5 Common Myths About Brisbane Aged Care Services

Study shows that older men continue to avail home care services far less than women.

New report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows the number of men accessing home care services is still low. In Brisbane, for example, only 30% of beneficiaries are male. The same study also reveals that women are the dominant users of aged care services across all ages and package levels.

Supporters and advocates of men’s health encourage aged care providers in Brisbane to overcome the obstacles that older men experience in taking advantage of assisted services. Community Care Review reported on low use of domestic care services among men and the need to find new strategies to reach this market segment.

Most men who resist aged care services often believe the wrong notions of elderly care. These misconceptions block them off from much needed services during retirement. Brisbane Aged Care Financial Services takes a closer look on these common aged care service myths.

Five Common Myths about Brisbane Aged Care Services

There are several myths surrounding elderly care services. Most of them come from misinformation and confusion. Some of them come from mortgage companies trying to scam families to sell their homes to finance aged care. (Related post: Should I Sell The Home to Pay for Aged Care Cost?) But usually, it’s just a simple case of a new concept, which requires a bit of explaining.

Accessing elderly and aged care services could help you a lot as well as your family. But you need to understand it to reap its rewards and benefits. Regardless if you are a male who is planning for your retirement, or you need to convince Dad to agree with assisted living, you can be guided by debunking the following five common myths.

Myth No. 1: Elderly Care Will Make You Less Manly

This myth can be loosely attributed to the language and imagery used by aged care providers in their marketing collaterals. Brochures, flyers, websites often use pictures of older women, so men think the services are not relevant for them. This is often true at community facilities offering activities such as domestic care and staying at home that decades ago were associated with women. In reality, seeking Brisbane aged care services will not make you less manly. Most care providers today are offering vibrant programs with different activities, events and programs that can be enjoyed regardless of gender. Having someone by your side to take care of your basic needs will help you stay healthy so you can have more time and energy to do the things you love.

Myth No. 2: Elderly Care is a Form of Charity

Some men resist elderly care service because they think it is a form of charity. Relying on “welfare” is a no-no for most men instilled during their childhood, because it is perceived as a sign of weakness. Aged care system is a component program of the Department of Social Services to help Brisbane seniors who are in need of special care. However, it is NOT a charitable work. By definition, charity refers to the voluntary giving of help, typically in monetary form, to those in need. Take note that in elderly care, you are the one who needs to pay for the services. A service that you pay for is not a form of charity.

Myth No. 3: Aged Care Will Curtail My Independence

This is a common misconception among older men who likes to think that they are strong, so elderly care is not for them. Most aged care providers in Brisbane are promoting their services to help the elderly to maintain their independence at home. However, older men see this as an ironic proposition. They would ask, “how is that possible to maintain my independence, if I would be asking for help?” This “paradox” is often visible on promotional materials talking about the values of independence, but showing elderly being assisted by carers and depicted as “weak” recipients of care. But curtailing your independence greatly depends on your state of health. Unless you have lost your ability to move or you are suffering from dementia, professional carers will only be there to assist you in taking care of yourself and making certain that you are healthy and safe.

Myth No. 4: Elderly Domestic Care is a Scam

Aged care system is definitely not a scam, but cases of fraudulent companies guilty of financial abuse against the elderly are not unheard of in Brisbane. Still, there are many reliable care providers that offer legit services. Funding retirement care is something that everyone should understand to know if the provider they are dealing with is offering their services at a reasonable price.

For example, do you want to save on lump sum payments? Or do you prefer to fund your care through Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)? You also need to learn more about Means Tested Care Fee, which is based on your income and assets. These are important things to learn before getting the service of an elderly care facility and to avoid frauds.

Myth No. 5: Brisbane Elderly Care is Expensive

It is true that the cost of aged care accommodation has increased in QLD and Brisbane. However, there are many ways to prepare for this rising cost by consulting professional aged care financial advisors. It is also common for a man to be worried about spending too much on their domestic care as they fear the risk of depleting his wealth that he could leave behind his family.

Meanwhile, some men are simply overwhelmed by the complicated process of availing elderly care. The best thing to do is to work with a financial planner who specialises in managing funds for aged care.

Get your information directly from the experts. Talk to our Brisbane elderly care financial advisers to learn more about the process and the different ways to fund your retirement. Call us today at (07) 3229 0023.

Regards,

Andrew