With busy lives and distance between homes, it can be easy to feel out of touch with our friends and loved one. Sometimes when we gather together after not seeing people for a long time, it might be obvious that there’s been a big change in someone we love.
Family gatherings such as Christmas, celebrations and milestone events provide us with the chance to slow down and catch up with people in our lives. It might be during a visit for these events that you notice someone is not managing as well as they did.
The signs of ageing can be obvious, but sometimes they are more subtle. Here’s a list of things to look out for which might indicate that someone needs a little more help:
- Missed appointments.
- Appliances left on.
- Unclean house.
- Unexplained dents in the car.
- Fridge empty/not eating.
- Changes in personal hygiene.
- Forgetting to take medications.
- House and garden appear neglected.
- Loss of interest in hobbies/activities.
- Depressed mood or behaviour changes.
What happens next?
Have a family meeting
If you have noticed some of these changes, it might be a good time to make a family decision.
Timely planning enables older relatives to transition to access support with ease and dignity. Addressing the looming issue of how to support and access aged care for a loved one now, or into the future, may ensure they do not have to face planning in crisis mode. This allows great control and independence.
We can help
It’s a sensitive topic and one where emotions can have a big impact on the decision-making process. An independent voice to facilitate can help your family discussion, and help you make informed decisions with confidence.
If you know someone who is going into residential aged care, needs to change rooms or facilities and requires assistance understanding their options, call Sophie Doyle on 02 4325 0884 or email [email protected].
Sophie Doyle (AR#000470612) is an Aged Care Specialist at Morgans Financial Limited (Morgans AFSL 235410 / ABN49 010 669 726); with a passion for assisting people make informed financial decisions, as they navigate their way through retirement and aged care.
Disclaimer: While every care has been taken, Morgans Financial Limited makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the contents. The information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without consideration of your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any decisions, you should consider the appropriateness for your personal investment objectives, financial situation or individual needs. We recommend you see a financial adviser, registered tax agent or legal adviser before making any decisions based on this information. Current at 1 April 2023.
