Why it’s never too early to access home services

24 Jul 2024

It’s often said that retirement is the best time of life.

After years of planning, saving, and hard work, you've reached a stage where you're both financially secure and time-rich. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that retirees are some of the happiest people in Australia!

But amidst the travel adventures, coffee dates, and quality time with the grandkids, it’s also important to plan for your future needs and how you might like to receive care should you ever need it.

Even the most active retirees can face unexpected health issues, and having a plan in place can ensure you're prepared for any situation – including if things are becoming too much to manage at home.

Most retirees would always opt to stay in the community they know and love rather than transition into residential aged care, but this can sometimes be a challenge without having received care and support from early on in retirement.

Having someone visit you regularly to lend a helping hand, even with small jobs around the house to start with, means that you are less likely to become overwhelmed by the tasks of everyday living and household management as you get older. Care services can be gradually increased as you need them, and any health issues can be managed with early intervention - supporting you to remain independent for longer.

The good news is that this help is readily available for seniors through the government-subsidised Home Care Packages program, which enables older Australians to continue living independently in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible.

With four levels of Packages available, catering to a broad spectrum of care needs, it’s never too early to start accessing home care services.

Many younger retirees begin with the Level 1 Home Care Package, benefitting from an extra pair of hands around the house - whether it’s help with the weekly grocery shop, vacuuming, or trimming back the garden hedges every few weeks. The service also enables you to have home modifications installed to support your mobility as you get older.

Not quite there yet? The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), also heavily subsidised by the government, may be a good intermediary step for you. It offers short-term or basic ongoing support such as household chores or transport to activities and appointments. You can learn more about the CHSP, here.  

BaptistCare at home specialises in supporting retirees to maintain their independence, being one of Australia’s largest and most trusted providers of home care for seniors. For over 80 years, we’ve been delivering loving, respectful, and reliable care to people across NSW, ACT, and WA.  

If you want to learn more about BaptistCare’s home care services, our friendly team is here to help. We offer a people-first approach, tailoring our services to meet your individual needs.

Learn more here, or call 1300 275 227 (Monday to Friday, from 8:00am to 6:00pm) or email us at [email protected].