Residential aged care – your role as the power of attorney

As your loved ones age, they may need help with everyday activities and can no longer live independently. Moving into an aged care home may be the best option to help them with daily tasks and manage their health and well-being. 

It can be challenging for residents and family members as you navigate the ins and outs of aged care, but the most important thing is ensuring they are getting the best attention possible. 

Your loved one may have asked you to become a power of attorney, a critical role in helping in the decision-making process for their care. To help you, let’s discuss your responsibilities as a Power of Attorney regarding residential aged care. 

What is a Power of Attorney?

You may already be familiar with this term, but if you don’t completely understand, let’s go over the basics. A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives a person control over another person’s healthcare, finances and other private matters. 

Regarding residential aged care, a Power of Attorney decides the type of care your loved one receives. You can decide which Gold Coast residential aged care is best and how to pay for it. 

How to choose a residential aged care home

As a Power of Attorney, choosing an aged care home could be your responsibility, especially if they have no other close family members. We know it can be daunting, with so many factors to consider. If possible, you should always involve your loved one in the decision-making process. 

Here are a few tips to help you choose the best residential aged care home for your loved one: 

• Always visit in person – Homes can look and feel completely different online, so we recommend booking a tour so you can see the home in person. Most residential homes will allow you to book a tour of the property online or by phone.
  
• Decide what’s important for your loved one – Is medical care your priority? Or is one a social butterfly and needs to stay social? You should be clear on what’s important to your loved one to choose the best residential aged care home.
  
• What type of accommodation is available – Not every home is the same, and many offer very different accommodation options. Perhaps your loved one would prefer a view or a more spacious room. Choosing the right accommodation type will help your loved one feel comfortable in their new home.
  
• What type of care is available – What residential aged care home you choose will depend on what level of care they provide. Many homes offer specialised dementia care and general residential aged care services. 
• How are the daily meals prepared – When choosing an aged care home, consider how the daily meals are prepared. Some aged care homes have food made off-premises, whereas others, like HillView Care in Ashmore and Merrimac, have on-site chefs preparing home-cooked meals daily.

Once you have chosen an aged care home, you will be responsible for ensuring your loved one’s needs are effectively communicated. Your role as a Power of Attorney is to ensure they receive care tailored to their needs. 

Managing finances

If your loved one can’t manage their finances, as Power of Attorney, you’ll need to take over. You’ll need to pay for their care, manage their investments and assets and make financial decisions on their behalf. 

Regarding residential aged care homes, there are various payment options. The Australian Government provides funding, but the amount of funding will depend on their situation. It’s vital to consider your loved one’s wishes and manage their finances respectively. 

Be an ongoing advocate

As your loved one’s Power of Attorney, you must be their strongest advocate. You may have to communicate on their behalf if you are concerned about their care and advocate for changes when necessary. 

As a Power of Attorney, you’re probably either a trusted family member or friend. After your loved one moves into a home it’s important to keep in regular contact with them so you can monitor their health and maintain communication with the aged care home of any changes to their needs as time goes by. 

Becoming a Power of Attorney is a serious responsibility, but you have an extremely important responsibility. You’re their number one advocate and you need to ensure your loved one receives the best care possible and their needs are always met.

If you’re a Power of Attorney and looking for an aged care home for a loved one, book a tour at HillView Merrimac or Ashmore today to learn more about our beautiful Gold Coast residential aged care homes.