Communication is Key
Receiving aged care can be a big adjustment, whether that means having carers and support workers coming into your home for the first time or making the move into residential aged care.
There are new people to get to know, different routines and sometimes a completely new way of doing things. And just like any change, it can take time for everyone to find their feet.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission recently released the first edition of Let’s Talk About Complaints, with an important reminder for older Australians and their families – you have the right to speak up about your care.
It takes time to get to know each other
Good care is about more than the services being provided. It’s also about understanding the person receiving them – their routines, preferences, choices and the little things that are important to them.
For someone receiving Support at Home, this might mean getting used to having carers or support workers coming into their home and building a relationship with the people providing their care.
For someone moving into residential aged care, the adjustment can be even greater. It takes time to find your way around, settle into new routines and get to know the people around you.
It also takes time for carers and care teams to get to know you.
That’s why communication is so important.
If something doesn’t feel right, speak up
Sometimes people are hesitant to raise concerns because they don’t want to be seen as complaining or worry it may affect their care.
But raising a concern doesn’t necessarily mean making a formal complaint.
It might be letting your Support at Home provider know that a particular carer isn’t the right fit, asking why services have changed or questioning something on your statement.
In residential aged care, it could be talking to the home about a routine that isn’t working, something that has been missed or a preference that hasn’t yet been understood.
In the first instance, where appropriate, speak directly with your provider. Often, they may not know there is an issue unless you tell them.
Your care and your choices are important. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or let someone know when something isn’t working for you.
Making a new place feel like home
Moving into residential aged care comes with another layer of adjustment – making a new environment feel like your own.
We encourage our clients to take familiar items from their current home with them. It might be a favourite blanket or cushion, family photographs, artwork, a small piece of furniture or other treasured belongings.
It may not feel like home immediately, and that’s okay. Familiar surroundings, maintaining routines where possible and good communication with the care team can all help with settling in.
After all, this is your new home, and you should be able to make it feel like yours.
Know your rights
Under the new Aged Care Act, older Australians have strengthened rights when receiving government-funded aged care – whether that care is provided at home or in residential aged care.
This includes being treated with dignity and respect, being involved in decisions about your care, having your preferences heard, receiving safe and quality care and being able to raise concerns without being treated differently for doing so.
If you have a concern, start by talking with your provider or care team and give them the opportunity to address it.
If you have serious concerns, don’t feel comfortable approaching the provider, or have already raised the issue and nothing has changed, you can contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Communication is key
Good relationships between older Australians, families, carers and providers don’t always happen overnight.
Ask questions. Share what is important to you. Speak up when something isn’t working and give your care team the opportunity to understand what good care looks like for you.
At Retirement Care Solutions, we help older Australians and their families understand and navigate their aged care options, from accessing support at home through to transitioning into residential aged care.
Because wherever you receive your care, you should feel heard, respected and comfortable speaking up.
