Olivet Aged Care Ringwood

Maintaining Independence

Your independence matters. As daily tasks become a little harder, the most important thing is care that honours your choices. We start by listening to what you need, what you value and how you want to live.

What to look for in this stage.

You may notice small changes; moments of forgetfulness or everyday tasks like cleaning, shopping or gardening feeling a little harder than they used to.

You my feel more tired, less confident getting out and about or more overwhelmed managing your health on your own.

Feelings like worry, sadness or loneliness can also appear during this time. It’s a stage of life that can bring both uncertainty and reflection and that’s completely natural.

How can your loved one support you at this stage?

• Involve you in the decision-making process.
• Provide support and listen to your concerns.
• Encourage you to keep as active as possible and to eat well.
• Investigate the services that can be put into place to help you stay at home.
• You may find it reassuring to check that your medical and financial decisions are clearly set out. A gentle conversation with your doctor or solicitor can help make sure everything reflects what you want.

Things are getting harder

As we get older, some everyday tasks may start to feel a little harder. Things like cooking, getting dressed or managing personal care might take more time and effort than before. You may notice changes in your memory or physical abilities and you might need a little extra support to keep your daily routines safe and comfortable.

What to look for at this stage

• Feeling a bit more tired or withdrawn than usual.
• Finding some tasks harder to manage on your own.
• Needing more help to stay safe, healthy and independent.
• It’s natural for these changes to happen, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

How can your loved one can support you at this stage?

• Keeping you safe and healthy: They can help you stay on top of medications, attend medical appointments and make small changes around the home to reduce risks.
• Helping with daily tasks: Support with cooking, cleaning, bathing or companionship can make your days more comfortable and enjoyable.
• Providing transport alternatives: They can explore safe options if driving becomes more difficult.
• Encouraging connection: Regular visits, phone calls or check-ins help you stay socially active and supported.
• Listening to your feelings: They can offer a listening ear and encourage open conversation if you feel anxious, stressed or low. Professional counselling can also be explored if needed.
• Planning ahead for extra support: They can discuss with your doctor whether respite care or residential care assessments might be helpful, so you always know what options are available.

Becoming Dependant 

There may come a time when most daily tasks become difficult to manage on your own. This can be a worrying stage for both you and your loved ones, especially if safety becomes a concern when no one is with you. Even with regular home support, it might not feel like enough to keep you safe and comfortable.

During this stage, your family may consider staying with you, having you live with them or exploring options for round-the-clock care so you feel supported at all times.

What to look for during this stage

• More frequent falls or changes in balance.
• Unintentional weight loss or forgetting to eat.
• Increased incontinence.
• Worsening of chronic health conditions.
• Difficulty keeping track of medications.
• Feeling more withdrawn or less engaged.
• These changes can be unsettling, but you’re not alone. Support is available.

How can your loved one support you at this stage?

• Ensuring you have enough support each day: This may include arranging 24/7 assistance if needed.
• Helping with meals: By preparing nutritious food or being present at mealtimes.
• Keeping your home safe: Making adjustments to reduce risks and create a secure environment.
• Supporting your medical care: Helping you attend appointments and manage your health needs.
• Seeking guidance: Talking with health professionals or support groups to understand how to respond to the changes they’re noticing.
• Exploring additional care options: Such as respite, day programs or residential care, to make sure you always have the support you need and your loved ones can also rest and recharge.

Crisis Management 

This stage may happen when you’ve had a significant health event or a sudden change that makes living safely at home much harder. It might be a fall that causes a fracture, pain that becomes too much to manage on your own or changes in your mobility that make moving around your home unsafe.

You might also be experiencing increased confusion or disorientation, things like accidentally leaving appliances on, wandering at night or finding it harder to recognise your surroundings. Situations like these can make it unsafe to stay at home without full-time support, and moving into a residential care home may become the safest option.

This can be a very stressful and emotional time for you and for those who care about you, as decisions often need to be made quickly.

How can your loved one support you at this stage?

At this point, it’s important for the people supporting you to explore different residential care options to find a home that feels right for you.

Here’s what they may look for:

• Taking tours of a few homes to see what feels like a good fit.
• Making sure the staff are friendly, respectful and approachable.
• Checking that the home is clean, welcoming and well maintained.
• Noticing whether the residents look comfortable, relaxed and well cared for.
• Confirming that a Registered Nurse is onsite 24/7.
• Asking to see the menu and learning about meal options.
• Talking to staff to understand how they support residents day-to-day.
• Getting a sense of the overall atmosphere; does it feel calm, warm and safe?

When the right residential care facility is chosen, it can bring a sense of security and reassurance to everyone involved, knowing you’ll be well supported, cared for and surrounded by people who are there to help you feel safe and comfortable.

Extensive Assistance

There may come a time when looking after yourself becomes much harder, especially after a fall, stroke or gradual decline in your health. You might find that daily tasks are no longer safe or manageable, even with help from family, friends or carers.

When this happens, it can feel overwhelming, for you and for the people who care about you, because decisions about your future care often need to be made quickly. This is usually the stage when moving into a residential care home becomes the safest and most supportive option.

How can your loved one support you at this stage?

The people supporting you will want to make sure they find a home that feels comfortable, safe and right for you. Here are some of the things they may look for:

• Visiting a few different homes and taking a guided tour.
• Noticing whether the staff are warm, friendly and genuinely caring.
• Checking that the home is clean, welcoming and well maintained.
• Observing whether residents appear relaxed, happy and well supported.
• Making sure there is a Registered Nurse onsite 24/7.
• Asking to see the menu and learning about the meal choices available.
• Speaking with staff to understand how they support residents day-to-day.
• Getting a general feel for the home; does it feel calm, respectful and safe?

When a home is chosen thoughtfully, it can bring a sense of comfort and reassurance, knowing that you’ll be well cared for, respected, and supported by people who truly want the best for you.

Dementia and Special Care

Living with dementia can bring gradual changes over time and it’s completely natural to need more support as things progress. With the right help around you, you can stay connected, involved and engaged in your community for a long time.

There may come a point, though, when looking after yourself at home becomes unsafe, especially if sleep becomes difficult, if you feel the urge to wander or if personal care starts to feel overwhelming or confusing. This can also place a lot of stress on the people who love you, even when they’re doing their very best to support you.

During this time, staying in regular contact with your doctor is important, not just for your health, but for the wellbeing of the people supporting you. There are also many helpful services available, such as Dementia Australia supports, home care, day programs and respite options, which can all make daily life a little easier.

Eventually, there may come a time when moving into residential care is the safest and most supportive option. When that moment arrives, it’s important to find a home that understands dementia deeply and offers specialised support, such as a dedicated memory support unit, so you feel safe, respected and well cared for.

How can your loved one support you at this stage?

When it’s time to explore residential care, your family or support people may help you by:

• Visiting different homes and asking for a personalised tour.
• Ensuring the home offers specialised memory support.
• Noticing whether the staff are warm, patient and understanding.
• Checking that the home feels clean, calm and welcoming.
• Observing whether residents seem comfortable and well supported.
• Making sure there is a Registered Nurse onsite 24/7.
• Asking to see the menu and learning about meal options.
• Speaking with staff to understand their approach to dementia care.
• Paying attention to the overall atmosphere; does it feel reassuring and safe?

Finding the right home can bring a sense of peace to everyone involved, knowing that you’ll receive compassionate, specialised care in a place where you can feel settled and supported.