Moving a parent or loved one into aged care can be a difficult thing.
There’s the whole emotional side of things where you have had to come to a realisation that they have reached a point where their current living situation is not enough to keep them safe and meet their needs.
Then there’s the sheer logistical challenges that come with finding the right facility for them, and packing up and selling their property that may have been such for decades.
Bob Morton, co-founder and director of The Property Clearance Company
The Property Clearance Company – Australia’s leading home clearance service – co-founder and CEO Bob Morton said it’s at this time of year that many will be realising the time has come for their loved ones to move into the next stage of their life, and making those tough and stressful decisions about how to facilitate that.
“Families are often overwhelmed by the emotional weight of the decision, the logistics, the time pressure and the fear of getting it wrong,” he said.
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“What we see every day is grief mixed with guilt, exhaustion and uncertainty, all happening at once. At this time of year, when family members catch up with elderly loved ones and realise that the need to move them into supportive living such as retirement living or aged care is critical, the decision and impact can be extremely difficult.”
Being well-armed with info can take some of the stress out of moving someone into aged care.
Mr Morton said the process was particularly difficult for those clearing a long-held family home.
“People walk into rooms full of memories and suddenly have to make decisions quickly,” he said.
“What stays, what goes, what’s important and what isn’t. That’s incredibly hard when emotions are already running high.”
Mr Morton said although these decisions often need to be made in a timely fashion, people should try not to rush them, wherever possible.
“Outsourcing the physical work, sorting, clearing, selling or donating items can remove an enormous emotional burden,” he said.
Moving a loved one into aged care can be confronting.
“It allows families to focus on their loved one, not the chaos around them.
“With the right approach, patience and support, families can move through this transition with compassion, clarity and far less emotional strain.
“It’s about honouring the past while making space for the next chapter.”
A report by the Retirement Living Council revealed more than 120,000 South Aussies over 75 were living in homes unsuitably large, and that getting them into retirement living or aged care would save the government $1 billion a year in reduced interaction with our already stretched healthcare system.
Daniel Gannon – Executive Director of the Retirement Living Council. Photo Jeremy Piper /New Romans
It showed getting older Australians out of their home and into more appropriate accommodation would free up our hospitals due to reduced slips, trips and falls and could be the “secret weapon” in injecting more stock into the market, helping reduce the housing crisis.
RLC executive director Daniel Gannon said last year the retirement system needed reform, which would help free up more homes for Australian househunters and make it easier for people to rightsize, reduce debt, and free up equity.
“People are buying later and retiring later, meaning the system has to catch up,” he said.
“We need a modern approach to retirement that reflects how Australians actually live today.”
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A simple checklist for moving a loved one into aged care
1. Acknowledge the emotional impact
This transition is emotionally complex for everyone involved.
Talk openly about the move.
Listen without rushing or minimising feelings.
Reassure your loved one they are supported.
2. Involve your loved one in decisions
Maintaining dignity and choice reduces stress.
Ask which belongings matter most.
Involve them in selecting items for their new room.
3. Check with the aged care facility first
Every facility has guidelines around what can and cannot be brought in.
Confirm furniture and personal item limits.
Ask about safety, space and electrical restrictions.
Clarify what the facility already provides.
4. Sort belongings slowly and carefully
Time pressure often leads to regret.
Start early and work through one area at a time.
Separate sentimental items before practical ones.
5. Preserve memories and family history
These moments are easily lost during rushed clear-outs.
Photograph meaningful items.
Label keepsakes with names, dates or stories.
6. Make the new space feel familiar
Familiarity provides comfort during change.
Bring photos, favourite objects or soft furnishings.
Include familiar routines, books or music.
7. Reach out for professional support
You do not need to manage this alone.
Engage professionals experienced in sorting, packing and clearing out homes.
Discuss the inclusion of cataloguing, valuing and selling items also.
Also explore the need for them to clean and prepare the property for sale.
English (US) · 