If you need to arrange aged care for an elderly relative, the entire process can seem very complicated. However, by carefully thinking about a couple of points, you can guarantee that your loved one gets the care they need in their own home. Below is a guide to 2 things you should consider when looking for aged care.

The level of care that your relative requires

Not all elderly people are the same. Two people who are the same age may have very different levels of mobility or cognitive abilities. The level of care required by your relative will need to be established so you can ensure that the correct type of health worker is visiting them.

The easiest way to establish the level of care required for an older person is to carry out a skills assessment. A medical professional can visit the older adult's home to carry out the assessment. The assessment consists of a number of different tests which test different skills and areas of ability.

The healthcare worker may complete a survey which asks questions about the tasks around the home which the elderly person can complete by themselves, those which they may need some assistance completing and those which they are incapable of doing. For example, your relative may be asked if they can wash and dress or if they can visit the toilet unaided. The healthcare worker will also assess the elderly person's mobility and their cognitive skills and level of understanding. To aid the healthcare worker as they make their assessment, you should provide details of any medical conditions your relative has been diagnosed with and the medicines and treatments they are currently receiving.

The frequency of the visits

The other thing you will need to consider is how frequently the nurse or healthcare worker needs to visit your relative. If your elderly relative can perform a lot of daily tasks themselves, a home healthcare worker may only need to visit them a couple of times a week. But as your relative get older, their health is likely to decline. This may make more frequent visits necessary. The home healthcare professional should be able to suggest a schedule of appointments following the initial assessment. Reassessments should take place on a periodic basis which will ensure that the package of care your elderly relative is receiving is still appropriate.

If you would like further advice, you should contact a home healthcare company today.