4 tips to start the conversation about aged care 

Bringing up the topic of residential aged care with your elderly parents can be one we’d rather avoid. It’s natural to want your aging parents to continue living in their own home for as long as possible. But, if you’ve noticed a change in their mobility lately, or that they’re starting to find everyday tasks a bit more challenging, a move into an aged care community might be a safer option for them. 

So, what’s the best way to raise the subject? Here are four tips to help you start a positive conversation about aged care: 

 
1. Do some research first. 

Before you raise the topic, find out about residential aged care communities in their local area. Contact them to take a tour and compile a list of what you liked or disliked about each one.  

 
2. Pick the best moment and location. 

Choose a time when you won’t be interrupted and when your loved one seems receptive and calm. The setting is also important – choose somewhere private and on neutral ground so they don’t feel ambushed. Consider options such as a scenic car drive or a quiet park bench with a view. 

 
3. Choose your language carefully. 

Rather than leading with an emotional statement like, ‘I don’t think it’s safe for you to live at home anymore’, try something that conveys you’re in this together. A softer question, such as ‘If you’re starting to find daily tasks a bit harder, what other options could we investigate?’ might be better received. Ask them how they feel about their future, listen without interrupting and keep looking at things from their perspective. 

4. Be prepared for an emotional response or a shut down. 

Your elderly parent might feel scared or even shocked at the prospect of leaving their own home. They might resist talking about it altogether or respond with negativity. Remind them how much you want them to live their best life possible, and that talking through options together is a way of forward planning to keep them safe and healthy. If you feel the conversation isn’t going well, consider trying again another time, or even engaging help from their GP or health practitioner. 

If you’re ready to start looking at aged care options for your parent, contact our Admissions Teams in Maryborough or Rockhampton.  

Residential aged care is designed to support seniors who reach a stage when they can no longer live independently at home. For some, this may happen gradually over time, while for others it may happen suddenly due to an accident or illness. Often, the best way to receive consistent support is to live in a residential aged care community.  

If you think it might be time to consider aged care for your loved one, we’re here to support you.  

It’s helpful to gain an understanding of how entry into aged care works, what support will be provided to your loved one, and how much it will cost. Here are the 5 steps to get started. You can also find other helpful resources on our website. 

Step 1: Get an Aged Care Assessment 

To find out if your loved one is eligible for permanent or respite aged care, arrange an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). You can book an appointment through My Aged Care (visit www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422). Hospitals and doctors can also provide a referral. 

Step 2: Understanding the costs 

Read our simple guide to aged care fees in our Aged Care Guide. To estimate the amount your loved one may be asked to pay towards their care, visit www.myagedcare.gov.au, search for ‘Fee Estimator’ and complete the form. You can also seek advice from a Financial Planner. 

Step 3: Take a tour 

Prepare a shortlist of suitable aged care communities and tour them to compare.  

Step 4: Apply to your preferred aged care community 

Arrange a meeting with a Care Leader at your preferred community. To apply for a residential aged care position, you’ll need to bring documents including a current ACAT, an income and assets form, and Power of Attorney instructions. Our Admissions Team can help you with the application process. 

Step 5: Complete a Resident Agreement 

Once your loved one has been offered a place in a community and wishes to accept it, a Resident Agreement will need to be signed before they move in. 

If you have a question or need assistance with any of these steps, contact our Admissions Teams in Maryborough or Rockhampton. 

We can really feel the excitement of Christmas building here at Yaralla Place and Groundwater Lodge. There’s so much to love about this time of year! Our two communities are busy getting ready to embrace those treasured Christmas traditions that make the festive season special for everyone.

To get us all in the spirit, residents have been decorating the trees in each household, and baking delicious Christmas sugar biscuits.

We’re all looking forward to our Carols by Candlelight evening, the Christmas Tombola, and of course coming together for our resident Christmas parties. Our therapy dog, Khaleesi, has been loving dressing up in her Christmas outfits, and we can’t wait for Santa to visit both communities!

At PresCare, we love supporting residents to continue their valued connections with loved ones, especially at this time of year. Residents and visitors can join our special Christmas Eve Church services, and we encourage family and friends to come and share some time

together in our many welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces.

Please note that visiting protocols are subject to the latest COVID-19 guidelines issued by Queensland Health. Please phone (07) 4120 5800 for information about any visitor restrictions or screening requirements.

To find out more about how PresCare supports residents to continue doing the things they love, call our friendly admissions team on (07) 4120 5800.

At Groundwater Lodge in Maryborough, we’ve been enhancing our secure dementia household so it can cater for 20 residents with advanced memory care needs.

Key to these enhancements are the upgrades to our generous outdoor spaces, including our new sensory garden, and newly planted flower beds and raised veggie patches that residents can easily access.

Residents will be able to enjoy lots of opportunities for gentle gardening activities, like planting, digging or watering.

According to Residential Service Manager, Judy Fisher, these garden spaces can be very therapeutic for residents with memory support needs, providing them with peaceful places to safely walk around or sit amongst nature.

“It’s widely known that being engaged with nature promotes relaxation and reminiscing. We look forward to supporting residents to tend the plants, pick the flowers or just enjoy being in the fresh air,” said Judy.

“At Groundwater, we also have comfortable indoor areas where dementia residents can spend time with others, participate in our dementia-specific lifestyle program, or enjoy one-on-one time with our experienced Carers and Nurses.

“People living with dementia often prefer quieter places because it helps them feel calmer and more at ease. Our secure dementia household is perfectly designed to provide a range of safe and enjoyable indoor and outdoor spaces.”

To find out about respite and permanent private suites at Groundwater Lodge, call our friendly Admissions Team on (07) 4120 5800.