As we get older, everyday tasks and healthcare needs can become a little harder to manage. For many over-60s and their families, this often raises a big question — what’s the best way to get the right support?
Two popular options are aged care and home care, each with its own pros and cons. Aged care means moving into a residential facility with professional support on hand, while home care lets you stay in the comfort of your own home and receive help when you need it.
To make your choice a little easier, Starts at 60 breaks down the key differences between the two, what each offers, and the important things to consider before deciding which option suits you best.
Aged care provides support for older people who can no longer live independently at home. Aged care facilities in Australia provide 24-hour support, accommodation, meals, and personal care services to older people who require round-the-clock care. These facilities can range from residential care homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
Residential care homes are typically for those who require the highest level of care, including those with chronic conditions such as dementia. Nursing homes provide similar services to residential care homes but are staffed with registered nurses who can provide medical care to residents. Assisted living facilities offer support services to older people who can still live independently but need assistance with some of their daily activities.
The main advantage of aged care is round-the-clock support — residents have access to medical care, meals, and social activities in a safe environment. Facilities are also regulated to ensure a consistent standard of care.
However, aged care can be costly, and moving out of the family home can be a difficult emotional adjustment.
Debra Nicholl, CEO, Elder Rights Advocacy said that although “residential care provides 24-hour support” it does mean “moving out of your home and living in a communal setting with a number of other people whose care needs and abilities will vary”.
“Although help is available on site you will be sharing that help with others you will also be eating in a communal dining room from a set menu which suits some people and not others,” Nicholl explains.
Although the idea of sharing a living space and services with others may present a challenge to some retirees, founder of Australia’s leading aged care navigation service and author of the book My Parents Are Ageing, Coral Wilkinson said that this can be unexpected positive that comes with residential care.
“Though most people we speak with are against the idea of moving into residential care, those who have been socially isolated often blossom with newfound companionship that develops in this environment,” Wilkison says.
“For people who have no family and no transport, meaning, they are disconnected from their community, moving into residential accommodation can give people a new sense of belonging that they otherwise wouldn’t have.”
Home care refers to support services provided to older people who wish to remain living independently in their own homes. These services can include personal care, household assistance, nursing care, and transportation. Home care services in Australia can be provided by a home care provider, a government-subsidised service, or by a family member or friend.
The benefits of home care include the ability for older people to remain living in their own homes, which can be important for their physical and emotional well-being. Home care services also provide flexibility in terms of the type and amount of support required, which can be customised to suit individual needs. Home care services can also be more cost-effective than aged care facilities, especially if only a small amount of support is required.
However, the downsides of home care include the potential for isolation and loneliness, especially if you live alone and have limited social support. Home care services may also be limited in terms of the level of support that can be provided, which may not be suitable for those who require round-the-clock care.
Nicholl acknowledges that while homecare support means retirees are able to “stay at home for longer” it also means that “the help might not be able to be provided at the time that suits you and its limited”.
“Regardless of this most people prefer to live in their own home and maintain their independence and autonomy for as long as possible,” Nicholl explains.
“This decision is influenced by the level of care and support that is required and also by the informal network of support provided by friends and family.”
When deciding which option is right for you, it’s important to think about:
Your physical and mental health.
The level of support you need.
Your financial situation.
Your social connections and available support network.
And your personal preferences — whether you value independence or prefer a communal environment.
Wilkinson reminds retirees that “Australia’s aged care system is complex and convoluted” and that “it takes many months to enter and move through the system”.
“I always advise people to stay active and take care of their health, to prolong the need for formalised support via the aged care system,” Wilkinson says.
“Aged care funding is finite and is spread thinly across the 100s of thousands of people within the system.”
Both aged care and home care offer valuable support for retirees — but the right choice depends on your personal needs, health, and circumstances.
Whichever path you choose, the goal is the same: ensuring you receive the right level of care and support to stay healthy, happy, and connected in your later years.