Moving into aged care is one of life's biggest transitions — for the person moving and for the family around them. There's a lot to organise, and it can feel overwhelming.
This page is a practical guide to help you sort through what needs doing. Not everything here is about funerals — most of it is about getting your affairs in order more broadly. But because this transition is often the moment when families think about planning ahead, we've included guidance on that too.
The practical checklist
These are the things worth getting in order before or soon after the move. You don't have to do them all at once — but having them on your radar helps.
Legal documents
Will: If it hasn't been updated in several years, now is a good time. Changes in assets, property, or family circumstances may mean your will no longer reflects your wishes.
Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA): This gives someone you trust the legal authority to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. In WA, this must be set up while you still have capacity.
Enduring Power of Guardianship (EPG): This appoints someone to make personal, lifestyle and medical decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity. Separate from the EPA.
Advance Health Directive (AHD): This documents your wishes about medical treatment — particularly end-of-life care. It gives your family and doctors clear guidance about what you do and don't want.
Where to get help: A solicitor can prepare or update these documents. Legal Aid WA and the Older People's Rights Service also provide guidance. If cost is a concern, some community legal centres offer free or low-cost services for seniors. We also offer families access to a free simple will through our partner Gathered Here, or a more comprehensive will at a reduced rate through Willed — ask us for details.
Financial matters
Centrelink notification: Moving into aged care triggers changes to your pension assessment. Contact Services Australia to update your living arrangements — your payment rate and asset thresholds may change.
Aged Care means testing: The government assesses your income and assets to determine aged care fees. This is separate from the Age Pension asset test, but related. Understanding both helps you make informed financial decisions about how to allocate your remaining assets.
Bank accounts and bills: Consider simplifying your finances — consolidate accounts, set up direct debits for ongoing costs, and ensure your EPA holder has access to what they need.
Property decisions: If you own a home, the rules around how it's assessed for aged care fees and the pension are complex. Get professional advice before selling or transferring property.
Personal and medical
Medication list: Prepare a current list of all medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors. The aged care facility will need this.
GP and specialist details: Confirm whether your current GP can continue to visit you at the facility, or whether you'll transition to an in-house doctor.
Personal belongings: Aged care rooms are smaller than home. Choose meaningful items — photos, a favourite blanket, a small piece of furniture — that make the space feel like yours.
Why this is a natural time to arrange a prepaid funeral
We're not suggesting this to add to your list. We're mentioning it because this is the moment when it makes the most practical sense — and the most emotional sense.
It simplifies things for aged care staff. When an aged care facility has a funeral director's details on file, they know exactly who to call. There's no scramble, no confusion, and no delay. Your family doesn't get a phone call asking "Do you have a funeral director?" at the worst possible moment.
It protects your pension. A prepaid funeral plan is exempt from the Centrelink asset test with no upper limit. During the aged care transition — when assets are being scrutinised from multiple directions — moving funds into a funeral plan can protect both your pension entitlements and reduce assessable assets for aged care means testing.
It removes the burden from your children. Your family is already managing the emotional and practical weight of the aged care transition. Having a funeral plan in place means one less major decision they'll face later.
It's something you can control. Moving into care means giving up some independence. Planning your funeral is an act of self-determination — a way of saying, "This is what I want, and it's taken care of."
We can visit you at the facility. If you're already in aged care and would like to arrange a prepaid plan, we're happy to come to you. We do this regularly and work at your pace. Here's what the conversation looks like.
A note for sons and daughters managing the transition
If you're the one coordinating Mum or Dad's move into care, you're already juggling a lot. Adding funeral planning might feel like one thing too many. But consider this: right now, while everyone is already in "sorting things out" mode, is actually the easiest time to have the conversation.
You don't need to push. Just raise it gently: "While we're getting everything organised, have you thought about what you'd want for your funeral? We could sort it out now and then it's done."
If they're open to it, our guide for adult children walks you through how to help without overstepping. And you can bring your parent to visit us, or we'll come to wherever they are.
Helpful WA resources
Aged Care Information: My Aged Care — the Australian Government's starting point for aged care services, assessments, and fees.
Legal documents: Legal Aid WA — guidance on wills, EPA, EPG, and Advance Health Directives.
Financial advice: Centrelink's Financial Information Service — free, independent. Call the standard Centrelink number and say "financial information service."
Older people's rights: Advocare — WA's independent aged care advocacy service.
Frequently asked questions
Should I arrange a prepaid funeral before entering aged care?
It's not compulsory, but it's practical. A prepaid plan is exempt from the Centrelink asset test, simplifies things for aged care staff, and removes a future burden from your family. The transition period is a natural time to organise it.
Can I arrange a funeral plan from inside aged care?
Absolutely. We visit residents in aged care facilities regularly. We'll come to you, have a quiet conversation, and handle everything at your pace.
What if my parent has dementia — can I arrange a funeral plan for them?
If your parent has an Enduring Power of Attorney or Enduring Power of Guardianship in place, the appointed person may be able to arrange a funeral plan on their behalf. This is sensitive territory — please call us to discuss your specific situation.
Does the aged care facility need to know about the funeral plan?
Yes — we recommend providing the facility with Greenfields' contact details and a note that a funeral plan is in place. This ensures they call us directly when the time comes, without your family having to coordinate anything in those first difficult hours.
Getting things in order?
We'll make the funeral side simple. One conversation, everything sorted.
Get in Touch or call 1300 69 79 89 any time