How to ensure you make the best decisions

When it comes to care options for ageing parents, it can be an emotional and confusing time, and most people are unprepared. Discussions abut aged care needs are not high on anyone’s wish list. Let’s face it, no one wants to get old – but if we are lucky, we will. And the chances are this will also come with a period of frailty.

Thinking about the options ahead of time and discussing them as a family can help to remove some of the stress. Apart from the emotional side of supporting parents, there are many practical issues to consider, including assessing care needs, deciding whether to live with parents (in your home or theirs), affordability, legal arrangements, moving or modifying the home and access to financial and other assistance.

Let’s focus on where to start and what to take into consideration when deciding whether you should provide the care yourself.

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If you notice that a parent is