Newcastle Herald

Don't compromise when it comes to choosing care

Don't compromise when it comes to choosing care
Don't compromise when it comes to choosing care

Advertiser Content for Home Care Assistance Newcastle.

As the challenges of ageing begin to impact on people's day to day lives, no one wants to lose their independence and choice.

The best place to live the life that you want and make your own decisions is in your own home. Introducing some targeted and thoughtful care into the home can make all the difference.

One of the important decisions is choosing the right people to provide the care. The Government funding to support ageing in the home is generous and importantly the individual gets to choose a home care service provider that understands and suits them.

"Many people don't understand that they have a choice in who provides home care support," Kerrie from Home Care Assistance Newcastle said.

"They often have some organisation come to them first and expect them to sign paperwork without understanding their options. All providers are definitely not the same. Talk to more than one provider."

Kerrie and her husband Mark started Home Care Assistance Newcastle with the belief that home care needs a personalised approach.

They have built their local business based on listening to seniors, understanding their individual needs and finding a way to work together.

Don't compromise when it comes to choosing care
Don't compromise when it comes to choosing care

"Most providers of in-home aged care are large national organisations with call centres. Just getting in touch with them and finding someone to talk to is hard," Mark explained.

"When people call Home Care Assistance Newcastle, the person who picks up the phone will personally know you and that makes a real difference," he continued.

"In aged care things can change. You need to listen, be flexible and respond. Someone you trust. With Home Care Assistance Newcastle it is the clients that make the decisions about their care.

"We listen to the client's preferences. What support people need? What time of day? Which carers they enjoy the most? These are important to people, so you need to choose a provider that can adapt and deliver"

Value for money is another big difference between home care providers.The administration and different various fees of some providers are confusing, more like banks or telephone companies. Statements can be hard to read and in the end 35-40% of the available funding goes into fees.

"We don't understand why other organisations have to take this much money away from the care the people really need," Kerrie said.

"Home Care Assistance Newcastle charges a flat 15 per cent with no exit fees or set up fees. Lower fees means more care and support. Look for a simple fee structure and ask how many hours of care you can get."

The Home Care Assistance Newcastle team have a wide variety of skills including nursing. All the carers have formal qualifications in aged care and bring compassion, professionalism and experience.

Don't compromise when it comes to choosing care
Don't compromise when it comes to choosing care

Recently, internet-based home care providers have been popping up without dedicated local carers and support.

"We pride ourselves on having a consistent and compassionate team with the best carers in Newcastle," Kerrie said.

"You can't just send anyone out to do this work. Carers have to be passionate and you need the flexibility that a team brings."

When choosing a new home care provider, or changing from an existing one, take the time to talk to two or three organisations about what they offer.

Selecting the right provider for you can make a big difference. You should be looking for both value for money and personal approach. Someone that you can trust to help you maintain that independence and choice.

Call the friendly team at Home Care Assistance Newcastle on 4089 3000 or visit www.homecareassistancenewcastle.com.au.

Just book in a free, no obligation in-home assessment with Kerrie and Mark and the team at Home Care Assistance. You'll also receive a complimentary copy of Home Care Assistance's guide to living a happy and long life called Happy to 102.

For more information about Home Care Assistance Newcastle, click here.

Advertiser Content for Home Care Assistance Newcastle.