Lessons from my Dad, in and out of aged care

Great insights, thank you Alex.

I agree with Richard, excellent insights that accord with what I have seen with my parents-in-law.

As someone facing a similar situation right now this article was very timely for me. Some great insights, especially around the 'social' aspect. What can appear to be a great place may, at the end of the day, still be like a prison for some. Growing old should be enjoyable not scary.

Excellent insights, thank you for sharing your experiences.

Thank you for sharing Alex. I went through the "care" process with my dear Mum in 2016 when she could no longer cope at home. Like you that experience has placed me in a better position to assist my clients faced with similar issues.

Thanks Alex, appreciate hearing about your personal experience with Aged Care, and your refreshing honesty.

Hi Alex, thanks very much for your insights. As someone who has been through the aged care process with a parent as well as someone starting to work in this area, I found it very powerful and a valuable learning experience.

Reading through I was trying to reconcile some of the number crunching with what I have already learned and I wondered if you would mind elaborating on one thing? That was the extra $12,600 you were charged for the MTF before your dad left the facility.

I worked out the following: 119 days at $72.78 pd = $8,660.82. They could have charged 119 days at $ 214pd = $25,466, the difference being = $16,806.

But they charged you an extra $ 12,600.

Do you know how they worked that out?

I'd appreciate any comments you have.

Regards
Sara

Alex, thank you for the courage and fortitude to write the article. As someone who may need these services for his parents in the not-to-distant future and who gives advice on aged care, it just shows that research is paramount.

Hi Alex,
Thank you for taking the time to write an article from a personal perspective. You have been a prolific writer and contributor over the years, but there's nothing quite like a personal experience. Our own life experiences (and those that we read about who we respect) help us be better advisers. I hope your dad continues with his recovery.

Well done Alex, it is these types of personal insights that makes us all better advisers. Thank you for the insight and experience you have shared.

WOW

It's like you're in my head...

My dad has gone through a very similar journey, save for his lack of mental capacity (dementia & alzheimer's). That, plus all the cultural baggage that goes with non-Anglo, non-western, families admitting a loved one into care - well that's another story (perhaps another article...).

Cherish every single nanosecond you have with dad in his super alert state. It is not good on the other side of the coin.

But they're our heroes, and we love them (sometimes too too much).

Courage Alex - in the era when we (as trusted advisers in a fiduciary capacity) are now 'parents to our parents', The Age of Estate Administration' dawns.

And never ever forget - we are amongst the very best professionals, in the very best profession (in what some might say the very best country).

Thanks for sharing your story.

Cheers

Thank you Alex, I was able to look after my wife at home till she died,however, I fully support all you have stated as we canvassed it beforehand and decided to stay and were fortunately able to do so.
A friend of mine has a small business "Happier at Home" which says it all.
Thank you for setting it all out so well and adding to my knowledge. Think I will frame a copy and hang it on the wall for my kids.
Cheers

In answer to Sara Bell, I've had another look at the invoice, and you're right, it was clumsily worded in trying not to get too bogged down into numbers. The backdating was for 87 days, ($68.68 charged for 87 days = $5975.16, then the difference of $214.06-$68.68 x 87 = $12,648). He was then invoiced for $214.06 for the remaining 32 days from giving notice. Good pick up!