Bite Sized: Tough conversations – Why you should talk about rest homes before a crisis

The Next Bit Podcast

• 17 min

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Most families avoid talking about rest homes…until a crisis forces the decision. In this bite-sized episode, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman are joined by Tracy Martin, CE of the Aged Care Association of New Zealand, to discuss why starting the conversation early gives everyone more control. They unpack: - How to gently raise the topic with your parents - The guilt adult children often feel - What happens when families wait too long - Practical ways to prepare without overreacting You don’t need a full plan. You just need a starting point. For more on this topic, check out our earlier episode: The Truth About Rest Homes in New Zealand Thanks for listening to The Next Bit. Live well and independent for longer. Get your whole of person assessment at www.agebrightly.co.nz ------- Aged Care Symposium 2026, 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, invites people across aged residential care to speak up, share ideas, and help shape solutions that strengthen practice, teamwork, and resident experience. Built around the theme 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁, 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝘀𝗸, this one-day symposium is about building confidence, sparking new thinking, and recognising the collective wisdom that grows when we learn from one another - whether you’re new to the sector or bring years of experience. 📅 Friday 24 April | 8.30am–4.30pm 📍 Trafalgar Centre Northern Extension, Nelson Open to all RN’s, Clinical Managers and anyone in support and allied health roles. To register, visit the ACA website on aca.org.nz ------- The Next Bit Hosts are: Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly Mark Leishman - New Zealand TV and Radio Broadcaster Join our community! We love to hear your feedback and questions. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextbitpodcast @thenextbitpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GiGRA8vEx/?mibextid=wwXIfr TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thenextbitpodcast @thenextbitpodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thenextbitpodcast This podcast was written and produced by the amazing team at PodLab www.podlab.nz