What does ‘Continuum of Care’ mean?

When an ageing parent or a close family member begins to need a little extra help, loved ones often start exploring their options. For many, it is a new world, and the terminology and options for care can be confusing.

One question that may soon arise is, “What does ‘continuum of care’ mean and how can it help my mum or dad?” Let’s take a look at what it means and how choosing a provider that offers a continuum of care is often an ideal solution.

What 'Continuum of Care' means

When seniors and their grown children choose a provider that offers a full continuum of care, they do so for a variety of reasons. One of the highest rated benefits is peace of mind for both the person needing care, and their family. Because the provider offers in-home care services in addition to residential care, they are able to meet a senior’s changing needs – while keeping transitions simple, and surroundings or people familiar. That helps everyone involved feel confident that whatever happens, theywill have access to the care level or service they need.

A typical example might be an older Australian who initially requires only a little domestic assistance from a caregiver to help keep their home clean and comfortable. As time passes, showering and grooming can become challenging, and possibly even unsafe. That’s another service home care can provide: personal care. In fact, an in-home care agency can bring a variety of services to the home, including palliative care if it becomes necessary.

If the senior determines, however, that their quality of life will be better if they move to a residential care home, there are many options from which to choose. One possibility is a retirement community where residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyles in a secure environment, choosing their own level of support as needed. That freedom allows older adults time to pursue new hobbies and reconnect with old ones.

Another option is an aged care home. These residential care communities typically offer around-the-clock support from nursing staff, in addition to assistance with personal needs and a variety of life enrichment activities. Many also offer specialised dementia care, respite services, and palliative care.

For married couples, another advantage is that needs don’t always change together. One partner might need dementia care while their spouse may only need assistance with cleaning. A continuum of care allows couples to utilise the same provider, even if one is living at home and one is in a residential care community. That makes it easier on the entire family.

Funding Home Care Services

If you decide the first part of your senior family member’s continuum of care journey should be in-home services, figuring out how to fund it is the next step.

The good news is your ageing parent will may qualify for assistance from the federal government, such as one of the following three funding sources:

• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) subsidised by the federal government
• Home Care Packages (HCPs) subsidised by the federal government
• Hybrid plans that combine government with a family’s private funding
• If a person does not qualify for funding from they government, they don’t need to miss out on the care they need. They may choose to self-fund using the older adult’s and/or family’s personal finances

Contact Us to Learn More

Call us on 1300 522 273 for an assessment of your loved one’s needs and with any questions you have about the different types of care and funding. One of our friendly team members will be glad to help!