On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 32 I November/December 2019(clone) | Page 11
Signs you may need help
N
obody wants to admit to themselves
that they have grown old and frail. It’s
a stark reminder that time marches on
and we do not live forever.
But there are certain realities that must be
faced if we are to keep ourselves safe. Here are
some signs to watch out for which, if they are
occurring more frequently, it may point to you
needing some extra help.
Missed appointments
Mysterious new dents in the car
Appliances left on
An empty fridge
Poor personal hygiene or changes in
personal standards.
Spotting one or more of these clues is not
necessarily cause for alarm. But a series of
unexplained changes over time might start to
ring bells.
If you are finding it harder to live
independently in your own home, you may
need to ask for help.
Asking for help does not mean you will have
to move out of your home. Friends and family
might be able to provide the support you need, or
you can pay people to provide services. The
Federal Government also subsides home care
services.
Assessing help in your home can reduce the
burden on your spouse or family, while you
receive the care you need.
The first step is to contact the myagedcare
hotline on 1800 200 422 for an initial discussion
and to arrange an assessment. Arranging care
may take a while, so it is better to ring and
organise an assessment sooner, rather than
MORGANS
later. This assessment can be in a home you
own, a retirement village or you could be
living with family members.
In some cases, a move into residential
care where you can be supported 24 hours a
day might be a better option. The important
thing to realise is that you have choices.
Making this decision can be complex.
Take some time to understand your choices,
understand the fees payable and decide
whether home care will work for you.
Ask your family and friends to join this
conversation. Have these discussions whilst
you are still able to maintain your control
and independence, to anticipate how your
need for care may increase.
Planning ahead can help to ensure you
have the money available to fund your
choices as well as identify how to set up
your home and support networks. Seeking
financial advice early in this planning
process will help you make fully informed
decisions and may reduce the stress and
worry for you and your family.
Contact Sophie today on 02 4325 0884 and ask for a
copy of our Home Care brochure – Choosing to stay
in your own home.
Sophie Doyle (AR#000470612) is an Aged Care Specialist at Morgans
Financial Limited (Morgans AFSL 235410 /ABN49 010 669 726); with a
passion for assisting people make informed financial decisions as they
navigate their way through the aged care system.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general advice only and does not take
into account your particular circumstances. We recommend specific tax or legal
advice be sought before any action is taken.
Will you have
to sell the house?
Understand the financial implications and opportunities
available when transitioning a loved one into Aged Care.
We can guide you through the financial steps. Ask today!
Sophie Doyle AR 000470612 Aged Care Specialist / Associate Adviser
02 4325 0884 | morgans.com.au/gosford/aged-care
Morgans Financial Limited ABN 49 010 669 726 AFSL 235410
A Participant of ASX Group A Professional Partner of the Financial Planning Association of Australia.
Never
underestimate
the
of a well-made decision
power
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER – ISSUE 32
11