As we age or face health challenges, the desire to stay in the comfort and familiarity of home often grows stronger. Homecare services have become a lifeline for elderly Australians looking to maintain their independence, stay connected to their community, and receive quality care without leaving their home. Listed below are some of the benefits of Homecare and how it can enhance the lives of those who need support.

1. Promotes Independence and Comfort

One of the primary reasons people opt for homecare is to maintain their independence. Unlike residential aged care or retirement village living, where routines and environments are structured, homecare allows individuals to set their own schedules and enjoy the familiarity of their own space. This sense of autonomy can greatly improve mental well-being and allows individuals to feel in control of their lives. Being in a comfortable and familiar environment can also reduce stress and improve recovery rates.

2. Personalised and Flexible Care

Homecare providers tailor their services to the specific needs and preferences of each individual. This personalisation can range from basic assistance with daily activities to more advanced medical care and allied health assistance. The flexibility of Homecare means that services can adapt as needs change, ensuring continuity of care. 

3. One-on-One Attention

In a Homecare setting, caregivers focus on one person at a time, allowing for a deeper understanding of their client’s needs, preferences, and routines. This one-on-one attention not only ensures high-quality care but also enables a strong bond between the caregiver and the individual. This relationship can be invaluable for emotional support, especially for those who may otherwise feel isolated.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Homecare can be more cost-effective compared to residential care facilities, especially for those who only need part-time assistance. In-home services allow individuals to receive only the care they need without paying for the full-time accommodations that are necessary in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. With flexible pricing models, clients can choose from hourly, daily, or weekly services, making it possible to find a plan that fits their budget.

5. Increases Safety and Reduces Hospital Readmissions

Falls and accidents are a significant concern, especially for older adults or those with mobility issues. Homecare providers can assess the home for potential hazards and provide support to make daily activities safer, reducing the risk of accidents. In addition, having a caregiver regularly monitor health conditions, medication adherence, and changes in health status can reduce the likelihood of hospital readmissions. Many health complications can be addressed early with the help of Homecare, preventing the need for emergency care.

6. Emotional and Mental Health Benefits

Homecare services address not only physical needs but also emotional well-being. Having a trusted caregiver visit regularly provides companionship and emotional support, which can significantly impact mental health. Loneliness is a common issue among individuals who live alone, especially for older adults, and it can lead to depression and anxiety. Homecare helps combat loneliness by providing social interaction and someone to share their day with, positively affecting overall mood and mental health.

7. Support for Family Caregivers

Family members often take on the responsibility of caring for loved ones, which can be both rewarding and exhausting. Homecare offers support to family caregivers, allowing them to take a break and attend to their own needs while knowing that their loved one is receiving professional, quality care. This respite care helps prevent burnout and allows family members to balance their caregiving responsibilities with their personal lives, making it possible to sustain care over the long term.

8. Maintains Community Connections

Staying at home allows individuals to remain connected to their neighbourhood, friends, and local community activities. For many, this connection to their community is a key factor in their quality of life. 

Concentric provides allied health services to Homecare providers through brokered service agreements. With the support of Concentric’s dedicated Support team, we ensure quick and efficient service delivery, minimising wait times for clients. Our Homecare services are grounded in our commitment to improving access to quality care. To support this, our clinical quality and development team offers comprehensive training and support to our Homecare therapists, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care.

Concentric offers the following allied health services in Homecare:

Physiotherapy

• Improve balance and reduce falls via the provision of exercise programs
• Improve strength and flexibility
• Improve mobility and maintain independence
• Assess and manage musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain
• Assess and manage neurological conditions
• Maintain respiratory health
• Prescription of mobility aids

Occupational Therapy

• Improve engagement in areas of daily living
• Dementia support programs
• Assess and arrange home modifications
• Assess and arrange equipment and assistive devices
• Prescription of wheelchairs, pressure cushions and seating
• Prescription of powered mobility devices
• Prescription of mobility aids and appliances of daily living
• Cognitive assessment and re-training

Dietetics

• Assess and review dietary intake, weight and nutritional needs
• Provide dietary recommendations and supplements to address nutritional concerns
• Provide education program and menu reviews

Speech Pathology

• Assess and review swallowing and communication needs
• Assess and manage dysphagia
• Assess and manage speech impairments
• Assess and manage swallowing difficulties

Exercise Physiology

• Rehabilitation programs
• Exercise prescription for cognitive and functional improvement

AHA

• Used in conjunction with Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist
• Cost-effective service delivery option, especially for those on lower-level funding packages

To find out more about Concentric’s Homecare services, please email homecare@concentric.com.au, phone 1300 148 160 or visit the Homecare page.