Questions to ask to make sure your Home Care Package delivers to your needs

The majority of Australians have made it clear they want to stay home as they get older with some additional help. We began delivering home care packages in the late 1990’s and since then have had many happy clients living comfortably at home receiving the care they need.

After more than 20 years of delivering home care, what we know for sure is clients who are actively involved in managing their home care packages are receiving the maximum benefits. We also know that for every hour of home care, there is a6% less risk of entering residential aged care.

Central to our personalised home care delivery is our home care coordinator, who is responsible for working with our clients to make sure a home care package meets their needs, today and as their needs change in the future. Home care packages are regularly evaluated to keep them up to date and current. And your input is key to successful service delivery.

The question determines the result

We’ve compiled a list of questions for you to pick and choose from when you’re about to start a home care package, and when you are evaluating an existing home care package. By asking the right questions and with our support, you will proactively guide the services to deliver what you want.

• What activities do I enjoy doing most?
• What are some of the weekly rituals/rhythms that keep me happy?
• What gives me meaning, purpose and a sense of fulfilment?
• What are some of the daily things that I can keep doing?
• What jobs can I get help with that will give me the energy to do the things I love?
• What are my goals for the next 6 months – health, hobbies, other?
• What are my goals for the next 12 months – health, hobbies, other?
• What sort of support do I need to enable me to reach my goals?
• What daily goals can I set myself to keep improving my life?
• What’s important to me for my wellbeing?
• How can I live a better life?
• Do I want and need more fun social activities?
• How can I increase my participation and contribution to my local community?
• How much do I rely on family and friends? Is this enough or can I ask for more or less?
• What have I always been interested in but not yet started?
• Could I get fitter and how can my home care help with this?
• Do I feel healthy and what can I do to improve this?
• How can I improve my nutrition and diet?
• Where do I need home care and what can I do myself to help me achieve my goals?

Making the best use of your home care package means regularly reassessing your lifestyle activities, daily routines and changing needs and discussing these with your home care coordinator. Using your home care package for your maximum benefit will keeps you living at home for longer, comfortably and safely. Most importantly, you’ll be more able to enjoy these special years of your life.

In the words of C.S Lewis, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” 

Call St Louis Home Care will help you maximise the benefits of your home care package

If you’re wondering about the benefits of your home care package, call the St Louis Home Care in Adelaide on 08 8332 09050, or St Louis Victor Harbor Home Care on 08 8552 1481. With more than 20 years of delivering home care package, we’ll tailor your home care package to make sure it’s delivering services that support your goals, now and into the future.