The introduction of Australia's new Support at Home system was heralded as a transformative step towards a more transparent, dignified, and user-centred aged care environment. Designed to give older Australians greater autonomy and clarity, the reform promised a...

Reform Was Meant to Simplify Aged Care Australia’s new Support at Home system was introduced with a clear promise: to create a more transparent, rights-based, and person-centred aged care environment. The reform aimed to simplify funding, clarify service pricing, and...

Heatwaves Are No Longer Occasional Events Across Australia, heatwaves are becoming more frequent, longer lasting, and more intense. While extreme heat affects the entire community, its impact on older Australians—and the aged care system that supports them—is often...

Diabetes in Older Age: More Than Blood Sugar Numbers Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting older Australians. As people age, diabetes management often becomes more complex due to co-existing health conditions, medication use, mobility...

Why Decision-Making Matters More Than Ever in Aged Care Navigating Australia’s aged care system can be overwhelming—particularly for older Australians facing health changes, complex services, and unfamiliar terminology. Decisions about home care, residential care, or...

Rethinking Downsizing as a Retirement Decision Downsizing is often presented as a practical and financially sensible step for retirees. Smaller homes are commonly associated with lower living costs, reduced maintenance, and simpler lifestyles. For many older...

For many individuals with a few grey hairs, enjoying an evening pint or a soothing glass of wine has become a valued ritual. However, what started as a social enjoyment has gradually transformed into a daily necessity, often concealed from view. It may seem innocuous,...

Older Australians are particularly susceptible during heatwaves. Here’s an explanation - and guidance on how to remain safe For those at risk, especially older Australians, the heat can be not only uncomfortable but also perilous. Elevated temperatures can exacerbate...

Why Aged Care Navigation Can Feel Overwhelming Navigating Australia’s aged care system can be challenging, particularly for older Australians and families engaging with it for the first time. Between assessments, eligibility requirements, service options, and...

Hospital Discharge and Aged Care Are Becoming Increasingly Misaligned Australia’s aged care system is undergoing significant reform, yet recent developments suggest that system change is not always translating into smoother experiences for older people. One growing...

Why Digital Safety Has Become a Growing Concern for Older Australians Daily life in Australia is increasingly digital. Banking, government services, healthcare information, and social connection now rely heavily on online platforms. While these changes bring...

The Growing Importance of Dementia Expertise in Aged Care As Australia’s population continues to age, dementia is becoming an increasingly common and complex part of aged care. Supporting people living with dementia requires more than goodwill or basic training—it...

Rethinking Aged Care Reform Through the Lived Experience of Older Australians Australia’s aged care reforms were introduced with the promise of improved quality, fairness, and sustainability. However, recent sector feedback suggests that the lived experience of many...

Understanding the Uncertain Transition From CHSP to Support at Home Australia’s aged care system continues to undergo significant reform, yet not all changes are moving at the same pace. One of the most pressing areas of uncertainty involves the future of the...

Understanding Reform Readiness in Australia’s Aged Care Sector Australia’s aged care system is undergoing one of the most significant reform periods in its history. While policy changes aim to strengthen quality, accountability, and sustainability, recent industry...

The Power of Multidisciplinary Allied Health in Supporting Older Adults As Australia’s population ages, the needs of older adults are becoming increasingly complex. Physical health, cognitive ability, emotional wellbeing, and social engagement are deeply...

Understanding Your Rights and Service Agreements Under Support at Home Australia’s aged care system is entering a major transition with the introduction of the Support at Home program. For many older Australians and their families, this change raises important...

The Shift to Real-Time Accountability in In-Home Aged Care Australia’s aged care system is entering a new phase of accountability and transparency. With the release of Version 4 of the Support at Home Program Manual, in-home aged care providers are now required to...

Why food matters more as we get older Healthy ageing is not about dieting. It’s about staying strong, steady, and well-fuelled so you can keep doing the things that matter to you—walking safely, thinking clearly, recovering faster after illness, and maintaining...

Introduction: When “Aging in Place” Depends on Housing Security Consider two older Australians who both need help at home—domestic assistance, personal care, or clinical support. One owns their home. The other rents privately. On paper, they may look similar. In real...

A different kind of planning Most families plan aged care around daily needs: help at home, transport, meals, mobility, and safety. But there’s another part of planning that deserves the same attention—end-of-life care. Not because anyone wants to rush the...

Introduction: Why “Rough Estimates” Aren’t Enough When families start looking at aged care—whether support at home or moving into an aged care home—the first question is often the hardest: “How much is this actually going to cost us?” Aged care fees in Australia...

Introduction: Why Performance Data Matters for Families Choosing aged care services—whether at home or in a residential setting—often involves trust. Families trust that providers meet quality standards, respond to risks, and prioritise the wellbeing of older people....

Introduction: Why the CHSP Transition Still Matters For many older Australians, government-funded home support is the key to staying independent, connected, and safe at home. Programs such as the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and the future Support at Home...

Why Dehydration Becomes a Serious Risk in Summer As the year draws to a close in Australia, warmer temperatures bring more than just longer days and outdoor activities. For older Australians, summer heat significantly increases the risk of dehydration—a condition that...

For older Australians, getting a good night’s sleep during summer is not just about comfort—it is a key part of staying healthy and independent. As temperatures rise, the body’s ability to regulate heat becomes less efficient, increasing the risk of sleep disruption...

For older Australians, having the ability to make their own decisions is central to dignity, independence, and wellbeing. As aged care reforms continue to strengthen rights and protections, supported decision-making has become a cornerstone of how the system empowers...

Creating a safe, transparent, and trustworthy aged care system requires more than standards and assessments—it requires a culture where people feel empowered to speak up. In Australia, the Aged Care Act 2024 introduced strong whistleblower protections designed to...

Quality aged care begins with a simple but powerful idea: every older Australian has rights—rights that protect their safety, dignity, independence, and wellbeing, regardless of where they receive care. Whether someone is supported at home through government-funded...

Ensuring older Australians receive safe, respectful, and high-quality care begins with understanding what “quality” truly means in the aged care system. Whether support is delivered at home or within a residential aged care setting, quality is not a vague promise—it...

For over a decade, My Aged Care has been the primary gateway into Australia’s aged care system. It was designed to simplify access, centralise information, and connect older Australians with assessments and services. However, a major new review — led by the...

As Australia moves toward major aged care reform, one unexpected trend is emerging:More older Australians are choosing to return to the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) rather than transition into the new Support at Home (SaH) program. This shift has raised...

Australia’s aged care system has undergone one of the biggest transformations in its history. On 1 November 2025, the new rights-based Aged Care Act officially came into force — reshaping not just how aged care is delivered, but how older Australians are supported,...

Navigating aged care can feel overwhelming — especially for families facing it for the first time.Between assessments, eligibility rules, funding types, documentation, and choosing the right provider, the process can quickly become confusing. To make this journey...

Dementia is one of the most significant health challenges affecting older Australians today. As the population ages, more families are asking the same questions: How do we understand dementia risk, and what can be done early to protect long-term wellbeing?While...

Australia’s aged care reforms emphasise a clear message: the voices of older people and their families must shape the future of aged care. One of the most important tools supporting this principle is the consumer advisory body — a structured, formalised way for older...

Australia’s aged care system is built on the principles of dignity, safety, respect, and accountability. Yet even within a regulated system, problems can arise: misunderstandings, lapses in communication, inconsistent service quality, or concerns about safety and...

Australia’s aged care system is undergoing a transformation—one driven by lessons from the past, demands of an ageing population, and a stronger focus on human dignity. At the heart of this transformation is a commitment to protecting the rights of every older...

Across Australia, more older adults are embracing active lifestyles than ever before. From walking groups and strength classes to gentle movement programs, seniors are proving that age is not a barrier to staying fit, independent, and connected. This shift is...

Age should never determine the level of respect, care, or dignity a person receives — yet for many older Australians, ageism remains a daily reality. From health appointments where concerns are dismissed, to subtle interactions that undermine autonomy, ageist...

As Australia’s aged care system continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by scammers who deliberately target older people. Sadly, seniors remain one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to fraud—especially when individuals pose as aged care assessors or...

Across Australia and New Zealand, tens of thousands of older people pass away annually from natural causes—often after long periods of illness, frailty, or declining function. While death is a universal experience, the quality of a person’s final chapter depends...

As Australia’s population ages, the government continues to reshape the aged care system to ensure it remains safe, fair, and sustainable for older people and their families. At the recent Australian Association of Gerontology Conference, Minister for Aged Care and...

Providing compassionate, respectful, and well-informed end-of-life care is one of the most meaningful responsibilities within Australia’s aged care system. Families often face uncertainty during this deeply emotional time, while staff across home care, residential...

For many older Australians, ageing well is not just about living longer — it is about maintaining independence, confidence, and the ability to engage in meaningful daily activities. Recent research published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology highlights a promising...

For many older Australians, dementia is one of the most feared health conditions. We often focus on brain games, supplements, or memory exercises as prevention strategies — yet we overlook one of the most powerful contributors to long-term brain health: Emotional...

Across Australia, aged care is evolving — not only through policy reform and funding updates, but also through a deeper focus on clinical safety and quality of care. One of the latest developments is the introduction of a national Point of Care Testing (POCT)...

Discover how virtual reality enhances senior care by enabling improved training, scalability, and patient wellbeing. Virtual reality (VR) is revolutionizing the healthcare sector. It allows for the practice of intricate procedures without any risk and the exploration...

For many families, conversations about end-of-life care are emotionally challenging. Yet, they are essential. The final phase of a person’s life should be shaped by dignity, comfort, and personal wishes — not by confusion or crisis-driven decisions. Australia’s new...

Big change is coming to Australia’s aged care system — but not without controversy. In late 2024, the Australian Senate voted to launch two national inquiries into the government's aged care reforms, specifically the transition to the new Support at Home (SaH) program...

Australia’s aged care system is undergoing one of its most significant reforms in decades. On 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home Program has officially replaced the existing Home Care Packages and several other in-home aged care programs. For many older...

Australia is entering a new era of aged care reform. With the Aged Care Act 2025 and the Support at Home Program set in motion, these landmark changes redefine how older Australians access, choose, and experience care. The reforms aim to ensure that aged care is not...

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...