COVER STORY
Where next? Be prepared for the final chapter Most of us have always wanted to stay living independently at home, but the pandemic forced many to become more aware of their mortality. LORRAINE PAGE investigates current trends in quality-of-life decisions. Only 8 per cent of older Australians surveyed described the quality of aged care as good or excellent. Retirees Grace and Jeremy, both in their 70s, vary considerably in their attitude to home care and how to avoid the road to an aged care home. When Grace broke her foot five years ago, she was income tested for a government-funded home care package. Assistance didn’t come through until after her recovery, but she decided to keep the package anyway as she concedes she has other long-standing
“If you don’t have any money left there will always be a place in residential aged care.”
A
reflection on what matters most in the present has influenced expectations for the future. Slightly more than half of respondents in an online study commissioned by Australian Seniors, said they took stock of their life circumstances during Covid-19 and its lockdowns. As many as one in three retirees surveyed in the Australian Seniors Quality of Life Report admit their priorities for a quality life in retirement has been reshaped as a result of the pandemic, particularly regarding family and health.
And the main worry for seniors thinking about future living arrangements is being able to remain living independently (94 per cent) for as long as possible in a property that is easy to maintain (81 per cent). Macquarie University’s Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing deputy director Dr Carly Johnco, says older Australians have always shown a preference for staying in their home as they age, mainly due to having mixed feelings about receiving support. They feel more comfortable receiving care from people they know.
“The pandemic has highlighted some of the challenges associated with aged care facilities, such as reduced access to family members during end-of-life care and reinforcing people’s preferences to keep living independently at home when possible,” Dr Johnco says. Reconnecting with values of family, community and living independently over the past few years has manifested in a strong preference for home care among the vast majority (82 per cent) of older Australians, while the pandemic, conversely, has tainted perceptions of aged care facilities for nearly half.
health conditions. For one hour of domestic help a week her co-contribution is less than $15. “Not much else is available that is useful,” Grace says. “My lovely cleaner is not allowed to do things that require her to go on a step ladder, however, I’m grateful for the vacuum cleaning and mopping that she does. I told her not to waste time dusting as I can do that myself.” Jeremy blames the media for his “appalling” perception of aged care facilities and his determination to stay out of one. “I’m sure there are some caring organisations around but you never hear of those,” he says. “You see cases where
Are you considering hip or knee replacement surgery? Dr Anthony Murray is a highly experienced and innovative orthopaedic surgeon who is now consulting from North Lakes. Dr Murray specialises in: • Anterior, minimally invasive total hip replacement • Orthopaedic trauma • Patient specific knee replacement • Complex revision hip and knee replacement • Sports Injuries.
Dr Anthony Murray Orthopaedic Surgeon
Contact us today to discuss your treatment options, or register for our free patient seminars.
Phone: 07 5493 8038 | www.scorthogroup.com.au 4 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / August 2022
04.indd 2
Brisbane
27/07/2022 3:54:36 PM
