For many Australians, aged care is something that happens "later". It sits in the background as a future problem, often accompanied by a firmly held belief that they will stay in the family home forever. When the need for care finally arrives, the conversation can look very different.
The family home that once represented independence can become socially isolating, unsafe and surprisingly expensive to support. Stairs become hazards. Bathrooms become dangerous. Large blocks become impossible to maintain. Friends and neighbours move away or pass on, and the home that once held a lifetime of memories can suddenly feel very empty.
That does not mean the only option is moving into residential aged care.
