Online support for families when aged care becomes the best option
The transition into aged care is something that can come unexpectedly, but even when planned far in advance, it can still be a daunting and challenging experience for all involved.
With around 160,000 elderly people living in residential aged care facilities, and anticipated to grow to a staggering 250,000 over the next 10 years, supporting new residents and their families is essential.
The move into aged care website was launched today by Federal Minister for Aged Care and Indigenous Health, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, as a nationwide push to provide up to date and relevant information about aged care.
Greg Mahney is the CEO of Advocare, an organisation that works deals with aged care concerns in in WA.
In the years he has spent working in the aged care sector, he has developed an acute sense of the fears that are involved with the transition into aged care.
“It is normal to feel confusion and concern during this time as inevitably there are immense emotional, physical and financial changes for the elderly and their families. The rights, responsibilities, and roles of family members suddenly become blurred as their loved ones move away from familiar surroundings” he said.
The website provides clear and helpful information on how to cope with the move, how families can remain involved in their loved one’s care, and gives a snapshot of what both the new resident and family can expect from the new facilities and assistance.
”It can be difficult to know what to expect. We hope to increase understanding during this complex stage in life” Mr Mahney added.
The website allows users to connect with their own state’s various regulations, policies and acts, with links to relevant agencies that can provide further information and assistance where required.
Families, facilities, and the elderly, are being encouraged to use the long awaited and essential interactive resource.
The online website project has been funded by the Australian Government – Department of Health, under the Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund.
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