Aged care: Make festive season conversations count.

The festive season brings families together. Between shared meals, familiar traditions and the occasional terrible joke from a Christmas bon bon, it’s also a valuable chance to check in with the people we care about.

If you haven’t seen an older family member for a while, you may notice changes that aren’t obvious over a quick phone call. Perhaps Mum seems more forgetful, Dad is less steady on his feet, or everyday tasks like preparing meals, taking medication or maintaining the house seem harder than they used to be.

It’s tempting to brush these moments aside to keep the celebrations light. But they may be signs that your loved one could benefit from some extra support.

Starting the conversation now doesn’t mean making immediate decisions. It simply gives your family more time to understand what’s happening, explore the financial options and plan ahead together.

The need for this kind of planning is growing. More than 1.5 million people receive aged care services in Australia, and over 18% of Australians were aged over 65 in 2025, with demand expected to grow strongly by 2056.

Starting the conversation with older people.

These conversations aren’t always easy. Older family members may be hesitant to acknowledge that things are changing, particularly if they’re concerned about losing their independence.

That’s why the way you approach the conversation matters. Choose a calm, private moment and begin by asking how they’re feeling. You might ask whether anything has become more difficult recently or if there’s something they would appreciate help with.

Most importantly, listen before offering solutions. Early planning should be about helping your loved one stay involved, maintain control and make informed choices about their lifestyle and future.

A few simple steps can help:

• Pay attention to changes. Look for signs that everyday tasks may be becoming more difficult, without jumping to conclusions.

• Choose the right moment. Find a quiet and comfortable time to check in, rather than raising the topic in front of everyone.

• Listen to what matters to them. Ask about their concerns, preferences and priorities before discussing possible solutions.

• Involve trusted family members. With your loved one’s permission, involving others can help share the responsibility and reduce pressure on one person.

• Keep your loved one at the centre. Any decisions should reflect their needs, preferences and wishes.

• Consider the practical arrangements. This may include exploring support at home and reviewing relevant financial and legal arrangements.

A little planning for aged care services can make a big difference.

Planning ahead gives your family the breathing room to compare providers, understand how aged care fees work and make considered decisions. Navigating the financial implications can involve government means testing, care fee structures, assessed income and assets, and balancing accommodation costs with ongoing living expenses. It can also help avoid rushed choices during an already stressful time.

Even if no immediate changes are needed, starting the conversation can give everyone greater clarity about what your loved one wants for the future as an individual, while also helping with related estate planning decisions, including the importance of Enduring Powers of Attorney.

We're here to help you.

You don’t need to navigate aged care decisions alone within Australia’s broader Australian Government-funded aged care system.

Our advisors can help your family understand the financial implications of aged care, explore the available options and develop a plan that supports your loved one’s needs, preferences and financial security.

If spending time together over the festive season raises questions about how an older family member is managing, get in touch. An early conversation can help your family understand options, meet likely future needs, and manage change with greater confidence and peace of mind.

About The Author

With more than 20 years’ experience advising small business owners, Matthew brings deep expertise, genuine care and a practical, real‑world perspective to his role as Partner. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs running diverse businesses, Matthew knows the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners, and how to work together to achieve the best outcomes.