Helping Aged Live at Home

Albert and Logan News, Thursday, October 4, 2018

Older people make up a considerable proportion of Australia’s population- over 1 in 7 people are aged 65 and over. In Logan, more than 12% of the population is aged 65 years or more. 

 Staying in their own homes is a preference for most seniors. Australians have a strong preference to 'age in place' and to access in-home aged care services according to a report released in late 2015 by the government’s Productivity Commission.

Daily Hill residents Ann and Keith Niemeyer have lived in their home for over forty years. “We don’t want to live anywhere else. As we get older, the solace of being in our home is extremely important to us,” said Ann.

 Recent aged care reforms are directed towards giving senior Australians greater flexibility around the help they can get while remaining in their own home. However, many are still unaware that government assistance is available for a range of in-home support services such as home maintenance, gardening and community transport.

 “In-home aged care services give the elderly more choice and control over their lifestyle and care options. It helps them stay within their communities and ultimately helps reduce the burden on residential aged care,” said Patsy Wilshire, General Manager of STAR Community Services a not for profit aged care service provider supporting Logan seniors to live in their own homes independently and safely.

Roslyn Pedley is another Logan resident who has lived in the area for over fifty years. “I enjoy living in my home. STAR’s transport service helps me visit my husband in a nursing home once a week, without having to rely on anyone. It’s convenient and helps me live in my own home.”

Ann and Keith have also accessed a variety of in-home aged care services through STAR. “We are able to enjoy our home rather than worrying about the upkeep. We have domestic support once a fortnight. We also receive help with maintaining our garden. We have also had some electrical repairs done in the house. Kudos to the government for making these services available to the elderly” added Ann.

From basic support such as help with housework, gardening and transport through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to more complex support with tailored Home Care Packages, Logan seniors can access a range of services through STAR.  Simply call STAR on 3821 6699 for more information.

The Australian Government’s My Aged Care phone line 1800 200 422 and website www.myagedcare.gov.au can help you to access services and find aged care information in one spot.  

Posted in Media Releases; Posted 4 years ago