Advance Care Planning: Here's How We Make It Happen

6 Minute Read

When care wishes aren't voiced, loved ones are left distressed as to what to do. Start the conversation this Advance Care Planning Week!

Advance Care Planning - How We Do It
© Danielle Robertson Consulting Pty Ltd t/as DR Care Solutions


When engaged to organise the care of a love one, DR Care Solutions undertakes a process called the 5 Easy Steps 4 Care©[1].


It’s a tried and true process developed after 40 years of providing care to thousands of Australians. They are the steps we take to help clients obtain the right care, support and accommodation solutions. It is all about meeting the immediate care needs of the person, planning for their future needs, and at all times respecting their requirements and wishes.


Step One: Establishing Needs and Wishes


For care recipients, the first step is to have a relaxed conversation with you to establish your care needs and wishes.


Step Two: Assessment


The second is to meet you in person, preferably in your home, to speak one-on-one about your care needs and discuss whether those needs can be met in your own home through in-home care or whether other options be considered.


Step Three: Your Life Plan™


Step three involves drawing up a Life Plan™ with you. This plan notes down your care requirements and wishes and sets out our recommendations on care, ongoing support and the planning actions that need to be taken now to get your affairs in order.


It’s the topics we raise during this Life Plan™ step that really get us talking - and planning. To quote the catch cry of Advance Planning Week 2023, “it's the time we talk about what matters most to you”.


There’s no doubt these conversations can be confronting and difficult. Let me reassure you I have had hundreds of them and each time I have managed to help people get their affairs in order and bring a certain peace of mind.


What topics am I talking about? It ranges from the very personal topics of how you wish to be cared for as you grow old through to the very practical topics of:

  • How will you fund your aged care?

  • Who will make decisions for you in regards to your health and financial affairs if you become incapable of doing so?

  • What decisions would you like them to take as your health fails and you lose capacity, and on your death?

 

In legal terms I am speaking of having in place:

  • A Financial Plan

  • A Will

  • An Enduring Guardian, and

  • An Advance Care Directive[2].

 

As I am not a lawyer or financial planner, I do not draw up these documents. Instead I prompt you to see your financial planner and lawyer to make sure these documents are in place. If you do not have a financial planner or lawyer, I can provide a list of accredited financial planners and lawyers who specialise in disability and aged care.


Step Four: Introduce Care


Back to our 5 Easy Steps 4 Care©, the next step is to introduce suitable care from our DR Care Solutions-accredited list of care service providers.


Step Five: Review and Follow Up


We remain in contact on a periodic basis to check that your needs and wishes are being met. And if you need us at any point, we’re here to take your call.


Advance Care Planning Week 2023 – get involved!


Aged Care providers, hospitals and other community organisations are hosting events[3] across the country to spread the word on the benefits of advance care planning. If you’d like to participate from the comfort of your own home, consider attending a webinar.


We’re participating by offering a free downloadable copy of the DR Care Solutions 5 Easy Steps 4 Care©. Simply fill out the form below and we'll send it right out to your email address. 

5 Easy Steps 4 Care©

The steps we take to help you get the right care.

Get your downloadable by filling out the form below.

5 Easy Steps 4 Care - Downloadable

.




 

Needing care planning assistance? Please feel free to call me, Danielle Robertson, at any time for an initial discussion on how to set up the right care, support and assistance at the right time and in the right place.
- Contact Danielle - For An Impartial & Confidential Conversation

 


Resources

[1] DR Care Solutions: 5 Easy Steps 4 Care© 

[2] NB: Different terms are used in the different Australian States and Territories as these powers are established by State and Territory legislation. The Advance Care Planning website provides an excellent summary of what is required by law in each State and Territory.

[3] Advance Care Planning Australia: National Advance Care Planning Week Events

 


 

Danielle Robertson

Danielle Robertson

Working with you and your support network to get the right care outcomes for you and your loved ones. Danielle Robertson is founder and CEO of DR Care Solutions, offering aged care and disability care concierge services and expertise on how to set up the right care, support and assistance for your loved one, at the right time and in the right place. Danielle's experience in the Australian care sector spans over three and a half decades. Now that's a lot of experience, wisdom and networks!