One of the most difficult choices people have to make as they get older is whether or not to leave their homes and move into an aged care facility or retirement village.

The choice to move from your home is often complicated and can extact a physical and emotional toll.

Enabling people to live safe, comfortable and happy lives for as long as possible in their own homes is therefore a very valuable goal, one which is supported by the Federal Government through the My Aged Care program.

Locals can remain independent in their own home for longer by using services offered by Lithgow Information and Neighbourhood Centre’s (LINC) Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). The centre’s CHSP manager Levente Boda believes it is important seniors are supported to safely live in their own homes if they choose. 

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“There are a great many benefits to continuing to live at home,” Mr Boda said. “Quite often if you have to move out of the area where you have lived for 30 or 40 years and move into residential care you can lose contact with people you have associated with for a long time.

“Also staying in your own environment is a lot cheaper than moving into a retirement village or aged care facility. I think many people would prefer the option of staying in their own homes.”

LINC’s Commonwealth Home Support Program has a range of services available to eligible residents over the age of 65 who have registered with My Aged Care.

“Anyone who believes they could benefit from the CHSP must be registered with My Aged Care first,” he said.

Once registered their needs can be assessed and a referral sent to LINC for relevant services to be provided. And if people are daunted by registering with My Aged Care, Mr Boda urges them to contact him.

“If you are finding it difficult to register with My Aged Care make an appointment to come to LINC and I will be happy to take them through the process,” he said.

Through the Commonwealth Home Support Program those eligible can access:

Home modifications: minor home modifications such as ramps or handrails.

Home maintenance: Small tasks such as changing light globes, a tap washer or help with light gardening.

Meals on wheels: Fresh or frozen meals are available five days a week and are delivered. Extra frozen meals are available for weekends.

Social support programs: Community lunches are held each Wednesday and morning teas are held at Flo’s Kitchen on Tuesday mornings. Transport to and from your home can be arranged.

A variety of services is available through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, visit the LINC website for more information (linc.org.au).