Choice Home Help

This is an advert, however the lady speaking perfectly explains how many of my families are feeling right now.

More than ever before I had at least a dozen families that are grappling with the reality that’s it’s time to put their loved one into full time care.

I have clients in both Geraldton and Perth that need round the clock care and their families are a breaking point.

For all of these clients, it’s a form of dementia that has help us arrive here. The families don’t want to let go, feel guilt, they always promised they would never do this but sometimes - it’s just time.

I have to keep telling myself, and my staff, that we might recognise the signs hundreds of times, but this is their FIRST time. This is their life partner often for 50 or 60 years, or parent that cannot be cared for at home any longer.

Getting day and night mixed up, wandering, aggression, paranoia, trouble managing their personal hygiene, mistaking you for another family member like their father or mother. You can manage for a while but it’s relentless and you neglect yourself and keep going, telling yourself it’s fine. It’s not, and it’s time.

With the Support at Home programme now offering less hours within your package, decisions need to be made sooner. Get your financials in place, put your name down on waiting lists, ensure your legal paperwork is in place or you will be booking some time with SAT (State Administrative Tribunal) .

Compounded by the fact there is hardly any respite beds (anywhere), nursing homes are full, massive bonds are required, this only makes the decision and process harder.

It’s not failure choosing residential care. Sometimes it’s just the place for your loved one. They are called ‘full time’ for a reason. There is a night shift, they have three shifts during the 24 hours with multiple staff. Not just one person - often like you at home.

Support at Home is just that. Support. It can only help for a while.

On average the top tier classification will only offer you 14 hours of care per week. Don’t be tricked into believing it’s going to stop a move to residential care unless you’re a millionaire and can afford 24/7 care at 5k per week or the family move in, or you go to live with them. It’s doable but normally only for a few.

Sometimes it’s just time…..