Starting the Aged Care Journey
Noticing the early signs, planning ahead and avoiding a crisis. Here's exactly what to do first.
"I think Mum needs help, but I don't know where to start."
If you're noticing unwashed clothes, out-of-date food in the fridge, or increased forgetfulness, you're probably feeling a knot of anxiety in your stomach. I remember that feeling well.
The good news? Aged care made simple starts here — with one small, clear step at a time. The worst thing you can do right now is wait for a fall or a medical emergency. The best thing you can do is start putting gentle supports in place.
Your Immediate Next Steps:
- Register with My Aged Care: It feels daunting, but you need to get them in the system. You can do this as their representative.
- Book a SAS - Single Assessment Process: The wait times in Australia can be months. Book it now, even if you don't think you need it yet.
- Check Legal Documents: Ensure Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Care Directives are signed while they still have capacity.
Having the Difficult Conversation
No parent wants to feel like they are losing their independence. Approach this as a partnership. Use phrases like, "I want to make sure you can stay in this house as long as possible. Let's get some help with the cleaning so you can focus on enjoying your garden."
Frequently Asked Questions
The Essential Aged Care Roadmap
This planner gives you a clear, step-by-step roadmap so you can move forward with confidence — knowing exactly what to do, what to expect, and how to stay organised.
- Before You Call My Aged Care
- Scripts & What to Expect
- Assessment Prep & Navigation
- Next Steps & Tracking Logs
My Aged Care Quick Start Guide
A simple, fast-track guide to getting your parents registered with My Aged Care. Avoid common pitfalls.
The Essential Life Admin Organiser for Aging Parents
A practical guide to gathering your parent's critical legal, financial, medical and personal information in one secure place — so you're not left scrambling during a crisis.
Suggested Reading
More advice and guidance for this stage of the journey.
Preparing for the SAS Assessment: A Guide for Australian Families
The acronyms alone are enough to make your head spin. Here is a plain-English breakdown of what the new SAS (Single Assessment System) is, how to prepare, and what to expect on the day.
Read article
Signs Your Aging Parent May Not Be Coping As Well As You Think
It's rarely one big event. Usually, it's a slow collection of small changes. Here are the subtle signs that your parent might need more support than you can provide.
Read article
How to Talk to Your Parents About Aged Care Without Upsetting Them
The 'C' word (care) can immediately put parents on the defensive. Here are scripts and gentle approaches to start the conversation before it becomes an emergency.
Read article