[Lifeguard]

Hi Chirley,

I use to work in aged care management and there are great services offered by community groups run by large non for profit organisations whose role it is to support parents like yours who need help not only in cleaning but with supporting your Dad and getting him out to socialise and living life well. They also will put in wonderful care plans for your mum to meet her needs. I had a neighbour who mother's dementia was putting a heavy load on her father's health and well-being, unfortunately he refused to put her in a dementia specific home and wanted to care for her. I put the daughter on to the non for profit community group I worked for and it transformed their whole families life. Another service was a overnight respite service which gave a carer a few nights off to rest properly. These respite homes were amazing and looked like a glam B&B and the service was specifically tailored to the clients needs. It was so nice I would of stayed there!

They also can help you with your care needs and meal preparation, even taking you to your medical appointments. They'll take you shopping so you have your independence too.

Financially these services can be offered for free in certain circumstances. As it is this service can cost between $15 - 30 a week. This may differ between different organisations fee schedules.

Cheers Rachael