As we get older, there are things we need to think about and prepare for to ensure we can live the way we choose for as long as possible.
Taking steps to plan ahead can help you stay independent, make informed decisions and ensure your wishes are known. Whether you are a few years away from needing support or simply want to be prepared, early planning gives you more control over your future.
Keeping your future needs in mind
Think about your healthcare preferences
Planning for your current and future healthcare is important at any age. Even if you are healthy now, it’s a good idea to have your wishes and preferences in place in case you are unable to communicate them in the future.
If you have a long-term health condition or injury, it’s important to think about the extra support you might need at a later point.
Some things to consider are:
thinking about your values and preferences related to your health and personal care
talking with friend or family member about what matters most to you
preparing legal documents such as your Will, an advance health directive or enduring power of attorney
considering who will make healthcare and other decisions for you if you can’t
talking to your GP about preventative health and fitness.
Consider small changes to make your home safer
Making your home safer and more accessible now can help you stay there longer. You can consider changes such as:
installing grab rails, non-slip flooring or walk-in showers
installing easy access taps and heatproof benchtops
improving lighting and removing trip hazards.
There are many things you can do to improve safety and security in your house, depending on your needs and budget. Learn more about keeping your home safe and secure on the LiveUp website.
Take steps to maintain your independence and mobility
Staying active can help you continue doing the things you enjoy and reduce your risk of illness or injury as you get older.
There are steps you can take now to support your health and wellbeing into the future, such as:
doing regular exercise like walking, swimming or strength training to keep your muscles and joints strong
taking part in reablement programs that help you regain or improve your ability to manage daily tasks after illness or injury
focusing on balance and flexibility exercises to reduce your risk of falls and stay confident moving around
eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated to support your body’s needs as you age
doing regular health checks to catch any issues early and manage existing conditions
keeping your mind active with hobbies, social activities, or learning something new.
It’s important to understand what expenses you may have in the future – from daily expenses to aged care. There are some key things you can start now to help you make informed choices later.
Make a retirement plan. Account for everyday living, healthcare, travel and any care you may need. The Australian Government’s Moneysmart website has helpful information, checklists and tools covering retirement income planning, budgeting, saving, pensions, managing debt and other key financial topics.
Understand how aged care costs work for the different aged care programs and services. This includes learning how income and assets are assessed to determine how much you would have to pay.
Consider speaking to a financial adviser who can work with you to set financial goals and create a plan to achieve them. This includes reviewing your income, savings and investments.
You may want to think about who will manage your affairs as you age. There are a few options you can consider, depending on your wishes and situation. A legal adviser can inform you of the choices, tell you what documents you would need and help ensure that the documents are valid and reflect your wishes.
A few legal documents to consider are:
a Will to outline how your assets should be distributed
an enduring power of attorney to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf
an advance health directive to specify your healthcare wishes.
Getting the right aged care support at the right time can help you stay independent for longer. You don’t need to wait until you need support before looking at your options.
Look at what government-subsidised services are available to help you stay in your own home. There are different types of support to suit different needs. Explore the types of aged care available.
Depending on your interests and budget, you can also look at non government-funded services provided in your home, in non government-funded aged care homes or in retirement villages or independent living units.
Discussing your future plans with family and friends can provide clarity and support. Talk with your family, friends and other caregivers about what support is needed for you to stay in your home. Be prepared to revisit the decision as your needs change over time.
Taking proactive steps now can provide peace of mind and ensure your future care aligns with your preferences.
