenerational programs, exercise classes, and outings. These activities assist emotional and mental health, promoting the social benefits of aged care living.
5. Access to Health Care Services
One of the most valued benefits of residential aged care is convenient access to medical and allied health services. These may include visits from GPs, physiotherapists, podiatrists, speech therapists and dietitians. Staff help manage your appointments and prescriptions, reducing the stress of navigating health care on your own.
6. Flexible Visitation and Family Involvement
Family and friends are welcome to visit and remain closely involved in your care. Many centres encourage outings with loved ones when appropriate, contributing to a sense of normalcy and independence.
7. Government Funded Aged Care Support
Australia’s aged care system is largely subsidised by the government, providing a range of options for those eligible. Residential aged care costs can be partly or fully covered through government support depending on your assets and income, determined through a means assessment by Services Australia. This includes subsidies toward care services, the basic daily fee, and clinical care costs.
Learn more about your entitlements and eligibility on the official aged care website or speak to a trusted advisor.
8. Respite Care and Temporary Stays
Respite care in aged care homes allows carers to take a break while their loved one receives temporary support in a safe, welcoming environment. Respite residents receive the same quality care and services as permanent residents. Government funding is available for up to 63 days per financial year, helping families manage their responsibilities with peace of mind.
9. Specialised Support for Complex Needs
Aged care centres often provide specialised support for conditions like dementia or palliative care. These dedicated wings offer higher levels of supervision, tailored programs and secure environments, ensuring residents with complex needs can still enjoy comfort and dignity. Speak to your provider about these specialised residential care options.
10. Added Lifestyle Services
Many aged care homes offer optional services to enhance your comfort and lifestyle. These could include access to a hairdresser, Foxtel, fresh flowers, room service, and even a glass of wine with dinner. Such services may be pay-as-you-go or included in a service bundle, depending on the centre’s offerings.
FAQs About Residential Aged Care
What is the difference between aged care and residential aged care?
Aged care refers to all forms of support for older people including home care and community care while residential aged care involves full-time care delivered in a dedicated facility.
Who might benefit from residential aged care?
Anyone who struggles to manage everyday tasks, needs 24/7 support, or lives with chronic conditions like dementia can benefit from residential aged care.
Can aged care residents leave the facility?
Yes, residents can go on outings and attend appointments. Providers may apply temporary restrictions for health reasons, so always check current policies.
What is low-level residential care?
Low-level care, once known as hostel care, suits residents who can mostly live independently but need help with cleaning, meals or personal care. It provides support without the need for constant medical supervision.
Where is the best place for someone with dementia?
A residential aged care centre offering dedicated dementia care is ideal. These centres have specially trained staff, secure environments and tailored programs to meet the specific needs of dementia residents.
Thinking About Moving Into Aged Care?
Deciding to move into a residential aged care centre is significant, but it can also be incredibly beneficial for your health, your safety and your peace of mind. Whether you need short-term support or long-term care, there are many residential aged care options to suit your circumstances.
Before you make a decision, talk to your family, consult with your GP, and get independent legal and financial advice.
Does your loved one need support?
IRT has been supporting older Australians and their families with compassionate care for more than 50 years with aged care centres in NSW, Qld and the ACT. If your loved one needs warm and personalised care you can trust, we'd be more than happy to help.
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