#7: Sussing the aged-care system with Jean Kittson

It starts with a small worry, then a doctor's visit, and before you know it, you're navigating the complex, emotional, and often confusing world of caring for your ageing parents. How do you manage it all without losing your sanity, your savings, or your relationships?

In this episode of The Midlife Shift, host Alex Brooks talks to legendary Australian comedian and author Jean Kittson for a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply practical guide to one of life's most challenging journeys. Drawing from her experience caring for her parents, Elaine and Roy, Jean shares the wisdom every family needs to hear.

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Click here for the video transcript

Jean shares her trademark wit and wisdom to demystify the aged care journey and empower you as a carer. She covers:

• Navigating the System: A no-nonsense guide to the My Aged Care portal and the ACAT assessment, and why it's crucial to get your parents into the system as early as possible.
• The "All Goes to Shit Kit": Learn about the essential legal and financial documents you need in place before a crisis hits, including Wills, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Advanced Care Directives.
• Becoming a Medical Advocate: Jean explains the importance of being your parents' voice in hospitals, the value of a good geriatrician, and how to ensure they get the care they deserve.
• Demystifying Palliative Care: Discover what palliative care truly is (and isn't), when it should begin, and how it can support not just the patient but the entire family.
• The Emotional Journey: Jean speaks candidly about sibling dynamics, the challenge of anticipatory grief, and the importance of having difficult conversations about end-of-life wishes.

This is an essential, honest, and often humorous guide to navigating one of life's most difficult chapters with grace, humour, and knowledge.

Find Jean Kittson here

• Website
• Instagram @jeankittson
• Get Jean's book We need to talk about Mum & Dad‍
• Get Jean's book You're Still Hot to Me

Citro is here to help

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• 10 signs your ageing parents may need more help than you think
• 10 things I learned from parenting my parents
• Sandwich generation: when kids, parents and creaky joints collide

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