Over time care needs will increase
Most people want to live independently for as long as possible. But as we age, we may need more support to manage our lives. There are formal aged care services that can provide support and assistance.
Families provide care
As people age, they can find it harder to manage all the things they did previously. A consequence of this has been an increasing reliance on family and friends to either provide needed care or supplement formal home support services.
People providing care to an older person may not be part of a family kinship or legally defined relationship with the care recipient. Families, friends, and neighbours often support older people by helping them with some of the ordinary tasks of daily life such as shopping, paying bills, cleaning, and gardening. They may also assist them with any health problems. This can involve visits to the doctor, helping with medications or sorting out mobility aids such as a walking frame.