Aged Care FAQ
How To Deal With Some Difficult Behaviours?
Often as one ages, personality traits become magnified. An untrusting person can become paranoid and an irritable person can become angry. The target of these behaviours is often the people closest to them.
The aging process sometimes brings about anger as the elderly vent frustration brought about by chronic pain, losing friends, having memory issues, being incontinent and other things that make ageing difficult and frustrating.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can also cause these behaviours in which case your aged parent doesn’t have control of their behaviour. Your parent may constantly accuse you of stealing as they cannot locate misplaced items. It is useless to try and reason with them after an article is found.
As a caregiver, the best thing you can do is not to take it personally. Focus on the positive, ignore the negative and take a break from caregiving and find some respite. Take a short break, go for a walk or do something which gives you pleasure. Try and find someone else who can have a turn of playing carer.
Sometimes, elderly parents turn on the child who is trying so hard to take care of them and the result is abuse. Often the person giving direct care is singled out to be the cause of all their problems and they become the receiver of mental and emotional abuse, sometimes even physical abuse. As the world of the aged person becomes narrower and narrower with loss of contact with friends, lack of mobility and no sense of purpose, so their frustrations and fears grow and they look for someone to blame. They often not only say unkind things but take every opportunity to tell anyone how terrible you are. It is very hard for the receiver of this abuse not to become angry and humiliated.
Finding respite for oneself may allow your parent to gain an appreciation for all that you do. If this doesn’t work you need to separate the behaviour from the person and call it an illness and appreciate the positive times you can still share
The aging process sometimes brings about anger as the elderly vent frustration brought about by chronic pain, losing friends, having memory issues, being incontinent and other things that make ageing difficult and frustrating.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can also cause these behaviours in which case your aged parent doesn’t have control of their behaviour. Your parent may constantly accuse you of stealing as they cannot locate misplaced items. It is useless to try and reason with them after an article is found.
As a caregiver, the best thing you can do is not to take it personally. Focus on the positive, ignore the negative and take a break from caregiving and find some respite. Take a short break, go for a walk or do something which gives you pleasure. Try and find someone else who can have a turn of playing carer.
Sometimes, elderly parents turn on the child who is trying so hard to take care of them and the result is abuse. Often the person giving direct care is singled out to be the cause of all their problems and they become the receiver of mental and emotional abuse, sometimes even physical abuse. As the world of the aged person becomes narrower and narrower with loss of contact with friends, lack of mobility and no sense of purpose, so their frustrations and fears grow and they look for someone to blame. They often not only say unkind things but take every opportunity to tell anyone how terrible you are. It is very hard for the receiver of this abuse not to become angry and humiliated.
Finding respite for oneself may allow your parent to gain an appreciation for all that you do. If this doesn’t work you need to separate the behaviour from the person and call it an illness and appreciate the positive times you can still share
How To Approach Aging With a Positive Attitude?
I sat across the room from my peers, all Baby Boomers, at a recent function. The women and the men looked fit and healthy. This function was all about keeping fit and all in attendance were keen walkers, golfers, bowlers and travellers. This generation is the most active and independent generation in history and losing independence and freedom would come as a huge blow. It is this realization that translates to the needs of the current generation receiving care, some only 10 years older than this Baby Boomer Group.
The goal of ageing gracefully is to have a life worth living. One must avoid the risk of loneliness, boredom and depression for these are only the precursors to further health problems. Many studies have linked depression to Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The goal of ageing is not to deny that one is physically changing, but to accept it with humour and grace. In other words, we need to help our loved ones maintain a life “worth living,” so ageing becomes a positive experience. The people who seem to do the best with aging are the people who are comfortable in their own skin and at peace with the changes their body is going through.
We must look at what older people can do for themselves rather than what they can no longer do. Voids should be filled so there is little empty space. For example, if one cannot walk, it does not mean they should become socially isolated as they are still able to converse or see or hear.
It is not enough to be alive; one must have a life worth living.
The goal of ageing gracefully is to have a life worth living. One must avoid the risk of loneliness, boredom and depression for these are only the precursors to further health problems. Many studies have linked depression to Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The goal of ageing is not to deny that one is physically changing, but to accept it with humour and grace. In other words, we need to help our loved ones maintain a life “worth living,” so ageing becomes a positive experience. The people who seem to do the best with aging are the people who are comfortable in their own skin and at peace with the changes their body is going through.
We must look at what older people can do for themselves rather than what they can no longer do. Voids should be filled so there is little empty space. For example, if one cannot walk, it does not mean they should become socially isolated as they are still able to converse or see or hear.
It is not enough to be alive; one must have a life worth living.
When Is The Right Time For In-home Care?
You suffer from arthritis and you find the simple chores around the house difficult. You have had a hip replacement or some other surgery where you find yourself housebound and need help once again with simple tasks around the house and perhaps showering yourself. Or perhaps you no longer trust yourself to drive and you need assistance to get to appointments or to do some shopping as you don’t want to keep asking family.
Seeking professional in-home help or care is often delayed as many people do not want a stranger in the house. However, professional in-home care is just that, “professional”. Rather than struggling with the activities of daily living, a carer can make a huge difference to your life. A professional carer is reliable so you know you will have peace of mind that chores will be done, appointments made and attended on time. In addition, rather than being isolated in your own home, you will have companionship and a safe means to go out into the world.
A carer can take the load off your mind so you can concentrate on the pleasant activities that you can still manage such as playing cards, or spending time reading or socialising with friends and family. You will not have to think of shopping, meal preparation, laundry and housework as an insurmountable obstacle in your life.
You and your family will have peace of mind as your needs will be taken care of, you will be safer and able to enjoy precious time with family.
Seeking professional in-home help or care is often delayed as many people do not want a stranger in the house. However, professional in-home care is just that, “professional”. Rather than struggling with the activities of daily living, a carer can make a huge difference to your life. A professional carer is reliable so you know you will have peace of mind that chores will be done, appointments made and attended on time. In addition, rather than being isolated in your own home, you will have companionship and a safe means to go out into the world.
A carer can take the load off your mind so you can concentrate on the pleasant activities that you can still manage such as playing cards, or spending time reading or socialising with friends and family. You will not have to think of shopping, meal preparation, laundry and housework as an insurmountable obstacle in your life.
You and your family will have peace of mind as your needs will be taken care of, you will be safer and able to enjoy precious time with family.
Why Do People Fear Losing Their Independence More Than Death?
My mother has always told us she would never go into a nursing home when she grew old as they are worse than death. In her mind, it was one nail in the coffin. This was her mantra and it was repeated at every opportunity. The words “nursing home” were spoken with such disgust that an unknowing person would think they were linked to purgatory. She has maintained that with home care she would always maintain her independence!
Until recently my mother was a very active person, playing bridge, tennis, socialising with friends and being part of several charitable committees. She zipped around town in her trusty old car to do her shopping or attend appointments.
One day she decided to stop driving as she said her vision no longer allowed it. Next, she stopped playing bridge using vision again as an excuse. Gradually many of her activities fell away and we realised that the eyesight issues were only a fraction of the problems facing her. She became forgetful, paranoid, and lethargic and after some persuasion to see a doctor we established she had the beginnings of Alzheimer’s. She herself realised something was not right but feared the loss of independence which created, frustration, feelings of uselessness and sadness.
She is not an easy patient as she lives in denial and tries to maintain her independence out of fear which leads to much of our time being utilized to unravel her mistakes which she always blames on others.
Other than being blunt and sitting her down to face facts we can only wait for a crisis to occur where she will have no choice but to accept professional in-home care as she constantly repeats nursing homes are not for her.
Until recently my mother was a very active person, playing bridge, tennis, socialising with friends and being part of several charitable committees. She zipped around town in her trusty old car to do her shopping or attend appointments.
One day she decided to stop driving as she said her vision no longer allowed it. Next, she stopped playing bridge using vision again as an excuse. Gradually many of her activities fell away and we realised that the eyesight issues were only a fraction of the problems facing her. She became forgetful, paranoid, and lethargic and after some persuasion to see a doctor we established she had the beginnings of Alzheimer’s. She herself realised something was not right but feared the loss of independence which created, frustration, feelings of uselessness and sadness.
She is not an easy patient as she lives in denial and tries to maintain her independence out of fear which leads to much of our time being utilized to unravel her mistakes which she always blames on others.
Other than being blunt and sitting her down to face facts we can only wait for a crisis to occur where she will have no choice but to accept professional in-home care as she constantly repeats nursing homes are not for her.
How Do You Exercise Your Brain?
We know that taking care of our health is paramount in allowing us to live an active and productive life. It is not only important to take care of our bodies, but also our mental health: both body and mind need regular exercise.
The Weizman Institute recently published evidence of a unique “signature” that may prove to be the missing link between cognitive decline and aging. The findings showed that the health of one’s immune system plays an important role in maintaining normal function in the brain and preventing deterioration.
Not only do we need to ensure that our bodies are strong and we exercise muscles by walking, weight-bearing or swimming but that we also have a well-balanced diet and we exercise our brains.
Choosing activities for the elderly can depend on many factors such as health, dexterity, vision, hearing, and dementia however, it is always possible to modify activities to allow inclusion.
Some ideas for the chair-bound are using hand-held weights and leg weights. Simple throwing and catching of a ball improve coordination. Those with low vision can benefit from listening to audiobooks. It’s also important to exercise memory. Simple games of memory or recounting life events is good exercise. Cooking, crafts such as painting, music, gardening, hand massage and listening to current events are all good therapy.
The Weizman Institute recently published evidence of a unique “signature” that may prove to be the missing link between cognitive decline and aging. The findings showed that the health of one’s immune system plays an important role in maintaining normal function in the brain and preventing deterioration.
Not only do we need to ensure that our bodies are strong and we exercise muscles by walking, weight-bearing or swimming but that we also have a well-balanced diet and we exercise our brains.
Choosing activities for the elderly can depend on many factors such as health, dexterity, vision, hearing, and dementia however, it is always possible to modify activities to allow inclusion.
Some ideas for the chair-bound are using hand-held weights and leg weights. Simple throwing and catching of a ball improve coordination. Those with low vision can benefit from listening to audiobooks. It’s also important to exercise memory. Simple games of memory or recounting life events is good exercise. Cooking, crafts such as painting, music, gardening, hand massage and listening to current events are all good therapy.
Disability Care FAQ
Am I Eligible To Apply For NDIS Funding?
To be eligible for the NDIS you must:
– have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities or a developmental delay
– be less than 65 years old when you first access the NDIS
– be an Australian citizen, hold a permanent visa or a Protected Special Category visa.
You can visit the NDIS website: https://ndis.gov.au
– have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities or a developmental delay
– be less than 65 years old when you first access the NDIS
– be an Australian citizen, hold a permanent visa or a Protected Special Category visa.
You can visit the NDIS website: https://ndis.gov.au
What Questions Will I Be Asked To Further Assess My Eligibility For NDIS Funding?
Do you usually need support from a person because of a permanent and significant disability?
Do you use special equipment because of a permanent and significant disability?
Do you need some supports now to reduce your future needs?
Do you use special equipment because of a permanent and significant disability?
Do you need some supports now to reduce your future needs?
What Happens When I Turn 65?
If you turn 65 years after you have become an NDIS participant, you will have a choice. You can either continue to receive disability supports in the NDIS or receive supports through the Commonwealth aged care system.
You can view this at: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au
You can view this at: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au
What Does The NDIS Provide For Me?
Your NDIS funding provides you with a plan that outlines the supports required to help you with your goals along with how much funding has been allocated to each of the three categories in your plan that are eligible for funding to meet your needs.
The NDIS Supports are divided into 3 categories
– Core Supports- This provides the basic requirements to assist you with daily living. Some of the items you may require under this section are showering, continence pads, cleaner, meal preparation, transport
– Capital Supports- One off items you may require such as a wheel chair, guide dog, home modification
– Capacity Building Support- provides funding to enable you to build new skills and become independent and includes such things as enrolling in an education course
The NDIS Supports are divided into 3 categories
– Core Supports- This provides the basic requirements to assist you with daily living. Some of the items you may require under this section are showering, continence pads, cleaner, meal preparation, transport
– Capital Supports- One off items you may require such as a wheel chair, guide dog, home modification
– Capacity Building Support- provides funding to enable you to build new skills and become independent and includes such things as enrolling in an education course
How Can Around The Clock Care Assist Me?
Around the Clock Care is able to assist you with your NDIS plan if it is either Self-Managed or Plan Managed.
Self-Managed- you select your providers, use funding as required and pay the invoices.
Plan Managed- with a Plan Manager you have total control over your NDIS service providers. Unlike NDIS or agency management where you are restricted to registered providers only, you can select your own providers. Plan Managers receive the invoices and pay them for you.
A Plan Managed (by a Plan Manager,) or Self-Managed Plan (where you make all decisions) can give you more control over the supports you need. You decide how, when and how often the money provided should be spent.
Around the Clock Care can provide you with experienced staff who will assist you to meet your goals and your needs.
Self-Managed- you select your providers, use funding as required and pay the invoices.
Plan Managed- with a Plan Manager you have total control over your NDIS service providers. Unlike NDIS or agency management where you are restricted to registered providers only, you can select your own providers. Plan Managers receive the invoices and pay them for you.
A Plan Managed (by a Plan Manager,) or Self-Managed Plan (where you make all decisions) can give you more control over the supports you need. You decide how, when and how often the money provided should be spent.
Around the Clock Care can provide you with experienced staff who will assist you to meet your goals and your needs.
