Introduction: The Quiet Challenge of Hearing Loss For many older Australians, hearing loss creeps in slowly and quietly—so gradually that its full impact is often only recognised years later. But make no mistake: hearing loss is more than just a physical condition;...

Introduction: A New Era in Supporting Ageing Well Ageing well isn’t just about medical treatment—it’s about living with purpose, mobility, and independence. For older Australians, particularly those navigating home or residential care, the key to a better quality of...

Introduction: The Overlooked Connection Between Mind and Memory When we think about dementia, our minds often go straight to memory loss or confusion. Yet, beneath the surface lies another crucial factor—emotional health. How we feel, cope, and connect with others has...

Introduction: The Meaning of Happiness in Later Life What does happiness look like for older Australians today? For some, it’s the comfort of staying at home surrounded by cherished memories. For others, it’s maintaining independence, health, and the ability to stay...

For many older Australians, staying at home is not just a preference — it’s dignity. It means choosing who comes through the front door, deciding how support is delivered, and protecting independence for as long as possible. Over the past few years, one model of care...

A New Chapter for Home Care in Australia From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will officially launch the Support at Home program, combining the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs into one. This reform aims to...

A New Era for In-Home Care in Australia From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will launch Support at Home, a nationwide program replacing the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) schemes. This new model is designed to simplify aged...

Home care helps older Australians remain where they feel happiest — at home.But as living costs rise, many seniors worry about whether their Home Care Package funds will last. The good news?There are plenty of ways to make your budget stretch further while still...

As the new Support at Home program prepares to launch in November 2025, many older Australians and their families are asking the same question:“How will these changes affect what we pay for home care?” The short answer: costs will depend on your financial situation —...

Planning aged care for yourself or a loved one involves more than just choosing the right provider — it also means understanding how your finances affect the cost of care.In Australia, the government provides tools such as the My Aged Care Fee Estimator and the Income...

Why Planning Ahead Matters As Australians live longer, the need to plan for future decision-making has become more important than ever.Many families only realise this after a health crisis — when a loved one suddenly loses the ability to manage their own affairs....

Introduction: Why Elder Protection Matters As Australia’s population continues to age, safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of older people has become a national priority. While many Australians picture ageing as a peaceful stage of life filled with family,...

Introduction: Ageing with Confidence, Not Compromise For generations, Australian men have been builders, providers, and problem solvers — yet when it comes to their own wellbeing, many hesitate to ask for help.Across Melbourne and beyond, older men are living longer...

🩺 Introduction: Recovering with Dignity and Confidence Leaving the hospital can bring both relief and uncertainty. For many older Australians, recovery doesn’t end at discharge — it continues at home, where the familiar environment offers comfort but also new...

For many older Australians and their families, the words “ACAT Assessment” can sound complicated or even intimidating. But in reality, it’s simply a conversation designed to help you get the right care and support for your needs. If you’re applying for...

Growing older brings new challenges — not only physical or emotional, but also financial. For many Australian families, planning for aged care is one of the biggest life transitions they’ll ever face. Questions about affordability, government funding, and the right...

The Hidden Challenge of Growing Older For many older Australians, retirement marks a new chapter of freedom and rest. Yet, for some, it also brings an unexpected sense of emptiness. Without the daily structure of work or the presence of loved ones, the days can become...

Regaining Mobility and Quality of Life For many older Australians, hip replacement surgery is more than a medical procedure — it’s a second chance at independence. After years of discomfort or restricted movement, the surgery offers relief, mobility, and the...

Introduction: Beyond Parents — The Grandparent Connection When we talk about children’s wellbeing, conversations often centre around parents. Yet in many families, grandparents play an equally powerful, if less visible, role. Across Melbourne and throughout Australia,...

Introduction: Why Stroke Awareness Matters for Families Stroke is one of the most urgent and devastating health issues facing older Australians today. Every year, thousands of families are affected when a parent, grandparent, or loved one experiences a stroke....

Introduction: Why Awareness Matters Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurological conditions affecting older Australians, yet many people know surprisingly little about its early signs. For families, recognising the first indications can make a critical...

Introduction: Why Self-Esteem Matters in Later Life Self-esteem—the way we value and perceive ourselves—is fundamental to mental health and well-being at any age. For older Australians, self-esteem can sometimes be fragile, especially when health challenges, reduced...

Imagine living in a country for decades, mastering its language, only to find that as dementia takes hold, your childhood tongue re-emerges. For many migrants in Australia, this is not just a hypothetical scenario; it’s a stark reality. Dementia - a condition that...

Depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that significantly impact your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These disorders can complicate daily life and lead to considerable emotional distress. Depression is often characterized by persistent sadness or a...

Introduction: Why Eye Health Matters for Older Australians Good eyesight is something many of us take for granted, but as Australians age, vision decline becomes one of the most common — and often most disruptive — health challenges. Impaired eyesight affects daily...

Introduction: When Age Brings Emotional Challenges Caring for an ageing parent is a deeply meaningful experience, but it is not without challenges. For many families in Melbourne, emotional struggles — including anger, frustration, paranoia, or abusive behaviour — can...

As technology becomes an essential part of modern life, more and more older Australians are embracing smartphones to stay connected, entertained, and independent. While mobile devices may seem intimidating at first, they can become valuable companions for...

Caring for an older loved one diagnosed with dementia is an emotional and often exhausting journey. Families want to do everything possible to support their loved one at home for as long as they can. Yet there may come a point when home is no longer the safest or most...

As the chill of winter fades, Melbourne comes alive with blossoms, warmer days, and a renewed sense of energy. Spring is the perfect time for older Australians to reconnect with nature, enjoy gentle physical activity, and rekindle social connections. For families and...

As we approach Dementia Action Week, scheduled from September 15 to September 21, 2025, it is imperative to recognize the gravity of dementia as the leading cause of death in Australia. Recent updates from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveal a...

A dementia-friendly home is a place where changes have been made that make it easier for someone with dementia to live in. Learn how to make your home more dementia-friendly and safe.   Bathroom and toilet Install slip-resistant mats or tiles. Use tiles with a...

Introduction: When Meals Become a Struggle Food is more than just fuel—it’s comfort, connection, and life itself. Yet for many families caring for elderly loved ones, mealtimes can become a battleground. It’s not uncommon for seniors to lose their appetite or even...

Looking after an elderly parent is often an unseen labour of love. You juggle doctor visits, household errands, and endless responsibilities—yet what can feel most painful is when your own family members question how you are doing it. Instead of recognition, you may...

Introduction For many families across Australia, pneumonia in older adults is a condition that can arrive suddenly and cause serious health concerns. What may begin as a minor cold or flu can quickly escalate into something much more dangerous, particularly for those...

As you approach retirement or find yourself already enjoying this new phase of life, consolidating your superannuation can be one of the most effective strategies to enhance your financial well-being. Surprisingly, many Australians either postpone this important step...

As Australia’s population ages, the spotlight increasingly falls on the well-being of our older citizens. While the golden years can offer freedom and new opportunities, they can also bring challenges such as loneliness and isolation, particularly for those living in...

Introduction: Why Breast Cancer Care Matters for Older Australians Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers globally and in Australia. For older women, the diagnosis carries not only medical implications but also emotional, social, and practical...

Introduction Modern life often pulls families in different directions, making it difficult to be physically present for ageing parents or grandparents. Whether it’s work commitments, living in another city, or even interstate travel, many Australians are searching for...

Introduction For many older Australians, pets are more than companions — they are part of the family. When elderly parents face sudden health challenges or need to transition into home care or aged care facilities, the future of their pets often becomes a source of...

Introduction Realising that your ageing parents may need additional help can be an emotional and often overwhelming experience. It’s a moment that many families face — sometimes suddenly — and knowing how to respond can make all the difference. Whether it’s after a...

Introduction: When Chronic Neurological Illness Meets Ageing Aging brings about a range of physical and cognitive changes, but for some older adults, these challenges are compounded by chronic conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). While MS is often thought of as a...

Introduction For many older Australians, retirement doesn’t just bring freedom—it can also bring silence. As family roles shift, friendships fade, and health changes emerge, a growing number of seniors find themselves battling a silent but serious health threat:...

Introduction Oral health plays a crucial role in the overall health and quality of life for older Australians. For many seniors, maintaining healthy teeth, gums, and oral hygiene becomes increasingly difficult due to age-related conditions, mobility challenges, and...

Aphasia can be one of the most challenging conditions for older adults and their loved ones to navigate. While it doesn’t affect intelligence, aphasia dramatically alters how a person expresses themselves and understands others. For many families in Australia,...

As people age, maintaining independence and dignity in everyday life becomes increasingly important. For many older Australians, daily activities that were once second nature—like preparing meals, getting dressed, or even answering the phone—can become challenging due...

For much of history, autism has been regarded as a childhood condition. Diagnoses often occur in children or young adults, and the condition is commonly associated with early developmental delays. However, it is increasingly recognised that autism also exists in older...

Introduction: Dementia and Its Impact Dementia is one of the most significant health challenges affecting older Australians today. Current estimates suggest that between 400,000 and 459,000 Australians live with dementia, and this number is projected to rise sharply...

Introduction – Why Melbourne’s Elderly Need to Understand Shingles Risks For many seniors in Melbourne, staying healthy and independent is a top priority. But illnesses like shingles can threaten that independence. Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, affects...

Self-managed home care is an increasingly favored choice for seniors seeking greater control, flexibility, and value from their funding. With the transition from Home Care Packages to Support at Home on 1 November 2025, what implications will this have for...

The rising trend of self-management in in-home aged care An increasing number of older Australians are opting for self-management of their Home Care services due to the advantages of choice, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. By choosing self-management, you have...

In recent years, the demand for skilled professionals in the aged care sector has surged, particularly as Australia’s population ages. Aged care nurses play a crucial role in providing high-quality care to elderly individuals, and their skill development is essential...

The home care waitlist has grown, but peak body Ageing Australia says the full picture is still not clear as data is over three months old and omits people waiting for an assessment. This increase highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms within the aged care...

Dr. Priyanka Vandersman explains why it is essential for home care IT to be integrated into the end-of-life conversation, with End-of-Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) focusing on understanding the needs, capabilities, and constraints faced by vendors. (Dr....

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, often resulting in severe consequences such as fractures, hospitalizations, and even fatalities. The StandingTall app aims to address this critical issue by implementing effective fall prevention strategies...

When an elderly individual loses their voice, their identity is also at risk. A current aged care initiative is creating resources to assist.   As we age, the nuances of our identity often become intertwined with our ability to express ourselves. For many older...

As Australians age, many seek to maintain their independence by receiving care services in the comfort of their own homes. However, funding these aged care services can be a significant concern. One potential solution lies within your superannuation fund. This guide...

Common Cancers in the Elderly: A Guide to Informed Care Finding in Melbourne As life expectancy increases, so does the prevalence of chronic illnesses—particularly cancer—among older Australians. While cancer can develop at any age, it disproportionately affects...

Caring for an elderly loved one who is nearing the end of life is one of the most emotionally complex and deeply human experiences a person can go through. In Australia, with an aging population and increasing life expectancy, more families are facing the difficult...

Cancer has become the leading cause of death in Australia, particularly affecting people over the age of 65. For older Australians and their families, a cancer diagnosis is not only emotionally devastating but also presents complex challenges when it comes to daily...

Spending quality time with elderly parents or loved ones is one of the most meaningful ways to show care and appreciation. Whether your loved one is living at home or receiving aged care support, engaging in enjoyable activities together can promote emotional...

The digital age is not just for the young. Increasingly, older Australians are discovering the benefits of social media and how it can enhance their lives. From staying in touch with family to finding aged care support and connecting with like-minded communities, the...

As Australians age, even the simplest movements can become challenging. Once effortless activities like walking may now require thoughtful planning and the use of walking aids to maintain independence. For older adults and their families navigating aged care services...

Introduction: Planning Ahead With Confidence Nothing tests a family’s peace of mind like realising Mum or Dad may one day lose the ability to manage money, sign forms, or decide who provides their day-to-day care. In Victoria, the legal tool that keeps life running...

Why Winter Hits Harder After 70 Age-Related Physiology Older adults often experience reduced muscle mass, thinner skin, and slower circulation, all of which lower heat production. Combined with chronic conditions—diabetes, thyroid disorders, arthritis—thermoregulation...

Introduction: Why Hair Still Matters After 70 Hair is more than fashion; it is identity, dignity, and daily confidence. For thousands of older women across Melbourne, keeping hair healthy and stylish can feel harder every year—thinning strands, frizz, dryness, limited...

Arthritis affects nearly 1 in 5 Australians, and its impact becomes increasingly significant with age. As the joints wear down over time, elderly individuals often find themselves facing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility—especially during colder months. For...

As your parents grow older, you may find yourself wondering how to best support them. It’s a question many adult children ask: "How can I help my elderly parents without taking away their independence?" At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA), we understand the...

Maintaining physical activity is essential for people of all ages, but it becomes even more important for older adults—especially those facing mobility challenges. While it might seem difficult or even impossible for someone with limited movement to exercise, the...

Social isolation is a growing concern for older Australians, particularly as age, health challenges, or limited mobility make social engagement more difficult. At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA), we understand how vital human connection is for mental and...

Introduction As we age, many physical changes occur naturally, but few are as impactful to daily life and independence as the loss of vision. Age-related visual impairment affects hundreds of thousands of older Australians, contributing to a decline in mobility,...

Introduction Heart health becomes increasingly important as we age. For Australians over 65, the risk of heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart failure increases significantly. Age-related changes in cardiovascular health—such as hardened arteries,...

For many Australians, the dream retirement involves staying in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. But as we age, maintaining our independence and living safely at home can become challenging. The costs of home modifications, in-home care, and assistive...

Holiday gatherings or regular family check-ins can often bring to light subtle changes in the health and wellbeing of older family members. Recognising these early signs can ensure timely support, helping seniors continue living safely and happily at home. At Support...

Navigating the Australian aged care system can be overwhelming, especially when a loved one begins needing more support. At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA), we understand how confusing aged care assessments, provider selection, and care planning can be....

Caring for your elderly parents at home is a reality for many Australian families. At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA), we understand the emotional, physical, and practical challenges families face—especially those new to the aged care journey. That’s why our...

For many older Australians, the simple pleasure of reading can become a significant challenge due to age-related vision and hearing loss. This is particularly true for those who are blind or deaf, where access to information and entertainment becomes a constant...

The innovative approach of sensory stimulation therapy involves activating different areas of the brain that may become less active as we age. This technique is not only beneficial for keeping our brains engaged, but also for assisting our loved ones who may be...

As Australians grow older, they may require additional support to maintain their health, wellbeing, and independence. The Australian government offers a range of programs and services designed to help older Australians access the support they need. This article...

We are all aware of the significance of sleep, but have you considered the crucial role it plays in maintaining your mental health and overall well-being? Adequate rest is essential for ensuring that your mind and body operate smoothly. Regrettably, sleep problems are...

A significant portion of Australians find themselves in the sandwich generation, balancing the responsibilities of caring for elderly parents or relatives while also tending to their own families. This dual role presents a unique challenge in managing time and...

A recent policy report by the Fred Hollows Foundation and Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Australia highlights the detrimental impact of ageism and ableism on older Australians with disabilities within current development and humanitarian settings. This intersection of...

Self-managed home care packages offer older Australians a unique opportunity to take control of their care and support services, empowering them to customize their care plans according to their specific needs and preferences. This innovative approach provides a...

As our population ages, the demand for home care services continues to grow. With this increasing need, it has become essential to incorporate technology into home care to enhance the quality of care provided, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. However, the...

Australia's aging population poses significant challenges for its healthcare system. In 2021, individuals aged 65 and older accounted for approximately 16% of the Australian population, a number expected to increase significantly in the years to come. Despite...

In an era where technology and connectivity are reshaping numerous industries, healthcare stands out as a sector increasingly reliant on digital solutions. One of the most notable trends in this transformation is the rise of social media as an essential resource for...

 The proposed $15,000 lifetime cap on home modifications under the new Support at Home program has raised concerns among experts in the field. According to Home Modifications Australia (MOD.A), this cap could potentially force older individuals into residential care...

Rehabilitation plays a critical role in fostering long-term independence for older adults who wish to remain in their own homes. As individuals age, they often face physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that can hinder their ability to maintain daily...

Australia is transitioning towards a cashless society, prompting the government to propose a mandate requiring essential businesses to accept cash. This initiative has been met with relief, especially among older Australians who heavily rely on cash for their daily...

Many older individuals dream of funding a significant portion of their retirement by selling their current home, purchasing a smaller residence, and investing the remaining funds for additional income. However, the reality is often far from what they anticipate. When...

As individuals age, their bodies undergo various changes that may increase their susceptibility to health issues. For seniors, having a comprehensive understanding of health concerns is crucial for ensuring a high quality of life. In this article, we will delve into...

Volunteering is great for building strong social connections and enriching your life. It’s a powerful way to contribute to the greater good. You can find your sense of purpose when volunteering. Mike Trafalski is a perfect example of this. After retiring from...

Self-care activities are essential for older Australians, as they play a vital role in maintaining both physical and mental well-being. Engaging in regular physical exercise, such as walking, swimming, or participating in gentle yoga classes, can significantly enhance...

If you're an older Australian seeking a higher level of support to maintain your independence at home, Level 3 Home Care Packages could be the right choice for you. These packages offer intermediate care and support, providing a wider range of services compared to...

Smartwatches have come a long way since they were first created. From simply telling the time, these watches are now used as medical devices to monitor heart rates, count one’s daily steps, and even listen to voice commands. This evolution in technology has made them...

Could the future of aged care be revolutionized by artificial intelligence? It is undeniable that artificial intelligence is currently ubiquitous, emerging as a game-changing force in the field of aged care. As the global population continues to age, the demand for...

Retirement marks a significant transition in life, offering newfound freedom and an opportunity to explore activities that may have been sidelined during one’s working years. Engaging in hobbies is one of the best ways to fill this time. Whether it’s painting,...

Engaging in activities such as word games, puzzles, or card games can stimulate the growth of brain neurons, ultimately slowing the decline of cognitive function and memory associated with dementia. Dementia is a condition that results in a gradual decline in a...