Frequently Asked Questions About Decision-Making and Support
SUPPORTED DECISION MAKING
About Decision-Making
Q: What if I make the wrong decision?
A: Most decisions can be changed or adjusted later. The important thing is that you make the choice based on your values and the information you have at the time. You can learn from each decision and do things differently next time.
Q: How do I know if I need help with decisions?
A: You might need help if you:
Feel overwhelmed by information
Don't understand the options
Are worried about making mistakes
Feel pressured by others
Want someone to talk things through with
Remember: Getting help doesn't mean you lose control. You're still the decision-maker.
Q: What if my family disagrees with my decisions?
A: Your family may have concerns because they care about you, but ultimately it's your life and your choice. Try to:
Explain your reasons clearly
Listen to their concerns
Show them your written wishes
Ask your support person to help communicate
Consider family mediation if needed
Q: Can I change my mind after making a decision?
A: Yes, in most cases you can change your mind, especially about:
Living arrangements
Care services
Some financial decisions
Medical treatments (in many situations)
Some decisions (like selling property) are harder to reverse, so take extra care with these.
About Power of Attorney
Q: Do I need a power of attorney?
A: A power of attorney can be very helpful if:
You want someone to help with your finances
You're worried about what happens if you become unwell
You have complex financial affairs
You want to plan ahead for the future
You don't legally need one, but it makes things much easier for your family.
Q: When does my power of attorney start working?
A: This depends on what type you have:
General power of attorney: Starts immediately and stops if you lose capacity
Enduring power of attorney: Can start immediately or when you lose capacity
Enduring guardianship: Usually starts when you can't make decisions for yourself
Check your documents to see what you chose.
Q: Can I have more than one attorney?
A: Yes, you can appoint:
Joint attorneys: They must agree on all decisions together
Joint and several: They can act together or separately
Successive attorneys: A backup person if the first one can't do the job
Think about what works best for your family situation.
Q: What if my attorney isn't doing the right thing?
A: If you're concerned about your attorney:
Talk to them directly about your concerns
Ask another trusted person to help
Contact NSW Trustee and Guardian (1300 364 103)
Get legal advice from Legal Aid NSW (1300 888 529)
Contact the Elder Abuse Helpline (1800 628 221) if needed
Q: Can I cancel my power of attorney?
A: Yes, as long as you have capacity to make this decision. You need to:
Put the cancellation in writing
Tell your attorney it's cancelled
Notify banks and other organisations
Consider making a new one if needed
Get legal help to make sure this is done properly.
About Money and Finances
Q: How much super can I access and when?
A: You can usually access your super:
From age 60 if you're retired
From preservation age (55-60 depending on when you were born) in some circumstances
Earlier in cases of severe financial hardship or medical conditions
Contact your super fund or the ATO (131 020) for your specific situation.
Q: Will getting help with my finances affect my pension?
A: Having someone help manage your money doesn't usually affect your pension. However:
Large gifts or transfers might affect your pension
Income from investments is counted
The value of your assets is assessed
Contact Centrelink (132 300) before making major financial changes.
Q: How do I protect myself from scams?
A: To stay safe:
Never give personal details over the phone to unknown callers
Don't click links in suspicious emails or texts
Be wary of door-to-door salespeople
Always get a second opinion on investment offers
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
Report scams to Scamwatch
Q: Should I put my house in my children's names?
A: This is a big decision with serious consequences:
Pros: May help with aged care costs, gives you peace of mind
Cons: You lose legal control, potential capital gains tax, affects pension
Always get professional advice from a financial planner and solicitor before doing this.
About Health and Care
Q: When should I start thinking about aged care?
A: It's never too early to think about your options. Consider your preferences when:
You're healthy and thinking clearly
Your needs are starting to change
You're making other future plans
Your family asks about your wishes
Having a plan reduces stress later.
Q: What's the difference between home care and residential care?
A:
Home care: Support services come to your home (cleaning, personal care, nursing)
Residential care: You move to a care facility where services are provided
Both have different levels depending on your needs. Contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422) for assessment.
Q: Can I stay in my own home as I get older?
A: Many people can stay at home with the right support:
Home care packages provide personal care and domestic help
Community services offer transport, social activities, meals
Home modifications can make your house safer
Technology can help with safety and health monitoring
The key is getting help before you're in crisis.
Q: What if I disagree with my doctor's advice?
A: You have the right to:
Ask for more information about treatment options
Get a second opinion from another doctor
Choose not to have recommended treatment
Ask about alternative treatments
Take time to think about your decision
Remember: It's your body and your choice. Good doctors will respect this.
Q: How do I make an advance care directive?
A: An advance care directive lets you record your wishes about future medical care. To make one:
Think about your values and preferences for medical care
Discuss with your family and GP
Use the NSW Health advance care directive form
Have it witnessed and signed properly
Give copies to your GP, family, and support people
Review it regularly
Contact your local health district for forms and help.
About Living Arrangements
Q: When is it time to consider moving from my home?
A: You might consider moving when:
Your home is too big or hard to maintain
You feel unsafe or isolated
You need more care than can be provided at home
Your family is worried about your safety
You want to be closer to services or family
The decision should be yours, based on your values and circumstances.
Q: What are my housing options as I get older?
A: Your options might include:
Staying at home with support services
Downsizing to a smaller home or unit
Independent living units in retirement villages
Serviced apartments with some support
Residential aged care with full-time care
Each has different costs, benefits, and levels of independence.
Q: How do I choose a good aged care facility?
A: When looking at residential care:
Visit at different times of day
Talk to residents and families
Check the latest quality ratings
Ask about activities and social programs
Look at the meals and common areas
Ask about staff-to-resident ratios
Check costs and what's included
Take your time and trust your instincts.
Q: Can I move back home from residential care?
A: Yes, if your health and circumstances improve, you can usually move back home. You might need:
Assessment from My Aged Care
Home care services set up
Family or professional support
Home modifications for safety
Discuss this with your care team and family.
About Family and Relationships
Q: How do I talk to my adult children about my wishes?
A: Having these conversations can be hard but important:
Choose a calm time when everyone can focus
Be clear about what you want to discuss
Use your written wishes as a starting point
Listen to their concerns but stay firm about your choices
Consider having the conversation in stages
Ask your support person to help if needed
Remember: It's about informing them, not asking permission.
Q: What if my children live far away?
A: Distance doesn't have to mean disconnection:
Use video calls to stay in regular contact
Include them in important decisions by phone or video
Send them copies of important documents
Consider appointing a local person as your primary support
Plan visits around important appointments or decisions
Use technology to help them feel involved
Q: How do I handle family conflict about my care?
A: Family disagreements are common. Try to:
Focus on your wishes, not their preferences
Ask each person to explain their concerns
Use a family meeting with a neutral facilitator
Share your written wishes with everyone
Consider family mediation services
Stand firm on what matters most to you
Contact Family Relationships Australia (1800 050 321) for mediation help.
Q: What if I don't have close family?
A: You can still have good support:
Build relationships with friends and neighbours
Connect with community groups or faith organisations
Consider professional support services
Look into volunteer visitor programs
Develop relationships with regular service providers
Consider appointing NSW Trustee and Guardian as your attorney
Many people create "chosen families" of close friends and supporters.
About Getting Help
Q: I'm worried about being a burden on my family. What can I do?
A: These feelings are very common. Remember:
Accepting help doesn't make you a burden
Most family members want to help because they love you
You can contribute in non-physical ways (wisdom, companionship, financial help)
Professional services can reduce the load on family
Your independence matters, but so does your safety and wellbeing
Talk to your family about these feelings - they might surprise you.
Q: How do I know if a service provider is trustworthy?
A: Before using any service:
Check they have proper licenses and insurance
Ask for references from other clients
Look up reviews online
Verify their ABN and business registration
Start with small jobs before committing to big ones
Trust your instincts if something feels wrong
If in doubt, ask your GP, council, or other trusted professionals for recommendations.
Q: What if I can't afford the help I need?
A: There are options for people on limited incomes:
Government subsidised home care packages
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
Community transport services
Meals on Wheels
Free financial counselling
Legal aid services
Council services and programs
Contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422) or your local council to find out what's available.
Q: How do I complain if I'm not happy with a service?
A: If you're not satisfied:
Talk to the service provider first
Put your complaint in writing
Contact the relevant complaints body (AFCA for financial services, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for aged care)
Get help from advocacy services
Contact Fair Trading NSW for consumer issues
Keep records of your complaint and any responses.
About Legal Matters
Q: Do I need a will if I don't have much money?
A: Yes, a will is important even if you don't have a lot of assets because:
It ensures your wishes are followed
It can prevent family disputes
It's much cheaper to make a will than to sort out problems later
You can include instructions about your funeral and personal belongings
It appoints an executor to handle your affairs
Contact Legal Aid NSW (1300 888 529) for help with low-cost will-making.
Q: What's the difference between a will and power of attorney?
A:
Will: Takes effect after you die and deals with your assets and funeral wishes
Power of attorney: Takes effect while you're alive and helps someone manage your affairs
You need both documents for complete planning.
Q: What happens if I don't have a will or power of attorney?
A: Without these documents:
The government decides how your assets are distributed
Your family may need to apply to court to manage your affairs
This is more expensive and stressful for your loved ones
Your wishes might not be followed
It's much better to have these documents prepared.
Q: How often should I update my legal documents?
A: Review your documents:
Every 3-5 years
When your circumstances change (marriage, divorce, death of family member)
When you move interstate
When laws change
When your wishes change
Keep them current to make sure they reflect your situation.
Emergency Situations
Q: What should I do if I'm being pressured to make a quick decision?
A: If someone is pressuring you:
Say "I need time to think about this"
Ask for information in writing
Contact a trusted person for advice
Don't sign anything immediately
Remember that most decisions aren't truly urgent
Contact relevant authorities if you feel threatened
Legitimate businesses will give you time to consider important decisions.
Q: What if I think someone is taking advantage of me?
A: If you're concerned about financial abuse or scams:
Tell a trusted person immediately
Contact your bank to report suspicious transactions
Call the Elder Abuse Helpline (1800 628 221)
Report scams to Scamwatch
Contact police if you think a crime has occurred
Get legal advice if needed
Don't feel embarrassed - this happens to many people and it's not your fault.
Q: What if I'm in immediate danger?
A: For immediate safety concerns:
Call 000 for police, fire, or ambulance
Go to a safe place if possible
Contact a trusted family member or friend
Call Lifeline (13 11 14) if you're in emotional distress
Contact your local hospital emergency department if needed
Your safety is the most important thing.
Resources for More Help
If You Need More Information:
My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
Centrelink: 132 300
Legal Aid NSW: 1300 888 529
Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 628 221
Lifeline: 13 11 14
http://Moneysmart.gov.au
For Ongoing Support:
COTA NSW: (02) 9286 3860
Carers NSW: 1800 242 636
Dementia Australia: 1800 100 500
Online Resources:
Remember: There's no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to your health, money, and wellbeing. These services are there to help you, so don't hesitate to call if you need information or support.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. The information is provided "as is," without any guarantee of its accuracy or completeness.
Any action you take based on the contents of this guide is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from its use. Please consult a qualified professional to address your individual circumstances.