Imagine balancing the demands of your career and your family, and then adding the role of a caregiver into the mix. Sounds overwhelming, right?

Well, it’s something that most of us go through when we become responsible for the care of our aging parents. That’s exactly what happened to me in the last few years. So, today I want to share my experiences and offer advice to those who might be going through something similar.

For the past few years, I've been deeply involved in looking after my elderly parents. My father battled cancer for three years before passing away, leaving my mother to manage on her own. Dad had always looked after everything, leaving mum unaware of how to pay bills, use a credit card, or even access cash. When he passed, I became responsible for managing her finances, which was both time-consuming and emotionally draining.

Thankfully, I had already helped my parents switch banks and sort out their direct debits a year before my father passed away, so I was somewhat prepared. But the entire experience highlighted just how unprepared I was for the reality of aging parents.

I’m not alone in this. Many of my friends are going through similar experiences with parents who have Alzheimer's, dementia, or other severe health conditions. One close friend is navigating this difficult journey as an only child. His mother is regressing with dementia and is now in an aged care facility. The impact on his life is significant, both emotionally and financially, as he also supports his father through this tough transition.

For those of you approaching this stage, taking the time to get legally prepared can save you a lot of hassle later on. Here are the top steps I recommend taking: 
Make sure your parents have an updated will in place. I helped my parents draft theirs only a few years ago, and I’m incredibly thankful I did.
Secure an enduring power of attorney. This covers almost everything, including financial matters. I make most financial decisions on mum's behalf now, and having this in place made the process much simpler. You also want to have a medical power of attorney set up for unexpected medical situations.
Finally, you want to register yourself as a nominee with your government's relevant social services agency. Here in Victoria, Australia, it's an SS 313 form, but it varies by locale. This will simplify bureaucratic processes immensely.



Spend Time, Start Conversations

Beyond the legal and financial prep, it’s important to have conversations with your parents about their wishes if they pass away suddenly or are involved in an accident. It may be an uncomfortable conversation, but it’s far better to know what they want when the time comes, rather than scrambling to choose for them.

Also, encourage them to talk about their lives! It’s something I wish I had done more with my dad. It was only when preparing his eulogy that I realised how many questions I still had about his life. So, spend as much time as you can with your parents. Trust me, you'll cherish these memories when they're no longer here.



Financial Awareness
It’s important to have some knowledge of your parent's finances before you have to take responsibility for them. Talk to your parents and get clear on their position. It’s equally important to have a solid understanding of your own financial situation.

Women in their fifties and sixties are the largest demographic of people facing homelessness in Australia. This is due to a lack of financial literacy and preparedness. So, make sure you’re vigilant about your financial health, know it inside out, and actively participate in it.

Caring for your parents isn’t easy, but being prepared can reduce the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that come with it. If you’re already in this situation, know that I see you, I hear you, and I send my love your way.

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice”here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website:     https://juliehyde.com.au

Imagine balancing the demands of your career and your family, and then adding the role of a caregiver into the mix. Sounds overwhelming, right?
Well, it’s something that most of us go through when we become responsible for the care of our aging parents. That’s exactly what happened to me in the last few years. So, today I want to share my experiences and offer advice to those who might be going through something similar.
For the past few years, I've been deeply involved in looking after my elderly parents. My father battled cancer for three years before passing away, leaving my mother to manage on her own. Dad had always looked after everything, leaving mum unaware of how to pay bills, use a credit card, or even access cash. When he passed, I became responsible for managing her finances, which was both time-consuming and emotionally draining.
Thankfully, I had already helped my parents switch banks and sort out their direct debits a year before my father passed away, so I was somewhat prepared. But the entire experience highlighted just how unprepared I was for the reality of aging parents.
I’m not alone in this. Many of my friends are going through similar experiences with parents who have Alzheimer's, dementia, or other severe health conditions. One close friend is navigating this difficult journey as an only child. His mother is regressing with dementia and is now in an aged care facility. The impact on his life is significant, both emotionally and financially, as he also supports his father through this tough transition.
For those of you approaching this stage, taking the time to get legally prepared can save you a lot of hassle later on. Here are the top steps I recommend taking: 
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Make sure your parents have an updated will in place. I helped my parents draft theirs only a few years ago, and I’m incredibly thankful I did.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Secure an enduring power of attorney. This covers almost everything, including financial matters. I make most financial decisions on mum's behalf now, and having this in place made the process much simpler. You also want to have a medical power of attorney set up for unexpected medical situations.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Finally, you want to register yourself as a nominee with your government's relevant social services agency. Here in Victoria, Australia, it's an SS 313 form, but it varies by locale. This will simplify bureaucratic processes immensely.</li>
</ol>
 
Spend Time, Start Conversations
Beyond the legal and financial prep, it’s important to have conversations with your parents about their wishes if they pass away suddenly or are involved in an accident. It may be an uncomfortable conversation, but it’s far better to know what they want when the time comes, rather than scrambling to choose for them.
Also, encourage them to talk about their lives! It’s something I wish I had done more with my dad. It was only when preparing his eulogy that I realised how many questions I still had about his life. So, spend as much time as you can with your parents. Trust me, you'll cherish these memories when they're no longer here.
 
Financial Awareness It’s important to have some knowledge of your parent's finances before you have to take responsibility for them. Talk to your parents and get clear on their position. It’s equally important to have a solid understanding of your own financial situation.
Women in their fifties and sixties are the largest demographic of people facing homelessness in Australia. This is due to a lack of financial literacy and preparedness. So, make sure you’re vigilant about your financial health, know it inside out, and actively participate in it.
Caring for your parents isn’t easy, but being prepared can reduce the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that come with it. If you’re already in this situation, know that I see you, I hear you, and I send my love your way.
Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice”<a href="https://youalwayshaveachoice.com.au/"> here</a> 
Connect with Julie:
LinkedIn:    <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/">@juliehydeleads</a>
Website:     <a href="https://juliehyde.com.au/">https://juliehyde.com.au</a>

Want to know the secret to confident and successful leadership?

Every week, Leading You showcases leadership of all kinds and you get the scoop on how to be an effective, modern leader who makes an impact.

There’s one thing we all have in common. We’re all leaders. First and foremost, you’re a leader of you. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership is a mindset which anyone can adopt to create influence. The more leaders the world has, the better it will be.

I'll let you into something I know to be true - You can’t be a leader of others unless you’re a leader of self first. So if you want to have impact that leads to prosperity and happiness, it all starts with you. With your mindset and personal leadership toolbox, which Leading You will help you build up.

Leading you is hosted by Julie Hyde, an entrepreneur, corporate drop out and passionate leader. Julie knows one thing: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. It’s why Leading You is important.

Each week, guests share their secret sauce. They reveal their roadmaps to success. How they’ve stayed anchored to who they are, insights into their courage and resilience and how to be emotionally and behaviourally agile. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, and you’ll hear the human side of household names.

Want to know the secret to confident and successful leadership?
Every week, Leading You showcases leadership of all kinds and you get the scoop on how to be an effective, modern leader who makes an impact.
There’s one thing we all have in common. We’re all leaders. First and foremost, you’re a leader of you. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership is a mindset which anyone can adopt to create influence. The more leaders the world has, the better it will be.
I'll let you into something I know to be true - You can’t be a leader of others unless you’re a leader of self first. So if you want to have impact that leads to prosperity and happiness, it all starts with you. With your mindset and personal leadership toolbox, which Leading You will help you build up.
Leading you is hosted by Julie Hyde, an entrepreneur, corporate drop out and passionate leader. Julie knows one thing: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. It’s why Leading You is important.
Each week, guests share their secret sauce. They reveal their roadmaps to success. How they’ve stayed anchored to who they are, insights into their courage and resilience and how to be emotionally and behaviourally agile. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, and you’ll hear the human side of household names.

A Podcast dedicated to business owners and leaders to inspire you to make it count

Leading You

Want to know the secret to confident and successful leadership?
Every week, Leading You showcases leadership of all kinds and you get the scoop on how to be an effective, modern leader who makes an impact.
There’s one thing we all have in common. We’re all leaders. First and foremost, you’re a leader of you. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership is a mindset which anyone can adopt to create influence. The more leaders the world has, the better it will be.
I'll let you into something I know to be true - You can’t be a leader of others unless you’re a leader of self first. So if you want to have impact that leads to prosperity and happiness, it all starts with you. With your mindset and personal leadership toolbox, which Leading You will help you build up.
Leading you is hosted by Julie Hyde, an entrepreneur, corporate drop out and passionate leader. Julie knows one thing: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. It’s why Leading You is important.
Each week, guests share their secret sauce. They reveal their roadmaps to success. How they’ve stayed anchored to who they are, insights into their courage and resilience and how to be emotionally and behaviourally agile. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, and you’ll hear the human side of household names.

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