Planning for the future

It's never too early to plan ahead so you're ready, when life takes new or unexpected turns.

When life changes

If you care for someone, you may worry about what will happen to your child after you’re gone, or wonder about the best care for your parent if their condition gets worse. The day-to-day needs of both you and the person you care for may change with time. It's good to prepare for what might happen.If you live alone or as a couple, it’s important that your wishes for your future are discussed and documented, should you not be able to speak for yourself.

Getting affairs in order

From a legal point of view there are some affairs to get in order so you're ready when the time comes for changes.

An Enduring Power of Attorney allows you to plan for what decisions you want to be made about your financial and legal affairs, and appoints someone to manage those decisions if you are not able to. Read more about Enduring Power of Attorney
An Advance Care Directive lets you plan ahead for decisions about your health care, accommodation and lifestyle care, and to appoint a person to implement those decisions if you are unable to. Read more about Advance Care Directives
A Will lets you clearly state what you want to happen to your property, possessions and money in the event of your death. Read more about making a Will
Registering as an Organ and Tissue Donor could help enhance the lives of ten people. It is important to register through DonateLife to ensure your decision is followed. Read more about Organ Donation.
Discuss the pros and cons of different options with the person you nominate to represent you, knowing your preferences may make it easier for them to make decisions when needed.

For free legal information and advice, you can contact the Legal Services Commission.
Telephone: 1300 366 424.

Coping with change and loss

Being a carer is often a challenging and difficult journey. There are usually two major ways the caring role transforms – the person moves into a residential care facility or they reach the end of their life.

Our life after caring resources is packed with advice and suggestions for getting through these difficult times, written by past carers who share their experiences.

Carer Support does not specifically endorse any organisation, association or entity referred to in, or linked to, the Online Resources. Views or recommendations provided in linked websites do not necessarily reflect those of Carer Support and Carer Support has no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s). It is your responsibility to make your own decisions about the currency, completeness, accuracy, reliability and suitability of information contained in linked websites.