Your Aged Care Compass

Coral Wilkinson & Michelle Brown
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Are you supporting an older loved one at home and ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is aimed at anyone who is caring for an older loved one who still lives at home and is wondering what support is available to them. We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators. Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system. Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is now the client care manager for our business. Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. We reached a point however, of needing extra support and we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well, we knew what programs could assist us and our parents. This podcast, Your Aged Care Compass, brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our own ageing parents but also our vast professional experience in supporting other families to keep their loved ones at home. We'll help you makes sense of Australia’s aged care system, from your first contact with My Aged Care through to the different funding streams and assessment workforces, management options for home care packages and extra funding that people might be eligible for. There's so much more. Topics relating to dementia and legal and financial considerations will be covered, as well as real-life stories of where it went wrong for people and how we guided them to get it right. Your Aged Care Compass will guide you clearly and compassionately to the right support at the right time for your ageing parents and loved ones.

  1. Communication and swallowing in older people

    12/22/2025

    Communication and swallowing in older people

    In today’s episode, host Michelle sits down with hospital-based speech pathologist Cassandra Agius to explore the vital role speech pathologists play in supporting older adults. From communication challenges to swallowing difficulties, Cass shares her expertise in neurological rehabilitation and sheds light on how ageing impacts everyday functions we often take for granted. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke affect speech and swallowing, and how speech pathologists work alongside families and healthcare teams to improve quality of life. Cass explains the science behind swallowing, the importance of communication for independence, and the strategies that can make a real difference for older people and their carers. In this episode: The role of speech pathologists in supporting older adultsSwallowing difficulties explainedCommunication challenges: clarity, comprehension, and word-findingHow natural ageing impacts speech, voice, and cognitionThe sensory experience of eating and talkingImpact of dementia and Parkinson’s disease on communication and swallowingEarly warning signs of swallowing difficultiesSpeech changes in Parkinson’s diseaseCognitive communication challenges in dementiaStrategies for families to assist communicationSwallowing assessmentsProactive steps older adults can take to maintain communication and swallowing Connect with Cass Agius: LinkedIn Connect with Coral Wilkinson:  Instagram  LinkedIn  Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators: See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram    More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast:  Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you. We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators. Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much...

    20 min
  2. Healthy feet support healthy ageing

    12/15/2025

    Healthy feet support healthy ageing

    Our feet carry us through life, yet they’re often overlooked until problems arise. In this episode, host Michelle sits down with senior podiatrist Krissy McKenzie from Flexi Care to explore why foot health is central to ageing well. From simple daily habits to the impact of chronic conditions, Krissy shares practical insights that can help older adults maintain independence, mobility, and comfort. This conversation highlights the small, everyday steps that make a huge difference. Krissy explains how podiatry goes far beyond toenails, touching on systemic health, falls prevention, and the role of footwear. You’ll come away with actionable advice and a deeper appreciation for the critical role podiatrists play in supporting older people. In this episode: Why foot and lower limb health is critical to aging wellThe most common foot issues seen in older adultsAge-related changes in skin, nails, circulation, and musclesThe impact of chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis on foot healthDaily foot checks are vital for early detection of problemsFoot health influences balance, mobility, and falls riskThe importance of footwear and what to look for in supportive shoesThe benefits of simple interventions like toenail trimmingWhat to expect from a typical podiatry appointmentTips and tricks for self-care, including mirrors and long-handled devicesPreventive habits like washing and drying between toesSee a podiatrist early, even for small issues Find a podiatrist: https://www.podiatry.org.au/find-a-podiatrist Connect with Flexi Care: Website Connect with Coral Wilkinson:  Instagram  LinkedIn  Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators: See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram    More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast:  Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you. We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators. Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system. Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business.  Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our parents. Your Aged Care Compass podcast brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our parents but also our vast professional...

    19 min
  3. Dental care for older people

    12/08/2025

    Dental care for older people

    Dental care is often overlooked in elderly care, yet it plays a critical role in overall health, dignity, and quality of life. In this episode, Leonie Short brings decades of clinical, academic, and advocacy experience to discuss the barriers older Australians face and what we can do about it. From dry mouths to denture neglect, Leonie shares practical, compassionate insights that every carer, family member, and health professional should hear. You’ll learn why oral health is more than just clean teeth. It’s about preventing hospitalisation, improving nutrition, and restoring confidence. Leonie doesn’t just highlight the problems; she offers simple, effective solutions that can be implemented at home, in residential care, or through mobile outreach. Leonie’s call for a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme is a rallying cry for equity and a reminder that oral health must be part of the aged care conversation. In this episode: Why oral health is often the most neglected aspect of aged careHow wealth impacts access to dental treatmentThe role of shame, trauma, and fear in avoiding dental careCommon oral health issues in older peopleThe impact of menopause and medications on saliva productionDentures that are decades old and why that’s a problemPoor oral health affects nutrition, speech, and social confidenceThe links between oral health and heart disease and diabetesIncreased risk of aspiration pneumonia and infective endocarditisHow often older adults should see a dentist Challenges with transport and accessibility for dental appointmentsTips for daily oral care: soft toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, tongue scrapersWhy toothpaste shouldn’t be used on dentures and what to use insteadHow integrated care between dental, medical, and allied health professionals can improve outcomes Resources mentioned: Aged care quality standards – clinical carePublic dental services - see below To help improve dental health, state and territory governments provide public dental services. Visit the website of your state or territory dental service to see if you’re eligible: Australian Capital Territory – ACT HealthNew South Wales – NSW HealthNorthern Territory – Department of HealthQueensland – Queensland HealthSouth Australia – SA DentalTasmania – Oral Health TasmaniaVictoria - Department of HealthWestern Australia – a...

    38 min
  4. Pharmacists as partners in healthy ageing

    12/01/2025

    Pharmacists as partners in healthy ageing

    Your local pharmacist does more than dispense medication. They can help you age well, stay out of hospital, and manage chronic conditions with confidence. In this episode, Coral speaks with Professor Trent Toomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, about the once-in-a-century transformation underway in community pharmacy. From expanded clinical services to home medication reviews and vaccination leadership, pharmacists are stepping up as frontline partners in healthy ageing. Trent shares how pharmacists across Australia are retraining to diagnose and treat conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and COPD, especially in communities where access to GPs is limited. He explains how the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Repatriation PBS (RPBS) work, including safety nets, concession cards, and the impact of 60-day dispensing. It’s a hopeful, energising conversation that reframes pharmacists as proactive, accessible allies in aged care. In this episode: The Pharmacy Guild represents 6,000 community pharmacies across AustraliaCommunity pharmacy is evolving into a holistic health hubPharmacists are retraining to expand their scope of practiceComparison with nursing’s evolution and scope expansionCommunity pharmacies are often the only health access point in rural areasShort-term concession cards available via CentrelinkHome Medicines Review explainedResidential Medication Management Review (RMMR) for aged care facilitiesThe pros and cons of 60-day dispensing for elderly patientsImportance of pharmacist monitoring post-hospital dischargeCommunity pharmacists now lead vaccination delivery in AustraliaPharmacy Board of Australia to list pharmacists with extra qualifications Resources mentioned: Pharmacy vaccination servicesFacebook - find a pharmacy Connect with Trent Twomey and the Pharmacy Guild: LinkedIn - Trent TwomeyFacebook - Trent TwomeyThe Pharmacy Guild of Australia websiteLinkedIn - Pharmacy Guild of AustraliaFacebook - Pharmacy Guild of Australia Connect with Coral Wilkinson:  Instagram  LinkedIn  Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators: See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram    More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast:  Do you support an older loved one at

    35 min
  5. How digital platforms enable support

    11/24/2025

    How digital platforms enable support

    What does it take to build a digital platform that empowers older Australians and people with disability to choose their own support workers? In this episode, Coral speaks with Emma Clark, CFO and COO of Attain Healthtech, about the evolution of Mable and HomeMade, two platforms reshaping how care is delivered across Australia. As Support at Home rolls out, digital platforms like Mable are stepping into a newly defined regulatory space. Emma explains what this means for providers, support workers, and consumers, and how Mable is adapting to meet new obligations around worker screening, training, and incident reporting.  Coral and Emma also explore the impact of these platforms in rural and remote communities, where access to care has long been a challenge and where local partnerships are now creating real economic and social change.  In this episode: The personal story behind Mable’s founding Why choice, control, and continuity matter in home careThe impact of the new Aged Care Act on digital platformsThe three provider categories under Support at HomeWhat obligations digital labour platforms now carryThe rollout of NDIS worker screening across aged careMable’s Learning Hub and the five new competency modulesHow HomeMade supports self-managed clients with low-cost, high-value careThe launch of HomeMade’s fully managed product with fixed hourly pricingHow technology and human-led processes combine to ensure safety and qualityUse of analytics to monitor wellbeing and spending trendsMable’s Community Partnerships model for rural and remote townsWhat’s next for Mable and Homemade as Support at Home continues to roll out Connect with Emma Clark: LinkedInAttain Healthtech Connect with Coral Wilkinson:  Instagram  LinkedIn  Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators: See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram    More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast:  Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you. We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators. Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system. Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business.  Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our...

    27 min
  6. VillageLocal - a community of learning and support

    11/17/2025

    VillageLocal - a community of learning and support

    What happens when a biomedical engineer with a heart for community care stumbles into the aged care sector? In this episode, Coral sits down with Jim Moraitis, founder and CEO of VillageLocal, to explore how one neighbourly act sparked a national movement. From helping his elderly neighbour Lillian navigate the aged care maze to building a platform that now supports over 40,000 Australians, Jim shares the deeply personal story behind Village Local’s mission, and why it matters now more than ever.  As Support at Home rolls out across Australia, families and providers alike are grappling with uncertainty, complexity, and change. Jim and Coral dive into the real-world implications of the reform, the growing tension between consumers and providers, and the urgent need for clear, compassionate communication. They discuss what’s working, what’s worrying, and how peer-led communities are becoming a lifeline for those falling through the cracks.  With warmth, honesty, and practical insight, Coral and Jim reflect on the emotional toll of advocacy, the power of lived experience, and the importance of looking after ourselves while we look after others. In this episode: How a neighbour named Lillian inspired a national movementAged care navigation is so complex and VillageLocal is making it simplerThe Silent Generation and the risks of social isolationWhat VillageLocal does and who it’s forThe three pillars of Village Local’s support: learning, coaching, and communityHow peer networks empower both new and experienced carersThe role of industry professionals in community forumsWhat’s causing the most confusion and fear under Support at HomeTransparency in pricing could be a game-changer for consumersThe importance of clinical insight in assessments and support plan reviewsHow families can advocate effectively using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT)What to do when a loved one’s condition changes and needs escalateThe emotional toll of being a navigator and how to stay resilient Connect with Jim Moraitis and VillageLocal: LinkedInVillageLocal Connect with Coral Wilkinson:  Instagram  LinkedIn  Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators: See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram    More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast:  Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you. We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators. Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system. Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care...

    50 min
  7. Support at Home Q&A with Paul Sadler

    11/10/2025

    Support at Home Q&A with Paul Sadler

    In this special Q&A episode, Coral puts aged care leader Paul Sadler in the hot seat to answer the most pressing questions from providers, recipients, and sector professionals as the Support at Home program officially launches. With decades of experience influencing aged care policy and leading national organisations, Paul offers clarity, context, and practical insight into the reforms reshaping Australia’s home care landscape. From co-contributions and grandfathering rules to care management codes and end-of-life pathways, this episode dives into the challenges facing providers. Coral brings real-world questions from the community, and Paul responds with grounded advice, policy interpretation, and candid reflections on what’s working and what still needs fixing. It’s a rare chance to hear Paul and Coral share what rules they’d rewrite if given the chance. A thoughtful conversation that invites listeners to imagine a more responsive, compassionate aged care system. In this episode: Sector sentiment leading up to the November 1 Support at Home rolloutHow clients are responding to the transitionClarification of the “no worse off” principle and grandfathered protectionsImpact of rising service unit prices on care hours and package valueRisk of clients forfeiting packages due to unaffordable co-contributionsClinical care services exempt from co-contributionsProviders’ concerns about delays in hardship application processingClarification of codes for assistive technology and home modificationsCHSP’s continuing relevance and risks of disbanding itPositives in Support at Home: AT/HM stream, end-of-life pathway, better classification targetingHow to bill care management under the end-of-life pathwayCoral and Paul’s “magic wand” rule changes to improve outcomes for older people Resources mentioned: Support at Home program manual for providers   Connect with Paul Sadler: LinkedInPaul Sadler Consultancy Connect with Coral Wilkinson:  Instagram  LinkedIn  Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators: See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram    More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast:  Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you. We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators. Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system. Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the...

    44 min
  8. Optimising communication, compliance and efficiency with Conpago

    11/03/2025

    Optimising communication, compliance and efficiency with Conpago

    In this technology-themed episode, Coral sits down with Ali Galadari, CEO and co-founder of Conpago, to explore how digital innovation is transforming aged care. From humble beginnings to a fully integrated communication and care coordination platform, Conpago helps providers streamline operations, improve transparency, and empower families. Ali shares the story behind Conpago’s evolution, the challenges of integrating with legacy systems, and how their purpose-built platform supports care providers, staff, recipients, and families alike. Whether you're a provider or a family member navigating aged care, this episode shows what’s possible when technology meets compassion. In this episode: How Conpago evolved to support care providers and streamline operationsThe importance of real-time communication between providers, families, and care recipientsWhy Conpago’s Brisbane HQ houses the full team under one roofThe four tiers of users the platform is designed forThe value of a single source of truth for resident data and eventsHow Conpago enables partnerships between retirement operators and home care providersThe consumer experience focusIntegration challenges with legacy systems and the push for open APIsThe importance of connected systems for provider efficiency and staff wellbeingSecurity and privacy measuresStoring data onshore in Australia matters for compliance and trustConpago supports family members with scheduling and visibilityReducing phone calls and increasing transparency through self-service featuresWhy ease of use and one-touch functionality drive adoptionOpportunities for providers to trial Conpago through a UAT environment and pilot phase Connect with Ali Galadari and Conpago LinkedInConpago website Connect with Coral Wilkinson:  Instagram  LinkedIn  Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators: See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram    More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast:  Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you. We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators. Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system. Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business.  Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and...

    22 min
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About

Are you supporting an older loved one at home and ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is aimed at anyone who is caring for an older loved one who still lives at home and is wondering what support is available to them. We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators. Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system. Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is now the client care manager for our business. Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. We reached a point however, of needing extra support and we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well, we knew what programs could assist us and our parents. This podcast, Your Aged Care Compass, brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our own ageing parents but also our vast professional experience in supporting other families to keep their loved ones at home. We'll help you makes sense of Australia’s aged care system, from your first contact with My Aged Care through to the different funding streams and assessment workforces, management options for home care packages and extra funding that people might be eligible for. There's so much more. Topics relating to dementia and legal and financial considerations will be covered, as well as real-life stories of where it went wrong for people and how we guided them to get it right. Your Aged Care Compass will guide you clearly and compassionately to the right support at the right time for your ageing parents and loved ones.

Information

  • Creator
    Coral Wilkinson & Michelle Brown
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Coral Wilkinson & Michelle Brown
  • Show Website
    Your Aged Care Compass

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