How to speak with a loved one about aged care

START THE CONVERSATION… Tips to make the conversation about aged care a little easier. Photo: Supplied

MOST Australians want to live at home for as long as possible.
However, not many give much thought into the services or care they’ll need as they get older.

“There are already so many big decisions to consider when people get older, and aged care only adds to the list,” said Victoria Carmody, Home Care Services Manager at Latrobe Community Health Service.

“Many families tell us their biggest regret is not looking into aged care before they needed help as they didn’t realise they may need to wait to receive services.”

Ms Carmody recommends the following steps to make the conversation easier for everyone:
1. Research aged care options. Visit ­­www.myagedcare.gov.au
2. Plan a suitable time and place to have the conversation.
3. Use ‘I’ statements, such as ‘I am’, ‘I feel’, ‘I would like’, ‘I think’. Ask ‘how do you feel?’, ‘what do you think?’.
4. Discuss options, but don’t force them.
5. Listen and be respectful.
6. Bring a neutral voice into the conversation to mediate and ensure everyone is heard.

Latrobe Community Health Service provides free and impartial advice about aged care options.
Phone 1800 242 696 today.

START THE CONVERSATION… Tips to make the conversation about aged care a little easier. Photo: Supplied