Recognising Need
What are the first signs an older person may need help at home?
Common signs include falls, missed medication, poor nutrition, unpaid bills, a neglected home and increasing isolation.
Aged care questions
Staying Safe and Independent at Home
Search plain-English answers to common aged care questions. You do not need to learn the whole system first. Find the issue in front of you and start there.
Not sure what to look for?Ask Liz in your own words.
Describe what is happening and Liz can help work out which information or next step is most useful.
Ask Liz →Find an answer
Search the help library
Try everyday wording such as “Mum is waiting for funding”, “can CHSP pay for gardening?” or “how much does personal care cost?”
8 questions
Recognising Need
How do I know whether my parent is safe living alone?
Look at mobility, medication, meals, memory, home hazards, social contact and how they respond in an emergency.
Falls
What home care support can help prevent falls?
Falls prevention may involve physiotherapy, occupational therapy, equipment, home modifications and help with daily tasks.
Falls
Can Support at Home pay for a falls assessment?
A suitable allied health assessment may be funded when falls risk is an assessed need.
Independence
Can home care help someone remain independent rather than doing everything for them?
Yes. Good home care should support the person to keep doing what they can safely do.
Restorative Care
What is restorative care at home?
Restorative care is short-term support designed to improve or maintain independence after decline, illness or reduced function.
Restorative Care
How long does the Restorative Care Pathway last?
The pathway generally runs for up to 16 weeks.
Technology
Can technology help an older person stay safely at home?
Yes. Personal alarms, medication reminders, communication tools and suitable assistive technology can reduce some risks.