’Tis the season to consider if changes are needed

The Halloween decorations have been put away and Christmas lights are showing up all over town.

It’s officially the ‘most wonderful time of the year’.

One of the best aspects of Christmas is the time families spend together with their loved ones.

Often, however, we may notice that our cherished older family members are feeling isolated or perhaps not acting independently as much as they’d like to.

Of course, more family involvement is often required in these circumstances.

This could be a wake-up call for further family involvement and possible in-home care.

It can also be a time of reflection on whether current accommodation is suitable or if a change is desirable.

Decisions around change can be  quite sensitive to reflect on and not easily made. Over time, there is usually a recognition that the house seems bigger, the maintenance bears a larger cost, or even the lack of community and communication is becoming burdensome.

Maybe the time has come to  consider moving into a retirement  village or quality aged care to enjoy an improved lifestyle.

A decision to move into a retirement village is best done as a whole-of-family decision, with the involvement of the senior persons, as well as their supportive children (themselves often in their 50s or more) and trusted loved ones.

Often, it is the children who first see that mum and dad/nanny and pa are only just managing and wonder if a change from the home to a retirement village may be timely and beneficial.

Once decisions are made to investigate options, it’s time to focus on a downsizing of accommodation. The outcome is usually an upsizing of community involvement and lifestyle through a retirement village.

Elder Law has seen many clients so invigorated by new friendships, plenty of engaging activities and a range of facilities such as a pool, gym, Men’s Shed, sewing clubs, musical events, technology support and sports options.

It definitely is a move from downsizing to upsizing. In fact, some in the industry call it ‘right sizing’.

A move into a retirement village is a significant legal decision as well, as the terms of retirement village contracts are complex, lengthy and onerous.

It is essential that the elderly  persons and their family understand  the ramifications of what they are  signing and what it means to them down the track.

Generalist advice isn’t good enough and we also strongly encourage using a financial advisor.

 Sunshine Coast & Brisbane Elder Law are experts in the area of retirement village and aged care contracts. Call 1800 961 622 or visit sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au. or brisbaneelderlaw.com.au Extensive information on the website includes the 24 things to look for in selecting a retirement village.