When an older person can no longer manage decisions, families discover — often too late — that they can’t automatically act on their behalf. In Australia this is handled by an Enduring Power of Attorney (for financial and, in some states, personal matters), an Enduring Guardian (for health and lifestyle decisions in some states), and an Advance Care Directive (for future medical care).
Why you need them early
These documents can only be signed while the person still has capacity. Once capacity is lost, no one can sign one, and the family may have to apply to a tribunal (such as a state Civil and Administrative Tribunal) for guardianship or administration — slower, costlier and more stressful. The exact names and rules vary by state and territory.
What to do now
Confirm the documents exist and where the originals are kept, that the appointed person is willing and reachable, and that a home and bank will accept them. If they don’t exist and the person still has capacity, arrange them promptly — it’s the single most useful thing most families can do before a care move.
How to use this guide in practice
Don’t read this as general information — use it as a worksheet. Write down the details of the person who needs care, the current limits of the situation at home, the monthly budget, the documents you already have, whether they’ve registered with My Aged Care and had an assessment, and who you’ve already spoken with. Then turn every unclear point into a specific question. A family that arrives with a clear picture usually gets more useful answers than one calling under stress with scattered information.
Keep one simple rule: anything about admission, cost, funding, waitlists and whether a home fits must be confirmed directly with the aged care home or the competent authority serving your state or territory. This guide prepares the search — it does not replace official decisions.
Want a clear shortlist before you start calling?
If you don’t know which aged care homes to contact first, Curalune Care Help can prepare an ordered shortlist of 3–5 suitable homes — with Star Ratings, contacts, useful links and a ready-to-send enquiry.
The service helps you organise the search. It does not replace the home’s own assessment or the My Aged Care process, and it does not guarantee admission, price or a room.
Important limit
Curalune offers practical help with the search and orientation. Admission, pricing, room availability, eligibility and the final assessment always rest with the aged care homes and the competent authorities (My Aged Care, Services Australia for the means assessment, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission).