The best way to avoid premature entry into residential aged care, says Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) advocate Nicky Adjei, is to plan ahead.

“My key piece of advice to older people is: be prepared. That includes knowing your rights – and your options.”

One in three people enter residential aged care from hospital, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Until that point, many older people have been living independently at home.

But if they are unable to access the paid or informal support they need to recover, they can feel pressured and powerless.

“Historically, hospitals have been a pathway to residential aged care,” says Adjei. “But we know older people want to remain at home and there are alternatives – such as short-term restorative care, transition care and even respite care.

“Older people who are already receiving a home care package can also be reassessed for increased levels of support.”

To ensure their voice is heard, older people should sign up for aged care services as, and when, they need them rather than waiting until things get to a point where they can’t cope.

“People can be resistant to accessing support, but if you already have services in place, it’s easier to access additional support if there is a crisis,” Adjei says.

“If you are building experience within the system, you are in a much better position to say: ‘Hold on, this is moving a bit fast for me, there are other options we can consider’.

“Of course, if an older person is in hospital, they might not be their best self, but if they have engaged with My Aged Care or an advocate before, they know where to go for help.

“That’s going to be the most protective factor in ensuring they are not pressured or sent down a particular pathway.”

It’s OK to take your time and to explore all your options.