How to care for the elderly at home

Well, the answer isn’t as simple as we think, whether it be at home, a short-term respite stay, or even a longer-term solution in an aged care residence. But one thing is clear, there are emotional, physical, and financial demands involved in all three options. Here, we will be exploring caring for your elderly relative at home, the real cost to you, what’s involved and what is available if you need a break.

It can be a very rewarding role being a carer and can enrich your relationship with the person you are caring for. You will have the satisfaction of knowing you have helped someone who needs you and improving the quality of life of someone you care about. However, it can also be intensely emotional and exhausting. Sometimes you might feel worried or anxious, perhaps about your friend or relative's health, or about money or other issues in your life affected by your caring role.

Is receiving care at home a better option?

Studies have shown that when older people become unwell, being in their home amongst their own things (and people) can make them feel more comfortable and content and they tend to heal more quickly. Carers can provide the ideal amount of care, changing dressings, giving medication, and taking care of their every need. However, caregiving can be very stressful due to the emotional and physical strain, especially if it needs to be a long-term arrangement.

Caregivers often experience significantly higher stress levels compared to those who are not in caregiving roles. Many caregivers are assisting or making themselves available around the clock, which can limit their time for work, family or social connections.

People who experience caregiver stress can be vulnerable to changes in their own health. Risk factors for caregiver stress include:

• Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
• Feeling tired often
• Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep
• Gaining or losing weight
• Becoming easily irritated or angry
• A loss of interest in activities that once brought them joy 
• Feeling sad 
• Experiencing frequent headaches, physical pain or other health issues 
• Misusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications

Key considerations when caring at home

When choosing to look after your loved one at home, there are several factors to consider, and these include (but are not limited too):

1.  Home setup and safety 

   Your home may need modifications to improve accessibility and safety, such as ramps, grab rails, or rearranging furniture.  

   Under the Support at Home program, you can access funding for assistive technology and home modifications. 

   2. Support and funding

   Explore payments you may be entitled to, including: 

   • Support at Home program: Government-subsidised in-home care services 
   • Carer Payment: Financial assistance may be available through Centrelink for eligible carers 
   3.  
   4. Additional help and planning

   Consider what extra support you'll need beyond what you can provide yourself - meal preparation, home maintenance, and personal care assistance. Create an emergency care plan with important details, medication lists, and health care professionals' contact information. 

   4. Your wellbeing

   Learn safe lifting and moving techniques to prevent injuries. Be prepared to manage challenging behaviours as they arise. Most importantly, plan for regular breaks - respite care allows someone else to look after your loved one while you rest and recharge. 

   5. Legal arrangements

   Set up important legal documents including Advance Directives, Care Plans, Power of Attorney, and a Will. You may also want to register a "supporter" through My Aged Care - someone who can help your loved one make decisions about their care while ensuring their wishes are respected. 

   Managing caregiver stress

The emotional and physical demands of caregiving can challenge even the most resilient individuals. That’s why it’s so important to take advantage of the many resources and tools available to help you provide care for your loved one. To help manage caregiver stress, one of the ways is learning that you must also take care of yourself. Because if you don’t, you won’t be able to care for anyone else. The first and most important way is to accept help. Understandably, many caregivers find it hard to ask for help, leading to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even depression. Often it also results in feelings of guilt but understanding that no one is the ‘perfect’ caregiver, and that you are simply doing your best, is ok. You are making the best decisions for yourself and your own family. And with nearly 60% of caregivers working outside of the home, full time caregiving is not always possible.

If you're like many caregivers, you have a hard time asking for help. Unfortunately, this attitude can lead to feeling isolated, frustrated, and even depressed.

How respite care can help

It may be difficult to consider leaving your loved one in someone else's care, but taking a break can be highly beneficial for both you and the person you're caring for. At Estia Health we provide short, emergency or long-term respite for your loved one. Respite care at one of our homes provides the opportunity to have your loved one cared for in a safe and supportive environment.

When your loved one comes and stays at one of our homes, you’ll have peace of mind, that they are being cared for by an experienced and compassionate team in a safe and supportive environment. With experienced clinicians, carers, hospitality teams – all looking after the social, clinical and overall wellbeing of your loved one.

Please read here for further information on our respite care, long term care and our homes.