9 Signs Your Loved One May Need Home Care Services

As our loved ones age, ensuring they receive the care and support they need to maintain their quality of life becomes increasingly important. Sometimes, the signs that indicate your loved one may need help can be subtle, but they are often clear indicators that home care services for seniors could make a significant difference in their well-being.
Here are some of the key signs to look for when considering aged care services at home:
9 Clear Signs That Your Loved One Might Need Home Care Assistance
1. Struggling with Mobility
If your loved one is unable to drive anymore, struggling to stand for long periods or move around comfortably, it could be a sign that they need assistance with mobility. Falls or difficulty walking may suggest that a home aged care service could help by providing transportation, mobility aids or supporting home safety modifications.
2. Declining Personal Hygiene
A sudden decline in personal hygiene, such as not showering regularly or neglecting basic grooming, may indicate that they’re finding personal care tasks difficult to manage. Aged care home care packages can assist with daily personal care, helping your loved one maintain hygiene and dignity.
3. Withdrawing from Social Life
If your loved one begins to withdraw from social interactions or activities they used to enjoy, it could be a sign of physical or emotional challenges. Home aged care services can help alleviate isolation by providing social support and helping them engage in social activities or appointments.
4. Frequent Mood Swings
Unexpected behavioral changes like becoming anxious, aggressive, or apathetic may signal that your loved one is dealing with a health or emotional issue. Home care services for seniors can assist with emotional support, ensuring they receive the right care to manage their feelings and behaviors.
5. Unexplained Physical Changes
Physical changes, such as unexplained weight loss, bruising, or difficulty maintaining balance, may indicate underlying health problems. With the right aged care support packages, your loved one can receive daily assistance and health monitoring, which can help prevent further issues.
6. Memory Lapses
Increased forgetfulness, such as forgetting names, dates, or daily tasks, is often a sign of aging or cognitive decline. Aged care home care packages can assist with medication management and reminders, as well as offer cognitive support through tailored services.
7. Loss of Motivation or Energy
A sudden lack of interest or motivation in daily tasks may indicate that your loved one is struggling emotionally or physically. Home aged care services provide tailored care to help re-engage them in their daily routines, whether through physical therapy, companionship, or social support.
8. Nutritional Struggles
If your loved one has trouble preparing meals or maintaining proper nutrition, it can impact their overall health. Aged care home care services can assist with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and ensuring they receive balanced and nutritious meals.
9. Household Chaos
A decline in house upkeep may indicate that your loved one is having trouble managing household and garden chores. Home care services for seniors can assist with light housekeeping, laundry, gardening and other home maintenance tasks to ensure their living space remains clean and safe.
Understanding Home Care Package Levels
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above and feel your loved one might benefit from aged home care services, understanding the different levels of care can help guide your decision. In Australia, Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Package levels are designed to cater to varying needs, from basic support to more intensive care.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
This is an entry level care program suitable for individuals who need a little assistance with everyday tasks to improve your health and wellbeing, such as light housekeeping, shopping, transport, social support, food services, showing and dressing.
Level 1 – Basic Care Needs
This level is suitable for individuals who need assistance with everyday tasks such as showering, dressing, and light housekeeping.
- Funding: Approximately $10,588.65 per year
- Daily Subsidy: $29.28
- Includes: Personal care, light housekeeping, mobility aids, and basic home safety modifications.
Level 2 – Low Care Needs
For those who require more frequent help, including assistance with bathing, dressing, medication management, and minor home repairs.
- Funding: Approximately $18,622.30 per year
- Daily Subsidy: $51.49
- Includes: Frequent personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, and home and garden maintenance.
Level 3 – Intermediate Care Needs
This level offers more extensive care for those needing daily personal assistance, nursing visits, and allied health services.
- Funding: Approximately $40,529.60 per year
- Daily Subsidy: $112.07
- Includes: Daily personal care, nursing care, home modifications, and transport support.
Level 4 – High Care Needs
For individuals with complex needs who require daily care and ongoing medical attention. This level includes 24-hour care, nursing visits, and specialist equipment.
- Funding: Approximately $61,440.45 per year
- Daily Subsidy: $169.90
- Includes: Full personal care, 24-hour care, medical treatments, and advanced home modifications.
How Much Does the Government Contribute?
The Australian Government provides a daily subsidy for each home care package level, ranging from $29.28 per day for Level 1 to $169.90 per day for Level 4. The amount of government funding varies depending on the level of care required, making home care services an affordable option for many families.
Finding the Right Home Care Package for Your Loved One
If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, it may be time to explore aged care services at home to provide the right support for your loved one. Whether they need basic assistance or more complex, ongoing care, aged care home care packages offer the right level of care to ensure their needs are met.
If you have any questions or would like help navigating your options for aged care home care packages, we’re here to help!
Got questions? We’d love to hear from you!
📍 Location: 53 Bickley Crescent, Manning, WA, 6152
🕒 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm
📞 Phone: 08 6117 3028
✉️ Email: enquiries@southcare.org.au
Feel free to reach out for more information on how we can help your loved one live comfortably and safely at home.