Five simple aged care steps to take this month, so you’re making calm choices instead of rushed ones.
Most families don't plan for aged care. They deal with it when they have to. Usually that's after a fall or a stroke, when the hospital says Mum can't go home without support.
I recently spoke with Danielle from DR Care Solutions, who has been helping families find care for more than 40 years. One thing she said has stayed with me. It's better to have a plan and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Why it pays to start early
Danielle calls 80 the magic number. It's often the age when things start to change.
If your parent ends up in hospital, the assessment does get fast tracked. But you may only have a few days to decide on care, money and where they'll live. Outside hospital, things move slowly. There are queues for assessments, and funding can take many months to come through.
So a bit of work now saves a lot of stress later.
Five things to do this month
Notice what's changed at home
Parents don't often admit they're struggling. Next time you're over for dinner, have a quiet look around.
Check the fridge. Old or out of date food can mean they're not shopping or eating well.
Look at the letterbox. If mail is piling up, bills may not be getting paid.
Notice their clothes. If they're not clean, washing may have become hard work.
Peek in the bathroom. If the shower hasn't been used, getting in and out may be difficult.
None of this means something is wrong. It just gives you a reason to start talking. Danielle also made the point that a bit of forgetfulness is often just age, not dementia.
2. When kids arrive
Even if your parents are fit and well, get them registered once they turn 65. The waiting lists are long, and it helps to be in the system early. At the same time, ask to be set up as their registered supporter. That way you can speak on their behalf if they can't.
3. Make the home safer
Start maximising your concessional super contributions, currently capped at $32,500, while continuing to pay down debt and fund longer term goals through your investment bond/ ETF portfolio. This is also the time to diversify, whether that's adding an investment property or building out your share portfolio further.
4. Sort out the paperwork
There are four documents to have in place: a will, a power of attorney, an enduring guardianship and an advance care directive. Keep a simple list of where everything is kept, and check it each year around their birthday.
5. Sort out the paperwork
Funding can take a long time to arrive. If there's money put aside, you can pay for help at home and start straight away. It also means you get to stay their son or daughter, rather than becoming their full time carer.
Starting the conversation
It doesn't need to be a big sit down. Over dinner try asking, "How can we help you stay at home?" Then listen, and don't jump straight to solutions.
Be careful with promises, too. Danielle suggests not saying "you'll never go into care". Something like "I'll do my best to keep you at home with support" is more honest, and easier to stand behind.
Want a hand mapping out where yours should go? Book a chat with Emerging Wealth. Financial + life planning for under 50s who want more out of life than the ordinary. We help individuals, couples, and business owners uncover what matters most, providing the structure and support to build meaningful wealth and lasting memories.
Final thought
Aged care decisions will come one way or another. If you start now, you get to make them calmly and together, with Mum and Dad still having the biggest say.
Aged care is part of looking after your family’s future, and money is a big part of it. Working out how to fund care, what it means for Mum and Dad’s home and savings, and how it fits with your own goals is easier when you start early.
We help families across Sydney and Australia with financial planning for every stage of life, including aged care. Book a complimentary chat with Mike at www.emergingwealth.au/book-a-call.
Related video: Starting the Aged Care Conversation with Your Parents
MIKE MILLER
Founder, Financial Adviser | BBus, CFP®, RLP, JP
Emerging Wealth | Financial Planners in Sydney for ambitious under 50s who want more out of life than the ordinary.
General advice only. This is general information and doesn't take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Contribution caps and tax rules referenced are current as at the 2026-27 financial year and may change. Please speak to us or your registered tax agent before acting.