Planning ahead: what to consider in the new year about Aged Care options

The start of a new year often brings a moment to pause and reflect. After time spent with family over the holidays, many people reach a quiet realisation about the ageing members of their family: things have changed, or they’re starting to.

For Louise Hohnberg from our Aged Care Solutions team, this is a familiar pattern.

“I think families often hold off dealing aged care because it gets put in the too-hard basket,” Louise says. “People hear that it’s complex and overwhelming, and they think, ‘I’ll deal with it when I have to.’”

Add to that a natural resistance from older people themselves – “I’m not old, I don’t need help” – and conversations are often delayed until a crisis forces decisions to be made quickly.

The start of a brand new year, when there’s often a little bit of wiggle room in the schedule and planning is front of mind, is one of the best times to begin thinking ahead.

“For the elderly person themselves, the biggest benefit of starting early is staying in control,” Louise explains. “You get to tell people what you want – not what they think you should have – while you still have the ability to speak for yourself.”

Planning ahead doesn’t mean committing to care straight away. It means understanding options, having conversations while emotions are calmer, and giving everyone time to absorb information.

One of the most common questions families ask is whether care should happen at home or in a residential setting. Louise is quick to point out that this decision is rarely clear cut.

“It can be a bit murky,” she says. “People want to stay at home – and that’s completely understandable – but you also have to take into account safety, and the reality of how much support family can actually provide.”

Often, families underestimate the impact caring has on one person – frequently a daughter – who may already be juggling work, children and other responsibilities. These pressures can quietly build until something gives.

The Aged Care Solutions service exists to help families navigate this process – whether they’re just starting to think about the future or already facing a complex situation.

In her role, Louise sees herself first and foremost as an advocate for the older person.

“I make it very clear that the older person has the final say,” she says. “Even if capacity is changing, they can still communicate what they need and want, and we need to be sensitive to that.”

Care needs also change over time, which is why early planning matters. Once someone is linked into the Aged Care system, regular reviews help ensure support continues to match their situation.

“Once people are connected, it becomes less overwhelming,” Louise says. “They get familiar with the system, with their caseworker, and they feel more confident asking questions.”

“A lot of the time, people are already doing what they need to do,” Louise says. “They just need someone to listen, help them take a breath, and fine-tune the next steps.”

Planning ahead isn’t about assuming the worst. It’s about giving yourself time, clarity and support – so when decisions do need to be made, they’re informed, respectful and aligned with what matters most to the individual and their family. 

A simple Aged Care checklist for the new year

You don’t need to answer everything right away This checklist is about starting the conversation – not rushing a decision.

1. Start with the person

☐ Have we asked what they want for the future?

☐ Do they feel safe and supported right now?

☐ Are there things they want to stay in control of for as long as possible?

2. Notice what’s changing

☐ Have daily tasks become harder or more tiring?

☐ Is someone in the family providing more support than before?

☐ Are there safety concerns at home (mobility, taking medication, falls)?

3. Understand the care pathways

☐ Do we understand the difference between at-home care and residential care?

☐ Do we know what support is available now and what might be needed later?

☐ Are we clear on what family members can realistically provide?

4. Talk before it becomes urgent

☐ Have we had a calm conversation – not one driven by a crisis?

☐ Are all key family members on the same page (or at least part of the conversation)?

☐ Do we know who the main decision-maker?

5. Get guidance early

☐ Have we spoken to someone who understands the Aged Care system?

☐ Do we know how to register with My Aged Care?

☐ Have we considered getting help to navigate assessments, funding and next steps?

6. Plan for peace of mind

☐ Is there a trusted person nominated as a supporter?

☐ Are conversations about future care documented where possible?

☐ Do we know where to go for help if things change suddenly?

A gentle reminder
Planning ahead doesn’t lock you into a decision. It gives you time, clarity and choice – and helps ensure decisions reflect what you truly want.

If you’d like support working through these questions, The Forrest Centre’s Aged Care Solutions service can help guide you through the process, step by step. Call us 02 6932 3009 or visit Aged Care Solutions for help.