Downsizing in Australia - Mark O'Shea | Page 27

Dean Lupson On the positive side, it can be extremely helpful to use loved ones as a sounding board to clarify your own thoughts. On the negative side, you may need to be careful that advice given is truly in your best interests. Ultimately, this is your decision. Your family or friends may have similar or differing views, but in the end, you will have to live with the decision made for many years to come so I suggest you make the decision—before someone or something else does! That said, you may be in the fortunate situation of having loving people around you who truly do have your interests at heart. In that case, you should be open to their suggestions. Bill and Janette did not discuss the future with their son, and their son felt he could not raise the matter of their failing health with them. As a result, an opportunity was lost. 027