Older Australians Preferring To Stay At Home – Business Opportunities In Aged and In-Home Care Sector
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have forecast the number of Australians aged 65 and over is set to double to more than 8.8 million over the next 40 years. Australia’s aging population is driving a shift towards the availability of broader options in the aged care sector, notably within the in-home care industry.
Relatives of older Australians are finding it increasingly difficult to find suitable placements in aged care facilities, especially for short-term respite. Research conducted by Carers Australia in 2017 shows that nearly 70 percent of respondents reported experiencing difficulty accessing emergency respite accommodation.
Carers Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ara Cresswell suggests there is disincentive for providers to offer short-term respite care due to the higher level of Government funding available for permanent residents.
“Carers Australia’s research indicates a high, unfulfilled demand for overnight and weekend respite,” Ms Cresswell says. “The difference is even sharper for people with high care needs, including people with advanced dementia.”
ROYAL COMMISSION EXPECTED TO DRIVE CHANGES
The Australian Government has announced a Royal Commission into the quality and safety of the current aged care plan following an increase in disturbing cases of abuse, neglect and mistreatment in nursing homes throughout Australia.
In the past year there has been an increase of 177 percent on the number of Australian aged care facilities where a serious risk to residents was identified.
Health Minister Greg Hunt states the commission will investigate what the Government and the aged care sector community can do in terms of ensuring consistent quality.
“The results will allow people greater choice and control, best delivering service through innovative care and investment,” Mr Hunt says.
The decisions resulting from the commission may result in restrictions on intakes of aged care recipients or closures of poor performing facilities, outcomes that will further limit aged care facility availabilities.
OLDER AUSTRALIANS PREFERRING TO STAY AT HOME
More than 50 percent of older Australians living in aged care facilities reportedly suffer from depression compared with 15% of adults of the same age living in their own homes. An ABS report released in 2017 highlights that the majority of older Australians would prefer to remain in their own homes rather than be cared for in an aged care facility. Almost 40% of older Australians remaining in their homes require regular assistance for at least one activity such as household chores, transportation, writing tasks and meal preparation.
Managing Director of in-home care company Simply Helping, Angela Feery Richards, says full-time or part-time carers need time away from their important role of caring for relatives and friends to recharge their batteries.
“Every effort is made to match a Simply Helping carer to the client’s linguistic, cultural and general requirements and similar interests,” Ms Richards says.
The demand for in-home care for older Australians is surpassing supply with 40 percent more seniors waiting for access to home care packages in 2018 than in 2017.
The combined difficulties in securing aged care facility placements and the desire for older Australians to maintain their independence by remaining in their own homes is driving the shift towards innovative in-home aged care.
AN INNOVATIVE IN-HOME CARE OPPORTUNITY TO BENEFIT
AUSTRALIANS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE
Simply Helping is an Australian owned company with extensive experience and understanding of the Australian health care system. Founded in 1998 in regional Victoria, Simply Helping has established its reputation for quality provision of in-home care and support services to varying clients including people living with a disability and older Australians.
Services offered by Simply Helping can be either short or long term and include housekeeping, respite care, medication reminders, companionship, meal preparation, shopping assistance, social outings, dog walking, transportation and home maintenance.
Angela Feery-Richards says Simply Helping is a member of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a new scheme designed to provide individualised support and services for eligible people living with a disability. Simply Helping encourages and assists its franchisees through the registration process enabling them to become service providers for the NDIS.
“As the NDIS is being rolled out across Australia, the opportunity for increased choice for individuals and families to select the organisation they feel most comfortable working with is being embraced,” Ms Feery-Richards says. “We endeavour through our well-trained and empathetic staff to provide a flexible level of care and support for eligible people with a permanent and significant impairment.”
SEEKING A WORK/LIFE BALANCE IN A SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY?
Simply Helping is seeking passionate entrepreneurial business owners looking to establish and grow a business in the expanding health care sector. Perfectly suited to aged care workers, ex medical professionals and those involved in the aged care process, a Simply Helping franchise provides the flexibility and independence of business ownership with established credentials and systems already in place for success in a growing industry.
Managing Director Angela Feery-Richards says Simply Helping actively supports its management franchisees.
“Training and documented industry-compliant business systems, policies and procedures are provided as well as ongoing mentoring and support through on-site visits, telephone and email,” Ms Richards says.
With low start-up costs and the assurance of an exclusive business territory, there is also the peace of mind that Simply Helping provides experienced professional corporate and franchisee support staff and the provision of high quality promotional and marketing material.
How Can I Secure My Place In This Worthwhile Industry?
If you have been looking for a lucrative, in demand opportunity in the evolving health care sector and are interested in receiving further information on how you can become a Simply Helping franchisee, please click here and complete the Franchise Enquiry Form. For Further Information, contact: For media inquiries or to arrange an interview please contact Eden Exchange on +613 8658
2292 or +612 8880 5535.
About Simply Helping
Simply Helping was founded by Angela Feery-Richards in Australia back in 1998. Angela has an extensive background in the health industry spanning 35 years as a health professional within the private and the public sector. Simply Helping has developed as a company of integrity to provide a suite of services to individuals and families using professional and trusted carers within an environment of caring and meeting the needs and wants of its clients.
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