7 Mistakes to Watch Out For When Moving into Aged Care

7 Mistakes to Watch Out For When Moving into Aged Care

Moving a loved one into aged care is a big deal. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, financial decisions and logistics. For many Queensland families this also means selling the family home – a place full of memories and sentimental value. At Hugo Alexander Property Group we know how overwhelming this process can be which is why we’re here to help every step of the way.

To make the transition as smooth as possible we recommend you avoid these 7 mistakes. Here’s what we can help you with.

1. Putting off the Aged Care Conversation

One of the biggest mistakes families make is putting off the conversation about aged care. We all hate to talk about difficult topics but putting it off can mean making decisions in the heat of the moment.

Early conversations allow families to explore options, understand their loved one’s wishes and create a plan together. This is especially important when it comes to the family home. Decisions about selling, renting or renovating should be made with thought and input from everyone involved.

At Hugo Alexander Property Group we’ve worked with families who have faced these challenges. We can guide and support you to make informed decisions on time, not in the heat of the moment.

2. Not Preparing the Legal Stuff

Legal documents such as a Power of Attorney are critical when moving into aged care. Without these in place families may struggle to manage financial and legal responsibilities for their loved one.

In Queensland a Power of Attorney is required to deal with the sale of the family home, signing contracts and managing the proceeds. Families who don’t prepare this often face delays and added stress in an already stressful time.

Hugo Alexander Property Group works with families to ensure all the legalities are sorted before the property is listed for sale. If needed we can connect you with trusted lawyers to simplify the process.

3. Not Factoring in the Financials

Aged care in Queensland can be expensive with the Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) often being hundreds of thousands of dollars. Daily care fees and additional services can further strain the family budget.

Many families assume the only solution is to sell the family home straight away but this isn’t always the case. You need to consider all the financial options, timing the sale to get the best return or leveraging the proceeds.

At Hugo Alexander we’re more than just real estate agents – we’re your partners in this financial journey. Our expertise in determining and increasing property value, and strategic selling means you get the best possible outcome to support your loved one’s care needs.

4. Selling the Family Home Too Quickly

The pressure to fund aged care fast can mean families sell the family home without proper preparation. This can mean lower sale prices and unnecessary financial loss.

Selling a property can require careful preparation to get the maximum sale price. From decluttering to staging and repairs every detail counts in getting the best price. At Hugo Alexander Property Group we manage the whole process for you, we get the home ready and present it to the market in the best possible way.

We can:

• Coordinate professional cleaning and repairs
• Arrange furniture removal, storage or valuation
• Supervise any necessary renovations to increase value
• Organise high quality photography and marketing materials

By taking care of these details we get the home to attract serious buyers and get the best price.

5. Not Considering Emotional Wellbeing

Moving into aged care is not just a financial decision it’s an emotional one. For many elderly parents leaving the family home is a big loss. For their children it’s a very personal experience full of memories and sentimentality.

Not considering the emotional side of this can lead to resentment and conflict within the family. You should involve your loved one in the decision making process as much as possible so they feel heard and respected.

At Hugo Alexander Property Group we approach every sale with empathy and understanding. We’ve worked with families going through these emotional challenges and we’re more than just property experts – we’re a support partner in this difficult time.

6. Not Researching the Aged Care Facility

Not all aged care facilities are the same and rushing this decision can mean dissatisfaction or another move down the line. Families should visit multiple facilities, talk to staff and review services to find the best fit for their loved one’s needs.

Location is also important. Choosing a facility close to family members means visiting is easier and more frequent which is vital for emotional support.

Hugo Alexander doesn’t manage aged care placements but we work with families to time the sale of the home with the move to aged care. Our goal is to cause minimal disruption and a smooth transition for everyone involved.

7. Only Thinking of the Short Term

It’s natural to focus on the short term challenges of moving into aged care but overlooking the long term needs can add stress later on. Aged care needs often change and it’s important to plan for ongoing care requirements.

This includes choosing a facility that can cater for changing health conditions and managing the proceeds from the family home to provide long term financial security.

Hugo Alexander Property Group helps families look beyond the immediate sale. Our approach means the property is sold for the best possible price giving you the financial peace of mind to support your loved one’s future care.
How We Can Help

Moving from home to aged care is a big process but you don’t have to do it alone. At Hugo Alexander Property Group we offer bespoke support for families in Queensland.

We Can Help With:

• Accurate property valuation to reflect the current market
• Strategic advice on repairs, maintenance and staging to increase value
• Coordinating professional services – cleaning, packing, gardening
• Marketing to the right buyers
• Skilled negotiation to get the best price

We get the emotional and financial intricacies of selling a family home for aged care. We’re here to make the process as easy and stress free as possible for you.

Conclusion

Moving from home to aged care is full of big decisions and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. By not making these mistakes and working with a reputable real estate agent like Hugo Alexander Property Group you can get through this transition with ease.