Elderly care transitions: why families struggle with decisions

Moving a parent or loved one into aged care can be a difficult experience.

There is a whole emotional side of things where you have had to come to the realization that they have reached a point where their living conditions are not enough to keep them safe and meet their needs.

Then there are the big operational challenges that come with finding a suitable location, and packing and selling their goods that may have been there for decades.

Property Clearance Company – Australia’s leading real estate clearance service – founder and CEO Bob Morton said it is at this time of year that many will realize that the time has come for their loved ones to enter the next phase of their lives, and make those difficult and stressful decisions about how to do so.

“Families are often overwhelmed by the emotional weight of the decision, the logistics, the time pressure and the fear of getting it wrong,” he said.

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What we see every day is sadness mixed with guilt, exhaustion and uncertainty, all happening at the same time. At this time of year, when family members receive elderly loved ones and realize that the need to move them into a supportive lifestyle such as retirement or elder care is important, the decision and impact can be overwhelming.”

Being well-equipped with information can take the stress out of moving someone out of aged care.

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Mr Morton said the process was particularly difficult for those moving out of a long-held family home.

“People walk into rooms full of memories and suddenly they have to make quick decisions,” he said.

“What stays, what goes, what’s important and what’s not. That’s incredibly difficult when emotions are already running high.”

Mr Morton said that although these decisions often need to be taken on time, people should try not to rush them wherever possible.

“Putting out physical work, organizing, removing, selling or donating things can take away a lot of emotional burden,” she said.

Moving a loved one into aged care can be stressful.

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“It allows families to focus on their loved ones, not the chaos around them.

“With the right approach, patience and support, families can move through this transition with compassion, clarity and minimal emotional distress.

“It’s about honoring the past while making room for the next chapter.”

A report by the Retirement Living Council revealed that more than 120,000 South Aussies over 75 were living in unreasonably large homes, and that moving them into retirement homes or aged care would save the government $1 billion a year in reduced co-operation with our already stretched health system.

Daniel Gannon – Executive Director of the Council on Retirement Living. Photo by Jeremy Piper / New Romans

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It has shown that getting older Australians out of their homes and into more suitable places will free up our hospitals due to reduced slips, trips and falls and could be the “secret weapon” to inject more stock into the market, helping to ease the housing crisis.

RLC chief executive Daniel Gannon said last year the retirement system needed reform, which would help free up more homes for Australian house hunters and make it easier for people to balance, reduce debt, and free up equity.

“People buy later and retire later which means the system must be delayed,” he said.

“We need a modern approach to retirement that reflects the way Australians live today.”

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A simple checklist for moving a loved one into aged care

1. Acknowledge emotional influence

This transition is emotionally complex for everyone involved.

Talk freely about moving.

Listen without rushing or reducing emotions.

Reassure your loved one that they are supported.

2. Include your loved one in decisions

Maintaining dignity and choice reduces stress.

Ask what things are most important.

Involve them in choosing items for their new room.

3. Check out a senior care facility first

All institutions have guidelines about what can and cannot be brought in.

Ensure furniture and personal item restrictions.

Ask about safety, location and electrical restrictions.

Be clear about what the facility already provides.

4. Sort things slowly and carefully

Time pressure often leads to regret.

Start early and work on one area at a time.

Separate emotions before reality.

5. Preserve memories and family history

These times are easily lost during a quick shutdown.

Take pictures of important things.

Label archives with names, dates or stories.

6. Make the new space feel familiar

Familiarity provides comfort during change.

Bring photos, favorite things or soft furnishings.

Include routines, books or music.

7. Reach out for professional support

You don’t have to handle this alone.

Engage experienced professionals in sorting, packing and moving homes.

Discuss cataloging, pricing and reselling items.

Also check the need for them to clean and prepare the property for sale.