How to slow aged care to a standstill … legally
The aged care journey often goes slow when you need it to go fast!
Everyone you talk to wants answers … yesterday. This only heightens the emotional burden and stress levels.
One aspect of the aged care journey where I’ve seen people (literally) stopped in their tracks is when their legal documents are not done or are outdated and don’t reflect what people want.
I’m not a legally qualified professional. I specialise in helping people and their families on the aged care journey. I’ve seen the delays when people’s legals are not as they should be.
These delays are unnecessary, time-consuming, costly, very frustrating … and are (often) very fixable by people before it becomes a problem.
Which legal documents?
They include your Will, Enduring Power of Attorney (financial matters), Enduring Guardian (health and care matters) and Advance Care Directive.
Some tips and things to consider:
If you’ve done these documents – know where the originals are kept (often with the Solicitor’s office who wrote your documents)
If you need copies of these documents – the Solicitor who holds the originals can provide you with certified copies which will be needed to talk on someone else’s behalf to other organisations such as banks, superannuation companies, share trading platforms, Centrelink, etc
Ensure the person / people nominated for various roles know they’ve been nominated and they clearly understand their role, responsibilities and important information of yours (especially if they are a friend or neighbour)
Ensure your legal documents accurately reflect your current wishes and expectations and that they incorporate any new legislation / rules
If you are moving into residential care – the facility will insist you have these documents … and if you don’t – that causes problems and delays.
Not having these documents and needing to approach government-based legal institutions may see your aged care progress stop and your frustration increase. It’s another (often) avoidable hurdle to jump over.
The cost of a little bit of your time and money to get these documents prepared and in order now will save you so much time, hassle and stress if you don’t have them and are able to create them.
How can Family Aged Care Advocates help you?
Give Family Aged Care Advocates a call on 0411 264 002 or email shane@faca.com.au if you have any questions, issues or concerns.
