Comprehensive care for every need

The number of hours of respite care provided can vary widely depending on location, specific programs, and individual needs. In Australia, the availability and amount of respite care hours are influenced by provincial regulations and individual care assessments.

Caregivers in the Australia may be able to access covered respite care through various community support services. The amount of respite care provided can range from a few hours per week to several days per month. For example, caregivers may receive four hours of respite care at home each week, up to three days of residential respite care per month. Some programs provide up to 60 hours of respite care per month, particularly for cases involving very intensive care needs, such as caring for individuals with advanced dementia or severe physical disabilities.

To determine the exact number of hours available, you should contact your local health authority or healthcare provider. An assessment of the needs of both the caregiver and the care recipient will be conducted to develop a personalized care plan specifying the allocated respite care hours. The evaluation typically takes into account the caregiver’s stress level, the complexity of the care required, and the overall health of both the caregiver and the care recipient. For example, a caregiver who is responsible for a child with severe autism and requires constant supervision and assistance with activities of daily living may qualify for the maximum allocation of respite care hours due to the high level of care required.

The beauty of private paid respite care, such as with 3DNET ElderCare, is that the schedule is as flexible as you want it to be, with no minimum hours other than the 3 hours per shift. The private pay schedule can quickly increase or decrease as the situation evolves.

Yes, many of our healthcare services are covered by insurance, depending on your specific plan and coverage. We work with several insurers, including private insurers, to ensure that our clients receive the care they need.

In the event of a medical emergency outside of our regular business hours, we encourage you to call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately. For non-urgent issues, we offer after-hours support through an on-call healthcare team, available to address urgent medical issues and provide guidance.

Caring for someone with dementia means daily challenges, but understanding their perspective as the disease progresses will make it easier to provide the right care and deal with surprises. Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide and ranks seventh among the leading causes of death according to the World Health Organization. It comes in various forms, such as vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and the better-known Alzheimer's disease. The experience of every person with dementia is different, with symptoms that can be mild or severe, developing slowly or suddenly. While we all forget things from time to time, frequent memory problems that interfere with a person's ability to live independently can be a sign of something more serious.

The 7 A's of dementia provide a useful framework for managing dementia symptoms. It breaks down the impact of dementia into various cognitive and behavioral changes. This model helps caregivers and healthcare professionals provide dementia assistance and tailor care to those affected.

(1) Anosognosia: the unawareness of illness

Anosognosy is often seen as denial or stubbornness. In reality, it stems from brain damage that hinders a person's ability to acknowledge their own condition. It can make treatment more difficult because individuals may not understand why they need support, which can lead to frustration, refusal of treatment, or defensive behavior. They may not follow medical advice or safety recommendations. Dementia care strategies often include consistent, gentle reminders and structured routines to help manage their daily activities without overwhelming them. Instead of trying to convince your loved one that he or she has dementia, you can focus on making changes that will ensure their safety. Help them to participate more in activities they enjoy by using positive language and suggesting that they undertake activities together.

(2) Agnosia: the inability to recognize

Agnosia refers to the loss of the ability to recognize objects, faces, voices, or places, despite functioning senses. It is usually the result of damage to specific parts of the brain, which are responsible for processing sensory information. It may be that someone does not recognize a common object, such as a key. This can lead to confusion and frustration. They may accidentally allow strangers into their home, confusing them with familiar faces. It is helpful to introduce yourself and other caregivers regularly to increase awareness. In dementia home care, demonstrate the correct use of everyday objects, which can help with recognition and safety. Keeping potentially dangerous objects out of reach and labeling how to operate complex devices can help prevent accidents.

(3) Aphasia: the communication barrier

Aphasia is characterized by a deterioration in language skills, affecting both the ability to speak and to understand others. This can range from having difficulty finding the right words to a complete loss of the ability to communicate verbally. Aphasia makes it challenging for individuals to express their needs and impacts social interactions, potentially leading to isolation. Dementia care involves using simple, clear sentences, speaking slowly, and enough time for your loved one to respond. You can rely on nonverbal cues, such as gestures, while avoiding sudden movements. Maintain a calm, supportive tone to alleviate communication problems. Watch for nonverbal cues that may indicate that they are experiencing discomfort or pain.

(4) Apraxia: the disruption of voluntary movements

Apraxia results in a deterioration in motor skills and coordination, which complicates daily tasks such as handling utensils, buttoning shirts, or climbing stairs. Patients may feel embarrassed and reluctant to engage in challenging activities. To help manage apraxia, break down tasks into simpler, smaller steps. Engage in gentle, regular exercises such as tai chi or simple stretching to improve coordination and muscle control. Adapt with easy-to-use gadgets like touch lights or slip-on shoes instead of lace-up shoes. To improve home dementia care, install grab bars and railings in key areas such as bathrooms and along stairs to ensure safety.

(5) Altered perception: the distorted sense of reality.

People with dementia can experience an altered perception, in which their sense of reality is distorted. This can manifest as misinterpretations of reflections in mirrors, mistaking objects for something else, or feeling lost in familiar places. Such distortions can lead to confusion and fear. Home dementia care can include accommodations such as adequate lighting and simple, clear signage, along with reassuring, reality-focused interactions from caregivers, which are critical in managing symptoms.

(6) Apathy: the lack of initiative

Apathy, or a lack of motivation, is characterized by indifference and a general disinterest in life activities. This can be particularly distressing for families who see their loved ones withdraw from the world. Engagement through favorite hobbies, social interactions, and exercise can help counteract apathy. It is important that caregivers who provide dementia home care initiate these activities in a gentle and patient manner and encourage participation without forcing it.

(7) Amnesia: the fading memory

Amnesia, a common symptom of dementia, initially affects short-term memory. Long-term memory can remain intact for longer, but eventually it also deteriorates. This can lead individuals to repeat statements or stick to specific memories or stories. They may also feel overwhelmed by new information, forget familiar faces, and lose track of time. Patience is crucial in dementia care. Focus on routine, using memory tools such as calendars and to-do lists, and creating a supportive environment that reduces the need for constant reminder. Surrounding your loved one with photos of family and friends can also help bring back memories and provide comfort.

Home care for dementia

Having a caregiver who provides dementia care at home offers significant benefits. Your loved one can live in a familiar, comfortable environment that adapts to their changing needs. An experienced caregiver creates a structured and safe environment that minimizes confusion and anxiety. They establish routine schedules and use clear, simple communication, which helps stabilize the daily life of the person they are caring for. At 3DNET ElderCare, we carefully select the most qualified candidates after a comprehensive screening process, including a Vulnerable Sector background check. Once hired, our team members undergo extensive, multi-phase training and are certified in dementia care. We also ensure that our caregivers are well-matched to your loved one to provide personalized and compassionate care.

Find peace of mind with expert dementia care from 3DNET ElderCare, delivered in the comfort of your own home. Our highly trained and certified caregivers provide dementia care so you can create a safe, supportive environment that promotes independence. Contact us today.

Home care, often referred to as "home health care," is a nonmedical service provided to seniors who require assistance with activities of daily living. Care is tailored to the individual needs of each senior, and the frequency of home care visits can vary widely, from daily assistance to weekly check-ups, depending on the level of support needed.

Home care services are diverse and primarily focused on improving the quality of life of seniors. These services include companionship, which is essential for emotional and social support; homemaker services, which assist with household tasks such as cleaning and meal preparation; transportation services for appointments and errands; personal care, including assistance with hygiene and dressing; and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, and mobility .

Home care providers may be employed privately or through a home care agency. Hiring through an agency often provides additional support in matching the right caregiver with the senior, handling administrative tasks, and arranging for replacement aides as needed. Although home care is primarily non-medical, caregivers in the home care industry are highly qualified professionals who undergo rigorous screening processes. At 3DNET ElderCare, for example, our caregivers undergo Vulnerable Sector background checks to ensure they meet the highest standards of care and safety. Once hired, our caregivers undergo extensive training, including specialized certifications such as dementia care, critical safety procedures like the Heimlich maneuver, and important topics such as preventing abuse and neglect. This extensive process enables them to provide compassionate, competent, and specialized care tailored to the diverse needs of our clients.

First, what is palliative care? As previously mentioned, palliative care involves managing the symptoms of an individual’s illness or aging in order to improve their quality of life. It does not attempt to delay or hasten death, but merely to make patients more comfortable and help them live their lives as independently as possible.

Most people who receive palliative care are sick or dying. However, their illness does not have to be advanced; a person can receive care as soon as they have a diagnosis. Patients can be living with conditions such as heart disease, cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s, and more.

Palliative care also does not necessarily focus on the source or cause of an illness. A cancer patient may undergo chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the size of the tumor, but palliative care focuses on reducing pain with medication, dietary changes, relaxation, and mental health support. They often accompany each other, but a patient nearing the end of their life may forgo treatments they do not want and only choose care that will alleviate their symptoms.

Who Provides Palliative Care?

It takes a team to provide palliative care. Some team members will be medical specialists, such as doctors and nurses, who can work with a patient, their family, and other doctors to ensure that they receive well-rounded care (such as physical, practical, and social) and emotional support.

Other team members may include social workers and dietitians, who can help meet a patient's needs in various ways, such as through counseling or identifying foods that increase or decrease pain. Religious leaders may also be involved.

Palliative Care vs. Hospice

What's the difference when it comes to hospice vs. palliative care? They are similar in that they both treat patients' symptoms and make them more comfortable. The main difference, however, is that hospice care is typically reserved for terminally ill people who are estimated to live six months or less. Patients can receive palliative care at any stage of their illness, including the very beginning, but hospice is intended for people who need end-of-life care.

The 5 Stages of Palliative Care

There are generally five stages of palliative care, which are as follows:

Stage One: A patient, their family, and healthcare professionals create a plan for the best care as their illness progresses. This stage highlights one of the key differences between hospice and palliative care, as full-time care is not yet needed.

Stage Two: The patient’s symptoms worsen, potentially requiring more intensive medical treatment in addition to emotional and spiritual guidance.

Stage Three: Palliative care team members help the patient maintain as much independence as possible. Home health aides or a house concierge may come in at this stage.

Stage Four: The patient will likely need to be in bed most, if not all, of the time. Their family and team of healthcare professionals will arrange for them to stay in a hospital or hospice or coordinate more hands-on care at home.

Stage Five: The patient’s family uses a bereavement plan after the death.

Palliative care plans may be put into place as soon as the patient is diagnosed or not until they require end-of-life care. These stages are not definitive, but they can help you and your team prepare for everything that needs to be done.

The definition of the word "recovery" is "the gradual restoration of health and strength after illness or weakness." But what is recovery care? This term describes healing support for anyone who is temporarily ill or injured until he or she no longer needs help. Whether someone has recently undergone surgery and is lying in bed or dealing with an illness, the caregivers of recoverers take care of their needs to help them regain their independence and achieve the fullest recovery possible.

Do you know someone who needs rehabilitation care, even yourself? There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to recovery and rehabilitation, so keep reading to better understand the benefits of recovery care and what it means for you or your loved one in need.

Who is recovery care for?

Recovery care, also known as rehabilitation care, is for anyone who needs temporary support while they are recovering from surgery, injury, illness, or other condition (such as a stroke or heart attack). Such events can hinder a person's ability to perform the daily tasks that he or she is used to doing alone. Therefore, they will need help until they are healed enough to resume the task without pain or risk of re-injury.

Recovery care can take many forms. It may seem more like medical care, such as the administration of medication by a healthcare provider. It can also bring more practical support. For example, if a patient has a serious hand injury, they may need someone to help them cook and clean until their fingers are functional again.

An important distinction between recovery care and other forms of help is that it must come to an end. Although many older adults benefit from rehabilitative care, this is not the same as end-of-life care or palliative care, as the patient will (hopefully) eventually regain their health and independence.

Which services are part of recovery care?

Recovery care is comprehensive and can therefore include any number of therapies and services. Some common examples are:

Cook meals for a patient who cannot navigate the kitchen;

Administering medications prescribed by the patient's doctor;

Psychological therapy to improve mental health and keep them in a good mood;

Speech therapy if the patient has difficulty speaking;

Occupational and physical therapy to help the patient regain mobility and movement;

Prepare for accidents or emergencies, such as falls;

Organizing social gatherings and visits to prevent feelings of isolation;

Regular or as-needed companionship;

Driving the patient to appointments and other locations;

Assistance with caring for family members or pets;

And much more. If you or your loved one needs any of the above due to illness or injury, don’t question whether you are suffering “enough” to need restorative care. Your pain is valid and your recovery is essential, so make sure you get the help you need, even if it’s not often associated with the typical idea of ​​rehabilitative care.

If you have an aging parent, it’s understandable that you can’t always be there for them, especially if they live alone. As your parent ages, they gradually lose the ability to perform everyday tasks and can feel isolated without someone to keep them company.

Fortunately, there’s a solution to their loneliness that can solve other problems as well: companion care. Companion care is a type of home care that doesn’t involve medical services. A hospice nurse can help your parent with tasks like bathing, toileting, and administering medications, but a companion can be formal or informal, such as a family friend who visits a few times a week.

How does companion care work?

As the name suggests, “companion care” involves keeping an older person company and providing socialization and emotional support. There is some overlap in duties with personal care assistants, but companions don’t provide medical care as previously mentioned. They’re also not necessarily professionals; You can ask a friend or family member to sit with your aging parent for a few hours if they have time to chat and help with basic household tasks.

However, you and your loved ones have your own lives, so it can help to hire trained senior care companions to visit your parent during the day or overnight. You can find this through a companion care company or other senior service organization. A companion's duties may include:

Basic household chores, such as laundry and dishes;

Preparing meals;

Operating entertainment systems;

Reading to your parent;

Assisting with technology;

Assisting with administrative tasks, such as paying bills;

Arranging transportation to appointments, the grocery store, and other errands; and Helping your parent navigate their own living space.

A professional senior companion may be able to meet your parent's needs on a more advanced level than an acquaintance. For example, they can accommodate dietary restrictions when planning meals for the week, help your parent remember to take their medications on time, and provide deeper emotional support as they struggle with aging.