When living independently is no longer an option, whether due to deteriorating health, the loss of a partner, major mobility issues, or a lack of suitable family carers on hand, the need to consider aged care accommodation options can become urgent and fraught with emotions. 

It is through forward planning, before a crisis eventuates, that much of the stress and confusion associated with such a major life change can be alleviated. 

To help start the conversation and work towards a smooth stress-free transition, Andrew Keay, Director of Aged Care Planners, uses the following nine step checklist for families weighing up their options…

• Start the conversation. One of life’s most avoided subjects – how elderly parents are managing day to day and when is it time for help. Do not expect everything is going to be decided in the first conversation, but you need to start somewhere. Remember that elderly relatives may initially be defensive, hurt or in denial. They may feel they’re losing control of their own lives; or concerned that you’re taking responsibility for them – rather than the other way around. These conversations can begin years before the time to move comes. Importantly, decisions based on rational thinking and planning are typically more considered than those based on emotion in an environment of panic. Most important of all – ASK your ageing relatives about their thoughts, opinions, hopes and fears, don’t assume. 

• Assemble a team. Involve the extended family, friends, siblings, family doctors and other relevant medical professionals, a bank manager or financial advisor and an estate planner/solicitor, depending on the situation. Create a team, allocate responsibility, develop a plan.

• Timing is everything. Signs indicating the time to move is imminent can include noticing elderly people not eating properly, becoming more forgetful, losing weight, failing to take medication properly, struggling to keep up with household maintenance and losing the desire, or ability to socialise outside the home. Also consider the home environment – are there trip hazards, are the stairs becoming difficult, is the house becoming increasingly cluttered and dirty?

• Get relevant paperwork in order. When it comes to estate planning, and moving into aged care, there are relevant documents to locate, discuss and complete. These include:
  
  • Enduring Power of Attorney/Guardianship (appointing someone to make financial/legal/medical decisions on your behalf if required)
  • Property title deeds & valuations
  • Bank & superannuation statements
  • Appointment of a Nominee – to allow someone to deal with Government agencies on your behalf
  • Advanced Care Directive – outlining your wishes for medical treatment in the event you can’t communicate them yourself
  • Wills

• Research is key. Designate a family member to research relevant aged care providers in your chosen geographic area. Consider the location, which family member will be the closest (most likely to visit) and how close to potential visitors. Make a list of ‘must-haves’ and ‘would likes’ for potential providers, such as wellness facilities, excursions, craft activities and so on. Gather information about entry requirements and ongoing fees. 

• Seek expert help from a financial advisor specialising in Aged Care  to help your family with the process. Obtain advice on issues arising from moving into aged care accommodation, such as financing, tax and estate implications, wills and benefactors, and the risks associated with longevity. Remember, time is money, and rushed or ill-conceived decisions, such as a quick sale of the family home or poor financial planning can have a negative impact on aged care fees and pensions in the future – so put the time in early. 

• Review options. With your short list of suitable homes its time to start visiting. Things to look for when touring a home:
  
  • Pay attention to the staff – are they engaging, are they smiling, how do they speak to the residents?
  • How welcome did you feel?
  • Inspect the cleanliness of kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Keep an eye on medication management (making sure tablets aren’t lying about on bedside tables).
  • Visit at meal times, look at the quality and diversity of the food on offer and how meal times are managed.
  • Ask questions about registered nurses availability, both during the day and overnight.
  • Check out the recreational facilities, schedule of activities and what value-added services are offered, are they Value.

• Complete a detailed personal profile. Once the decision to move has been made, be sure to complete a detailed personal profile about your elder. Do this before you meet for pre- admission. The list can Include their likes and dislikes, favourite foods, interests, type of activity and social engagement, religious or spiritual beliefs, anniversaries and medical information. This list then helps set out the care plan and provides a valuable reference for reviews with the home.

• Transition. Remember, familiarity helps, think carefully about the most important or loved possessions for your family member to take with them. Think about the size of the room when making choices, especially since space is usually limited. This may be a  favourite armchair, framed photos, music or a ‘life story’ style scrapbook full of fond memories are all helpful ideas to help smooth the transition.