Tips to help you stay independent and at home as you age
For many older people, daily tasks once completed with ease, become harder to manage without help. Many people fear that this may mean they’ll have to leave their homes to go into a care home. But that doesn’t always have to be the case. With some extra help and support however, many otherwise healthy older New Zealanders can still live in the comfort of their own home. Here are some of the most common support services available to help give you, or a loved one, that offer extra support at home.
1. Household chores
If you’re finding you need help with chores around the house, such as cleaning, or doing the laundry or gardening, the government’s aged care services can help.
A basic level of home-care assistance is available, where a care worker will come around to help ensure your house and garden are clean, tidy and safe. Danielle Robertson, CEO of national home-care service Dial-An-Angel, says that basic home care is also a way of getting ageing individuals accustomed to having care workers in their homes. There is a range of other services, and other levels of care available, depending on your needs.
2. Meals
Charity organisations like Meals on Wheels deliver high quality, nutritious meals to people in need. It isn’t a means-tested service and they’re often flexible to cater to your needs. If your needs are more complex, the government’s aged care services can help bring a care worker into your house to prepare meals.
3. Transport
Most local councils offer free or cheaper transport services to places like shopping centres, libraries and community centres, for people who can no longer get around.
As Rebecca Morton, chairperson of the Victorian Community Transport Association, explains, “It’s aimed towards people who aren’t able to use public transport, or who need a low level of assistance, or in regional areas it could be about accessibility.”
You may have to undergo an eligibility test to access these services, and there are some costs involved but it’s often at a much reduced price. Contact your local council for more information.
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