Transitioning from home care to Aged Care is a significant life event that involves both emotional and practical considerations. At TriCare, we understand that your family home holds a lifetime of memories, making the decision to sell it both challenging and emotional.
We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of this transition, including the financial and logistical aspects of moving to an Aged Care Residence (sometimes called an Aged Care home). In this article, we’ll explore both the emotional and practical aspects of this journey, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions.
Understanding the transition
Moving from home care to Aged Care involves more than just a change in living arrangements; it’s a significant life transition that requires both emotional and practical adjustments.
Emotional impact
We recognise that leaving a family home is often one of the most difficult decisions you’ll face. Your home is not just a place; it’s where life’s milestones have been celebrated, making the idea of moving into an Aged Care home emotionally challenging. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and understand that they are a normal part of the process. It can help to have open conversations with family members about how you’re feeling, and seek support from professionals to help manage these emotions.
Practical considerations
From a practical standpoint, selling a home involves a series of steps that can be overwhelming without proper planning. This is where early preparation for Aged Care becomes crucial. Understanding what to expect and preparing in advance can help reduce stress and ensure a smoother transition. It’s important to consider not only the sale of your home but also the selection of the right Aged Care home that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Assessing Aged Care needs
Before making any decisions, it’s important to assess the level of care you require and determine whether moving to an Aged Care Residence is the best option for you or your loved one.
Evaluating care requirements
The first step in planning for Aged Care is to evaluate current and future care needs. This involves considering factors such as mobility, health conditions, and the level of assistance required for daily activities. At TriCare, we offer a range of services within our Residential Aged Care facilities from Respite Care (short-term care) to Permanent Care including Dementia and Palliative Care. We recommend consulting with your healthcare professionals to gain valuable insights into the appropriate level of care for your situation, and our Aged Care Specialist team is always happy to talk you through our options.
Planning for Aged Care fees
Once you’ve determined the need for Aged Care, the next step is to begin planning for it. This includes understanding the financial implications, such as Aged Care costs. Planning ahead allows you to explore different options, assess your financial situation, and make informed decisions about the sale of your home, if that’s what you choose to do. We advise consulting with a financial advisor who specialises in Aged Care to ensure you’re fully prepared for the costs involved.
Other financial implications of moving to Aged Care
Understanding all financial aspects is critical, as Aged Care costs can impact your long-term financial plans.
Aged Care fees
Aged Care fees can vary depending on the type of care required and the facility you choose to live at. Typically, Aged Care fees include an accommodation fee, daily care fees, and additional service fees for any extra amenities. It’s important to understand how these fees are structured and what they cover. There are also government subsidies that may be available to you, which can help offset some of the costs. You can learn more about how Aged Care fees work on our Costs and Contracts page.
Selling your home
The sale of your home may be a key part of financing your move to Aged Care. The proceeds from the sale can be used to pay for Aged Care costs, including the accommodation fee and ongoing Aged Care fees. However, it’s important to consider the timing of the sale and the impact it may have on your overall financial plan. We recommend working with a financial advisor to help you structure the sale and manage the proceeds in a way that supports your long-term care needs.
Don’t forget legal and practical steps in selling your home
Selling a home involves both legal and practical steps that should be carefully managed to ensure a smooth transition to Aged Care.
Legal considerations
The legal process of selling a home involves several key steps, including preparing the property for sale, signing contracts, and transferring ownership. We recommend engaging a solicitor who can guide you through the process and ensure all legal requirements are met. Additionally, if you have a power of attorney in place, they will need to be involved in the decision-making process. Proper legal advice is necessary in planning for Aged Care, so you can avoid any potential issues down the line.
Practical things to consider
On the practical side, preparing your home for sale involves decluttering, making necessary repairs, and staging the property to appeal to potential buyers. It’s also important to understand the local real estate market and set a realistic price for your home. Engaging a reputable real estate agent can help you navigate these steps and ensure a successful sale. The timeline for selling a home can vary, so it’s important to start the process early to avoid any delays in moving to an Aged Care home.
Emotional support and resources
At TriCare, we understand that the emotional aspect of moving from home care to Aged Care is significant, and having the right support is essential. While we like to think we’re experts in taking care of you when you’re ready to enter Aged Care, we’re also happy to refer you to relevant experts on topics that are outside of our area of expertise.
Emotional wellbeing
Managing the emotional toll of selling a home and moving to an Aged Care home requires acknowledging your feelings and seeking appropriate support. This might involve talking to family members, friends, or a counsellor who specialises in elderly care. We encourage you to give yourself time to adjust to the idea of moving, and to focus on the positive aspects of the transition, such as the increased support and care available in aged care homes. And reach out for professional support if you feel like you need some extra help.
Community resources
There are many community resources available to help you during this transition. Support groups, counselling services, and Aged Care advocacy
organisations can provide valuable assistance and guidance. The Australian Government’s My Aged Care website is a great place to start. My Aged Care’s resources can help you navigate the planning process for Aged Care, understand Aged Care costs, and find other services that can help you through this process.
Making the transition smooth
With proper planning and support, the transition from home care to Aged Care can be smooth and less stressful.
Final preparations
As you approach the move, it’s important to finalise all preparations, including confirming your Aged Care home booking, ensuring all legal and financial matters are settled, and saying goodbye to your home in a way that feels right for you. Having a checklist of tasks can help you stay organised and ensure nothing is overlooked. Addressing any final concerns about Aged Care costs with your financial advisor can also provide peace of mind.
Settling into Aged Care
The first few weeks in an Aged Care Residence can be an adjustment period. We encourage you to bring personal items from your home to make your new space feel familiar, and we’ll do our best to make you feel right at home. Our staff is dedicated to helping you get to know the facility and other residents, and we encourage you to stay in touch with family and friends, and have them come and visit you. Remember, it’s normal to take time to adjust, and we have support options available if you need extra help.
Moving from home care to Aged Care is a significant life event that involves both emotional and practical challenges. At TriCare, we’re committed to helping you navigate this transition with confidence, so you can feel relaxed and happy in your new home.
By planning for Aged Care in advance, understanding Aged Care fees, and seeking the right support, you can approach this new chapter of life with peace of mind. While selling your home is just one part of the process, with careful consideration and the right resources, it can lead to a smoother, more positive experience as you move into your new home with us.
Want to learn more about our Aged Care options? We’d love to hear from you and maybe even show you around. Call our Aged Care Specialist team on 1300 874 2273 or hit the link below to book a tour.
