10 Common Myths About In-home Care

What comes to mind when you think of in-home care? Do you have a positive impression or do you cringe a little?

If you’re hesitant about in-home care, then it could be because you’ve been influenced by one of these common myths about it. So, let’s debunk them!

1.     It won’t be a good fit for my needs

Well, what are your needs? In-home care covers a wide range of services including:

  • Caring for your health through wound care, medication management, help to shower or dress, and assistance to follow any care plans from your physio or other allied health professionals.
  • Caring for your wellbeing by helping you get to social clubs, arranging enjoyable outings and getting you to the hairdresser.

Caring for your home through cleaning, meal prep, lawn mowing and home maintenance.

2.     It’s a sign of decline

It’s never easy admitting that you need help, but it’s not necessarily a sign of decline. Many fit, young professionals have cleaners or use meal delivery services.

Getting help can simply be a sign that you’d rather spend your time seeing your friends and family than cleaning or doing DIY.

3.     I’ll lose my independence

In-home care is meant to enhance your independence, not ruin it.

Regular care at home can help you maintain your health, reduce your falls risk, and conserve your energy for things you enjoy.

4.     It’s a short-term measure only

In-home care can be beneficial in the short-term, if you’re recovering from surgery or illness, for example.

But many people use it long-term, over many years. It helps them to continue living in their own home, knowing there’s support around them.

5.     It’s for old, sick, doddery folk only

Well, that doesn’t describe most of our clients! They’re thoughtful, caring, interesting people with a rich history. Some of them need high-level care and others just need a bit of help each week.

6.     It’s not as good as nursing home care

You can’t really make a direct comparison between nursing homes and in-home care because they cater to very different people with different needs.

But you can rest assured that the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission sets standards for in-home care and audits providers against those standards, just as they do for nursing homes.

That means you can be confident in the quality of in-home care you’ll receive. And, if you have a bad experience, you can lodge a complaint.

7.     It’s an invasion of privacy

Welcoming people into your home doesn’t mean an invasion of privacy. You probably invite friends or family over quite often. So, letting a carer into your home shouldn’t feel strange.

Getting used to someone helping you shower or dress can feel odd at first but your carers are trained professionals and they’ll do their best to put you at ease. As you get to know them, you should become more comfortable.

8.     It’s only for people whose families aren’t around

Every family is different. Some live nearby; some live overseas. Some have plenty of time; some are very busy. Some are heavily involved in each other’s lives; some maintain their distance.

Even if your family is close and loving, it doesn’t necessarily mean you want them cleaning your house and helping you dress. Sometimes, it’s easier for you if other people help with those tasks. It can be easier for your family too – especially if your adult kids are juggling jobs and teenagers!

9.     It’s way too expensive

You may have some out-of-pocket costs but you’re unlikely to be paying the full cost of your care.

The government provides assistance to eligible Australians needing in-home care through Home Care Packages. Once you’ve been approved for funding, you find a provider you like and the government pays them a subsidy to arrange a package of care services to meet your needs.

10.     I won’t like the carers

You’re right that in-home care works better if you like your carers. We want you to feel comfortable with the people who come into your home and help you with personal tasks.

How Focused Health Care can help

Hopefully, you’re now feeling a bit more positive about in-home care. If you’d like to learn more about its benefits, then please call us on 1300 201 351.

Disclaimer

All information is general in nature. Consider your own personal circumstances.

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