Age Old Problems: New Aged Care

Helping Hand

Authentic and relatable conversations about aged care services and how to access them – direct from those in the know. In this series we get up close and personal with Helping Hand staff and clients as they share their insights, professional expertise and firsthand experiences.

  1. Apr 10

    Episode 16: The Importance of Social Connection

    Social connection is one of the most powerful contributors to health and wellbeing, yet around one in five older Australians experience social isolation. As people age, changes in health, mobility, relationships, and lifestyle can make it harder to stay connected, even when the desire to engage remains. In this episode of Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, host Kate Holland speaks with Maria Chabrel, Group Manager, My Life & Social Connections at Helping Hand, about the risk factors for social isolation and the supports available to help older people stay connected. We’re also joined by Tony Borrillo, a Helping Hand client, who shares how joining a social connections group has enriched his daily life. We explore: Why older people are more vulnerable to social isolationThe health impacts of loneliness — even when someone doesn’t feel lonelyHow life events, mobility, health and environment influence social connectionWhat funding is available through CHSP and Support at HomeHelping Hand’s approach to building meaningful, interest based social groupsReal experiences from Tony about taking the first step and finding community Helping Hand’s Social Connections Programs are designed around people — their interests, their stories, and the things that bring them joy. From craft to cinema, walking groups to shared cuppas, these programs help older people build genuine relationships and a sense of belonging. Useful Resources: Helping Hand website Helping Hand phone number - 1300 653 600 My Aged Care website My Aged Care phone number - 1800 200 422 Episode hosted by Kate Holland Episode recorded and edited by Drew Radford

    13 min

  2. Feb 3

    Episode 15: Understanding the New Aged Care Act

    1 November 2025 marked the most significant shift in aged care in more than three decades. With the introduction of the new Aged Care Act, Strengthened Standards, and the Support at Home program, older Australians now have clearer rights, stronger protections, and a system designed around dignity, safety and independence. In this episode of Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, Helping Hand’s Company Secretary Luci Badge joins host Kate Holland to unpack what these reforms mean for residents, clients, families, and providers. We explore: The key reforms introduced on 1 November 2025How the new Aged Care Act embeds a rights-based frameworkWhat the new Statement of Rights includes, and how it differs from the old CharterWhat the strengthened standards require from providersHow whistleblower protections have changed – and who can now make a disclosureThe new registered supporter system and the three supporter typesWhat these changes mean for older people receiving careWhere to go for reliable information during this transition Helping Hand has long championed person centred care, and these reforms further reinforce the importance of choice, respect, and transparency for older Australians. Useful Resources: My Aged Care website Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Helping Hand website Helping Hand phone number: 1300 653 600 Episode hosted by Kate Holland Episode recorded and edited by Drew Radford

    10 min

  3. 11/04/2025

    Episode 14: Supporting the Loved Ones of those with Dementia

    Loving someone who is living with dementia is a journey filled with both love and heartbreak. You’re still holding on to the person you’ve always known, but slowly, parts of them begin to change or slip away. It can be painful, confusing, and emotionally exhausting. In this third episode of our dementia-focused series, host Kate Holland is joined once again by Tanya McIver, Group Manager of Residential Services at Helping Hand, along with special guest Sharon, whose mother, Jan, lived at Helping Hand North Adelaide. Together, they explore: The emotional toll of loving someone with dementiaCommon challenges faced by carers and family membersSupports available for people living at home with dementiaWhat to expect when visiting a loved one in residential careThe value of dementia support groups for familiesWhy dementia is often called “the long goodbye” Sharon shares her personal experience, offering insight, empathy, and advice for others walking a similar path. She is also a member of Helping Hand’s North Adelaide dementia support group. Useful Resources: For help and support try your GP first. The National Dementia Helpline is also available 24/7 for free and confidential expert information, advice and support. (1800 100 500) Dementia Support Australia can also assist – www.dementia.com.au Helping Hand website – www.helpinghand.org.au Helping Hand general number - 1300 653 600 Episode hosted by Kate Holland: www.ktbcommunications.com.au Episode recorded and edited by Drew Radford: www.podtalk.com.au

    18 min

  4. 10/13/2025

    Episode 13: Dementia in a Residential Care Home

    When the needs of someone living with dementia become more complex, moving into a residential care home can become a matter of necessity. While this can be an emotionally challenging process for everyone involved, the shift can help people to live their best lives and allow carers to regain their relationship with that person. But how do you know when it’s time? And is there an ideal way to broach the subject? In this episode, Tanya McIver, Group Manager of ResidentialServices at Helping Hand, explains all this and more. As someone who has delivered clinical and operationalcare to older people for over 20 years, she has a wealth of insight and understands the importance of supporting carers too. In conversation with host Kate Holland, Tanya talksabout: Signs it may be time to consider a residential care homeBenefits of a care home for the person living with dementiaBenefits of a care home for loved onesHow to access a care homeMemory Support Units and how they workMoving examples of person-centred care for people living with dementia   Useful Resources: For help and support, try your GP first. The National Dementia Helpline is also available 24/7 for free and confidential expert information, advice and support. (1800 100 500) Dementia Support Australia can also assist. Helping Hand website Helping Hand general number - 1300 653 600   Episode hosted by Kate Holland Episode recorded and edited by Drew Radford

    16 min

  5. 09/02/2025

    Episode 12: Recognising the Early Signs of Dementia

    It’s estimated that in Australia, there are currently more than 400,000* people living with dementia. No, it’s not a normal part of ageing, but its prevalence is significant. And while everyone’s experience of dementia is unique, there are some early warning signs to look out for, and some important things to keep in mind when you spot them. Tanya McIver is Group Manager of Residential Services at Helping Hand. She has worked with older people for over twenty years now and is passionate about delivering respectful and dignified care. Her insights and advice regarding dementia – its impact on individuals and their carers – is invaluable. She shares her wisdom with host Kate Holland. Listen in and learn more about: What dementia isEarly signsBroaching the topic with loved onesWhether it’s safe to stay at homeHow to make a home saferWhere to turn to for help*⁠https://www.dementia.org.au/news/new-dementia-prevalence-data⁠ Useful Resources: For help and support, try your GP first. The National Dementia Helpline is also available 24/7 for free and confidential expert information, advice and support: 1800 100 500. Dementia Support Australia can also assist. Helping Hand website Helping Hand general number - 1300 653 600 Episode hosted by Kate Holland Episode recorded and edited by Drew Radford

    12 min

  6. 08/05/2025

    Episode 11: Understanding the new Support at Home Program

    The Federal Government is reshaping how home care services are delivered to older Australians, aiming to support more people to live independently and safely in their own homes for longer. Initially flagged as a 1 July change, the new Support at Home Program will instead come into effect on 1 November 2025. With new features, funding models and service pathways, this transition can feel complex. So, in this episode of Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, Helping Hand’s Aged Care Connector, Mel Bassham, unpacks the upcoming changes. In conversation with host Kate Holland, she covers: What Support at Home is and why it’s being introducedKey differences from existing Home Care PackagesWhat current clients can expect during the transitionWhat new clients should know about assessments and service eligibilityWhere to find support if you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed No matter your situation, rest assured that your current services will continue in the lead up, and support is available to help you through the change. Helping Hand has established a dedicated Support at Home hotline to help clients understand how the changes affect them. All questions are welcome. Useful Resources: Helping Hand website Helping Hand general number - 1300 653 600 Helping Hand Support at Home hotline supportathome@helpinghand.org.au 1300 050 435 Federal Government Resources Support at Home Fee Estimator (Calculator) My Aged Care - 1800 200 422 Episode hosted by Kate Holland Episode recorded and edited by Drew Radford

    12 min

  7. 07/10/2025

    Episode 10: What is Exercise Physiology?

    Allied Health services play a powerful role in helping older people live well, safely and independently. Sitting under that banner is Exercise Physiology, an incredibly valuable service that is often confused with Physiotherapy. Not any more… In this episode of Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, we explore the role of Exercise Physiologists (EPs) with the ultra-enthusiastic Harry Beresford, who is the Exercise Physiology Manager in Home Care at Helping Hand. As Harry explains to host Kate Holland, EPs are specially trained health professionals who design tailored exercise plans to support strength, balance, memory, and recovery. Together, they also discuss how EPs differ from physiotherapists, and explore: What Exercise Physiology is and how it benefits older peopleHow EPs help manage chronic conditions like diabetes and osteoporosisWhat a first appointment typically involvesReal examples of how EPs have helped clients achieve meaningful goalsWhat advice to give if someone isn’t sure they need allied health support Allied health might not be on everyone’s radar, but it should be. The right kind of support can make life easier, safer and more joyful. EPs at Helping Hand offer group programs (including Age Well Fitness), one-on-one sessions at our Wellbeing Centres, and home visits to help older people maintain independence and improve quality of life. For instance, an EP might help someone walk to the shops, get back in the garden, or move safely around the house. Unlike some providers who outsource, Helping Hand has its own team of qualified, insured and uniformed staff, so clients always know who's walking through the door. Useful Resources: Helping Hand website Helping Hand phone number - 1300 653 600 Helping Hand allied health information Help at home with Helping Hand Episode hosted by Kate Holland Episode recorded and edited by Drew Radford Age Old Problems: New Aged Care is recorded and edited on Kaurna land.

    15 min

  8. 06/10/2025

    Episode 9: Nursing Services at Home

    Receiving nursing at home has so many benefits. There’s no need to make an appointment, no sitting around in waiting rooms, and for Helping Hand clients it means seeing familiar faces in familiar uniforms. Clients receiving home care services can often access nursing services through their government funding, or there is always the option to self-fund. You might not know it, but nurses can do quite a lot without the need for a GP on-site. So, in this episode of Age Old Problems: New Aged Care Kate spoke to Jessica Bryant, a nurse and Clinical Manager with Helping Hand, to discuss: Eligibility for nursing at homeThe many services available to you (which include everything from health assessments, medication management and wound care, to chronic disease management, post-surgery care and more)The important reporting and interaction between GPs and NursesThe benefits at home nursing can also bring to carersChanges that are on the way, including Support at Home, and other initiatives to keep people living at home longer. Useful Resources: Helping Hand website Helping Hand phone number - 1300 653 600 MyAged Care website MyAgedCare number - 1800 200 422 Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Episode hosted by Kate Holland Episode recorded and edited by Drew Radford REMEMBER: You understand your needs better than anyone. Take the time to discuss them with one of our friendly team members to ensure the care you get is the right fit for you.

    8 min
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Authentic and relatable conversations about aged care services and how to access them – direct from those in the know. In this series we get up close and personal with Helping Hand staff and clients as they share their insights, professional expertise and firsthand experiences.

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