Disability and aged care

Living as an older person with a disability can make household chores and everyday activities difficult to manage without some form of help. That help might come from a family member, a local community support service, or a home care arrangement. For people with more severe disabilities, residential aged care homes can offer a higher level of ongoing support.

A range of disability support services may be available, including short stays in residential aged care homes and other kinds of respite care.

Staying independent at home#

To keep living independently in your own home for as long as possible, it is worth spending some time making sure your house is as easy to live in as possible.

Many aids and pieces of equipment for daily living can help you manage day-to-day tasks, such as:

• raised toilet seats and slip-resistant bathroom mats
• over-bed trays, food trolleys and reaching aids
• jar openers and adapted knives, forks and other utensils
• dressing and grooming aids, grip aids and adapted scissors
• clocks, watches, timers and large-button remote controls
• emergency call systems and intercoms
• mobility aids such as walking frames, wheelchairs and scooters

Independent Living Centers and private companies stock a range of disability aids and equipment designed to make everyday life easier. Local equipment registers and suppliers can help you find the products that suit your needs.

Home maintenance and modification#

If you need help maintaining your home or modifying it to suit your disability, home maintenance and modification services may be able to assist. These can include:

• setting up and installing assistive equipment
• fitting or changing safety devices such as smoke alarms
• making physical modifications so your home is easier to move around in

Help from allied health professionals#

If you are an older person living with a disability, support from an allied health professional can make a real difference to everyday life. They can help you improve your flexibility, balance and movement, and offer advice on diet, exercise, safe lifting and possible home modifications.

Depending on your age and condition, you may choose to work with several allied health professionals to manage your health and lifestyle:

• A dietitian can advise you on food and nutrition to help manage ongoing conditions.
• An occupational therapist can help you recover from illness, such as a stroke, or maintain your physical ability as you age.
• A physiotherapist can give you exercises to build strength and balance.

Moving into residential aged care#

If you are living with a severe disability, or your condition has become worse, you may need to consider moving into a residential aged care home.

These homes are already set up to cater for people with limited mobility and have nurses and allied health professionals who can provide ongoing care. After-hospital and transition care services may also be available to support recovery.

Support for carers#

Caring for someone with a disability can be physically tiring and emotionally demanding, so it is a good idea to make time to rest and see friends. By staying connected to your own life, you will be better able to support the person you are caring for. As well as helping with household duties, shopping and personal care, carers also provide friendship, company and emotional support.

You might live with the person you care for, share the responsibility with other family members, or provide extra care for someone living in shared accommodation or a residential home.

If you or the person you are caring for needs a break, short-term and emergency respite care services may be available.

Key points#

• Help with daily living can come from family, community services, home care or residential aged care.
• Aids, equipment and home modifications can make independent living easier and safer.
• Allied health professionals such as dietitians, occupational therapists and physiotherapists support health and mobility.
• Carers should look after their own wellbeing and can access respite care when they need a break.

Where to get help#