Protect The Farm: Reduce Stress, Conflict and Forced Decisions
- Future Accounting
- a few seconds ago
- 2 min read
Written by: Chris Mulcahy
Why early aged care planning helps protect the farm and the family
Article 3 of our 4-part series on aged care planning for farming families
Even when ownership has been preserved, aged care can place significant strain on families if decisions are unclear or authority is not defined.
Protection is about more than finances.
It is about reducing stress, avoiding conflict, and preventing forced decisions during emotionally difficult times.
Where pressure builds
Aged care decisions often arise suddenly, following illness, injury, or a rapid change in capacity.
Without clear plans in place, families may face:
Disagreements between siblings about what is fair
Uncertainty about who can make decisions
Pressure to sell assets or restructure quickly
Emotional strain layered on top of financial stress
These are not moments when families should be negotiating expectations or business arrangements.
What protection looks like in practice
Protection means putting clarity in place before pressure arrives.
This includes:
Clear decision-making authority through powers of attorney
Defined roles between on-farm and off-farm family members
Documented expectations around housing, income, and support
Structures that separate personal care needs from business operations
When protection is done well:
Decisions can be made confidently and efficiently
The farming business continues without disruption
Family relationships are preserved during challenging periods
Avoiding forced outcomes
Many negative outcomes are not caused by poor planning; they are caused by no planning.
Without protective structures:
Families may be forced into asset sales
Temporary solutions become permanent
Resentment grows when expectations are not aligned
Protection allows families to act deliberately, rather than react under pressure.
Ready to start the conversation?
Aged care planning for farming families works best when it’s done early, thoughtfully, and with advice that understands farming businesses and family dynamics.
If you want to protect the farm, support the next generation, and stay in control as circumstances change, now is the time to act.
Next steps: Look out for our next article and contact us when you are ready to discuss further.
Disclaimer
This article does not constitute financial advice and is for general information only. It does not take into account any individual’s personal objectives, situation or needs, and is not intended as professional advice. Any similarity to an individual’s personal circumstances and the examples provided in this article is purely coincidental. Any person acting upon such information without receiving specific advice, does so entirely at their own risk.
Authorisation under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) is not required in the provision of this article and the author plus Future Accounting Group Pty Ltd is not acting in its capacity as an Australian Financial Services Licence holder
Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.
