Life Transitions: Downsizing and Home Care may be the perfect solution to an aged care dilemma

Nobody really likes too much change all in one go, it is the human condition to prefer that life continues as it is. But as the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said more than 2,500 years ago, change is the only constant.

In our latter years when we are faced with a new chapter of living as an elderly person, with a spouse or perhaps on our own, we have neither youth or a great deal of time on our side, but we do have the rest of our life. So any change is a carefully measured and considered one. Aged care in Australia today provides many viable options.

Recently the government announced changes to our superannuation options and this change coupled with home care may be a way forward for you.

Downsizing your family home means $300,000 toward your superannuation

The Australian Government approved legislation which allows retirees to add to their superannuation when downsizing from the family home.

People over 65 years of age will be able to contribute up to $300,000 into their superannuation fund from selling their family home. If you are in a relationship, then both of you can contribute $300,000 each, meaning a top up of $600,000 into your superannuation funds.

Up until this legislation was passed, you would not have been able to make voluntary contributions to your superannuation fund. From 1 July 2018, you will be able to do this.

This is welcome news, as it provides an excellent incentive to downsize, live in a more manageable home, release some of your cash flow and consider your options for the next chapter of your life.

For every home care hour used, there is a 6% less risk of moving to a residential aged care facility

Home care has been a revolution in aged care, and it has now been shown that for every hour of home care used, there is a 6% less risk of moving into residential aged care.

Home care provides a great range of supportive services that will keep you living at home, independently, for longer, if not for the rest of your life.

Coupled with downsizing into a smaller and more manageable residence, these latter years of your life can be very rewarding years.

Home care support and a smaller residence could be the best of both worlds!

Home care does not take away from your independence, it does the opposite. The intention behind home care is to help people to stay at home longer by providing a range of supportive services starting with low level care and moving into high levels depending on your needs.

You can have a home carer help you with simple chores such as cleaning, cooking and taking you shopping and accompanying you to social activities so that you stay connected to your local community. This allows you more time to do the things you enjoy, like the gardening, art classes, cooking or other hobbies you may have.

Imagine having an easier home to manage, with a garden just big enough for your needs along with a carer who provides some home and social support enough to help you maintain a good lifestyle – isn’t this the best of both worlds?

To find out more about how home care will help you stay at home longer, please call St Louis Home Care in Adelaide on (08) 8332 0950 or St Louis Home Care in Victor Harbor on (08) 8552 1481. We are here to help you stay independent and well during these latter years of your life.