New service provides home care on holidays for older travellers

In an innovative approach to aged care and accessible tourism, South West aged care provider Capecare has launched a dedicated home care service for older holidaymakers visiting the region.

Home Care on Holiday make holidays more accessible for older Australians, enabling them to continue receiving essential home care support while holidaying in Western Australia’s popular South West region, helping remove a barrier that may otherwise prevent them from travelling or attending special family celebrations.

Through the new service, visitors staying in Busselton, Dunsborough and surrounding holiday towns can arrange short-term personal care, nursing, medication support, meal preparation, companionship and other assistance at their holiday accommodation.

Capecare CEO Tim Nayton said the idea was inspired by a simple goal – helping older people continue enjoying the experiences and special moments that matter to them.

“Getting older or needing extra support shouldn’t mean missing out on life’s special occasions or the joy of going on holiday,” Tim said.

“Imagine a grandmother who may not be able to attend her granddaughter’s wedding because her family are anxious about how her daily care needs will be managed. Or a family who would love to bring an older parent on their annual summer holiday, but they don’t know how they’ll cope without their regular support.

“Home Care on Holiday is about helping make those experiences possible, giving older people and their families the confidence and reassurance that additional care and support will be available when they need it.

“We believe we are providing the first complete program like this in Western Australia.”

 

The service can be tailored to individual needs, from assistance with showering and dressing in the morning to nursing support, help with meal preparation, or companionship during the day.

It can also provide respite for family carers, allowing them to enjoy a break, attend a special celebration or spend time with other family members knowing their loved one has appropriate support.

Tim said the initiative also had the potential to make the South West an even more welcoming and accessible holiday destination.

“We’re fortunate to be situated in one of Western Australia’s most popular holiday destinations, attracting families from across the state and beyond for its beaches, wineries, weddings and wonderful lifestyle.

“We want older people to be able to share in those experiences, rather than feeling they need to stay home because of their care requirements.

“It’s also about recognising that holidays are often when families create their most treasured memories. We hope this service will help more generations enjoy those moments together.”

With 65 years of experience providing aged care in the South West, Capecare is drawing on the expertise of its established Community Home Care team to deliver the service.

Care may be provided at holiday homes, short-stay accommodation, hotels, resorts or the home of a family member, depending on individual care requirements, the suitability of the accommodation and staff availability.

Visitors with existing Support at Home funding can access the service, with Capecare working alongside their regular home care provider to ensure seamless and consistent care while they are away from home. Those without government funding can also access the service privately, with Capecare working directly with them to plan care and support tailored to their individual needs.

Tim said Home Care on Holiday was an example of how aged care services could evolve to support older people to continue living life on their own terms.

“At Capecare, we’re always looking at ways to make care more flexible and responsive to people’s lives.

“Care shouldn’t necessarily stop at someone’s home. If we can help an older person enjoy a family celebration, reconnect with loved ones or simply experience the pleasure of a holiday, that’s something worth doing.”

Capecare encourages families to enquire well ahead of their intended visit, particularly during the busy summer, school holiday and wedding seasons, to allow time for individual care assessments and arrangements.

For more information about Home Care on Holiday, visit www.capecare.com.au/holiday or contact Capecare’s Community Home Care team on 08 9750 2097.