The Truth About Ageing

FRIENDS - it has been a while between episodes! Hi

Last episode we spoke all about the different types of home care services available in Australia and this week we're discussing HOW to access them.In this episode I unpack:How to contact My Aged CareWhat to request when you speak with someoneWhat to say to best highlight your needsWhat an ACAT assessment looks likeWhat you need to prepare for an assessmentHow long an assessment goes forWhat happens after your assessmentIf you want to contact My Aged Care to arrange an assessment for yourself or a loved one, you can do so by calling 1800 200 422. As discussed in this episode, if you or someone you love needs mental health support, you can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or LifeLine on 13 11 14.You can find me at www.navigateagedcare.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @navigateagedcareauThe podcast will be on hiatus for a little while, but will be back in your ears again in the future!

Happy Wednesday! Today's episode is one I've touched on previously, but that can always use an update - Home Care Services!80% of ageing Australians want to remain in their own home, so how can we do that?In this episode we talk about:How and why to contact My Aged CareThe different types of aged care assessmentsThe varying home care programs and their pros/consWhat is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), who is eligible, what does it cost and how do you access it?What is a Home Care Package (HCP), who is eligible, what does it cost and how do you access it?And what is this new program called Support at Home? This episode is a great starting point for those with ageing loved ones that don't know where to begin. It can also be a helpful refresher if you're already accessing one of these services and don't know what's next.For more info on this topic you can head to - www.navigateagedcare.com.au/post/home-care-101-april-newsletterCan't wait to unpack more next fortnight!

Do you dread contacting Centrelink? Someone can do that for you!Do you want help accessing a Home Care Package? Someone can do that for you!Do you need to downsize but can't physically pack all your belongings? Someone can do that for you!Today we're breaking down eight key aged care support services that you may not know exist. These services can help simplify your aged care journey by outsourcing support from experts in particular fields. AGED CARE PLANNERSAGED CARE PLACEMENT CONSULTANTSAGED CARE FINANCIAL ADVISORSAGED CARE SOLICITORSCENTRELINK ASSISTANCESENIORS HOME OFFICE ASSISTANCEAGED CARE REMOVALISTS & DECLUTTERINGEND OF LIFE PLANNINGFor more details you can head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au/post/ageing-support-services-march-newsletterIf you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch via my website www.navigateagedcare.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @navigateagedcareauSpeak to you all again soon!Kate.

I regularly have people comment ‘I didn't know people like you existed!' when we first meet. People typically don't go looking for aged care services until they need them and if you don't know what is available it's hard to find the right fit for your needs.The lovely ladies from SALT Directory saw this gap in the sector and decided to assist many ageing Australians and their families to get simpler access to services. The SALT Directory provides a comprehensive guide of specialised aged care services - many you might not know existed! Each member is vetted to ensure they're of a standard KK & KT would use for their own parents. In today's episode we talk about how the SALT Directory was formed, what services are available on it and how you can engage with SALT - *hint* they have an expo in Adelaide on Tuesday 26th March 2024. For more info on the SALT Directory you can head to - https://saltdirectory.com.au/To sign up to their upcoming Adelaide event, head to - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salt-directory-navigating-the-ageing-journey-together-tickets-777348950637?aff=erelexpmlt&keep_tld=1If you want to connect with me, you can head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au or find me on Facebook @navigateagedcareau or on Instagram @thetruthaboutageingBig love, Kate.

When caring for vulnerable loved ones we can feel a need to protect them and remove any potential risk. Whilst this is a natural response, it's so important that when caring for loved ones with dementia we constantly balance their safety with their right to freedom and autonomy. When we put ourselves in their shoes and consider what choices they would make if they didn't have dementia, we start to make decisions more holistically that uphold their wishes, rights and values.Todays episode is all about how we manage risk when it comes to loved ones living with dementia. I talk about various scenarios and how we can balance freedom vs. safety for our loved ones who may no longer have capacity to make those decisions for themselves.If you have any questions that arise from this episode, please feel free to send them through to me via Instagram @thetruthaboutageing, on Facebook @navigateagedcareau or via my website www.navigateagedcare.com.au. Dementia Australia is also a wonderful resource for carers - www.dementia.org.au.Big love, Kate.

Is Mum still safe driving to the shops? Is Grandpa making himself nutritious meals? Should Aunty Greta have a few less glasses of brandy in the evening? Wouldn't Dad be less stressed if he had someone to care for him?Dignity of risk is another way of saying you have the right to live the life you choose, even if your choices involve some risk. Dignity of risk does not mean turning a blind eye and ignoring any dangers to your loved one's health or wellbeing. Dignity of risk does mean having respectful, supportive conversations – identifying risks and creating plans together.In today's episode, I talk about how we can apply the 'dignity of risk' framework to conversations with our loved ones:1.       Make sure they understand the risks to themselves and others2.       Work with them to manage those risks3.       Respect their decision4.       Revisit as needed In next weeks episode, I'll be talking about how we manage risk for people living with dementia or other cognitive decline. As always, you can find me on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing, on Facebook @navigateagedcareau or at my website www.navigateagedcare.com.au :)

In the last episode of the podcast we talked about the concept of an 'Annual Check-in'. A time to pause and take stock on how your ageing loved one is progressing and if they need any additional support. In episode 73, we're talking about what to do if they are declining.Number 1 - don't panic!Depending on the severity of the decline, there are so many different paths we could go down. Sometimes it doesn't require the initial ‘panic stations' that it might feel like when you realise their condition has changed.CALL MESeriously, I work with a lot of families who notice their loved ones declining and don't know what to do next. I'd be more than happy to talk you through your options. This doesn't mean you have to become a paying client - for some people I can give them some pointers over the phone and they're set. For others, it's helpful for me to take the lead and guide them through the process.ACAT ASSESSMENTIf your loved one hasn't been assessed by ACAT, now's the time to do so. When you start noticing even small changes in abilities, e.g. difficulty changing bed sheets or pulling up weeds, it's worth getting them assessed. All assessments are arranged through My Aged Care.SPEAK TO HOME CARE PROVIDERIf your loved one already has access to a home care package, speak to their provider about your observations and concerns. They may be able to work with you to gradually increase services and further support your loved one.SEEK RESPITE IF NEEDEDIf the situation is more urgent and you are concerned for your loved one's immediate safety at home, you can seek respite until a more permanent plan is created. They will need to be assessed and approved for respite care (again, through My Aged Care), but if they have the codes, you can begin contacting facilities for vacancies. Again, this is often something I do for clients - because knowing who to contact or where to start can feel overwhelming. Feel free to give me a call if you're not sure what to do.If you'd like more information or want to have a chat about your loved ones needs, please head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au :)

HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON FRIENDS! We are well and truly into the silly season, so this episode is all about how to check in on loved ones over this festive time.The idea of an annual check-in is a yearly reminder to pause and take stock of how your ageing loved ones are progressing. You might look back on the past 12 months and be impressed at how independent they've been! You might compare to Christmas last year and realise there are quite a few changes in their overall wellbeing. In today's episode I break down 8 key categories to look out for, probing questions you could use to learn more and what this could potentially be a sign of:Personal appearanceWeight changeMobilityEngagementSocial/community participationMemory/recallMedication managementHome maintenanceFor more information on this topic, you can head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au/post/annual-check-in-december-newsletter As always, you can find me on Facebook @navigateagedcareau or in Instagram @thetruthaboutageingHappy Festive season!!

E71 is one of my passion topics... Advance Care Directives. These documents have slightly different names and formats in each state and territory, but they're essentially a document that details your wishes for future health care, end of life planning, living arrangements and other personal matters .In today's episode I discuss:- What is an Advance Care Directive?- How do I find out what it's called in my state/territory?- Why should I have an Advance Care Directive?- What if my family already know what I want?For more details on Advance Care Planning please head to www.advancecareplanning.org.au. If you want to know more about me and the services I offer, you can head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au or find me on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @navigateagedcareau :)

Welcome back to The Truth About Ageing podcast! Today we're talking all things Advance Care Planning. In South Australia, there are three key succession planning documents that can help your family as you are ageing and once you die - a will, Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) and Advance Care Directive (ACD).** In case you're wondering what the difference between these documents is and what roles they play… a very high level, simple summary is:WILLA legal document with instructions for who you want to inherit your estate, care for your children and be the executor of your estate.ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEYA legal document which allows you to appoint an Attorney to make decisions about your financial and legal matters.ADVANCE CARE DIRECTIVEA legal document which allows you to appoint a Substitute Decision Maker and documents wishes for your future health care, end of life, preferred living arrangements and other personal matters.**Now Advance Care Directive's will have different names in different states and territories. If you're unsure what your state's equivalent is, you can head to www.advancecareplanning.org.au, which details the various different forms.For more information, head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au :)

The theme for October is 'Home Is Where The Heart Is' and in last fortnights episode I discussed how to know when it might be time to move. In today's episode I unpack what those next steps might be. In Australia we're incredibly lucky to have many housing options available to Seniors, each with varying levels of support.Today I discuss:Independent Living Units / Retirement VillagesServiced apartmentsSemi-support livingIf you would like to have a chat about which option might work best for you or your loved one, please head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au/services and book a free 15 minute consult. As always, you can find me on Facebook @navigateagedcareau or on Instagram @thetruthaboutageingpodcast - can't wait to talk again soon! :)

Choosing to move from the family home can be an incredibly difficult decision. 80% of  ageing Australians, would like to remain there for as long as possible. And the majority have negative views of Residential Aged Care facilities (what used to be called nursing homes).  What I find most people don't fully understand, are the are many alternatives between 'home' and Residential Aged Care. Whilst it might not be the family home they're staying in, an Independent Living Unit, Serviced Apartment or Semi-Supported Living arrangement may allow them to stay in the community for longer, before moving to a Residential Aged Care home.In today's episode I talk about re-defining 'home' and when you know it might be time to consider alternate living arrangements.In next fortnight's episode, I'll be diving deeper into the different options available and when/where you might access them.As always, you can find me at www.navigateagedcare.com.au, or on Facebook @navigateagedcareau or on Instagram @thetruthaboutageingpodcast

The podcast theme for September is 'Living Longer, Living Better', so with my own Grandma turning 90 on the 17th September it seemed like the perfect time to sit her down and soak up all her wisdom. For those who have listened to her previous episodes or who know her personally, her no nonsense approach to life will come as no surprise. Her reminder to not take life too seriously, to trust in the good in others and the importance of family are lessons she's passed down the family for many generations. I hope through this episode that she gets to spread those lessons a little further. If you want to get in touch with me, please head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au. You can find me on Facebook @navigateagedcareau or on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing.

We are all living longer, so how can ensure we spend our days living with a sense of purpose, fulfilment and enjoyment?The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released a report in June 2023 that identified from 1967-2021, life expectancy increased by 13.7 years for males (to 81.3) and 11.2 years for females (to 85.4). During 2016-2018 Indigneous Australians life expectancy was 72 years for males and 77 years for females. What these statistics show us is that a) we have a long way to go in bridging the gap with First Nations healthcare and b) we are living increasingly longer.In today's episode I discuss the rise of depression in ageing Australians and how social connection can help overcome that.Small steps to increase connection can go a long way. A check in text each morning or a weekly chat with a neighbour can make a big difference to someones feeling of connection and value. Below are some simple ways to get more connected:Social Groups - book club, gardening group, Seniors choir, U3AGetting out in the community - shopping, appointments, exercise classFamily and Friends - regular contact and visitsVolunteering - local library, school groups, Meals on WheelsTalking to a neighbour - small conversations can make big connectionsYou can read the full Black Dog Institute Article on depression in older people here - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Depression-in-older-people.pdfTo read Professor Catherine Haslam's article titled 'Social connectedness and health in later life', click here - https://psychology.org.au/inpsych/2016/december/haslamTo sign up to the monthly Navigate Newsletter head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au/newsletter. As always you can find me at www.navigateagedcare.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing and on Facebook @navigateagedcareauUntil next time! 

Convincing a loved one to see a doctor or access home care services can be hard at the best of times... throw dementia or a cognitive impairment in the mix and it can be an incredibly delicate situation to manage. In todays episode I discuss how to support loved ones living with dementia in the community, including:What a cognitive assessment isHow to encourage someone with a cognitive impairment to seek assessmentWhat to do if someone refuses assessmentSupports available for those living with dementia in the communityHow to create a community support network for your loved oneWhat to do if all else failsIf you would like to look further into the wonderful resources available from Dementia Australia you can do so at www.dementia.org.au or contact the National Dementia Hotline on 1800 100 500.As always, you can find me at www.navigateagedcare.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing and Facebook @navigateagedcareau :)

Hard Conversations in ageing can take many different forms. It might be encouraging your loved one to accept some help at home. It could be broaching discussions about moving permanently into a residential care facility. It may be gently assessing if the individual has insight into their own cognitive decline. So what can you do about this?In my experience the keys to productive and positive Hard Conversations are:CuriosityEmpathyGoal-focused discussionIn this episode we unpack how to use those three pillars to work alongside your loved one and ensure they achieve their ageing goals. If you'd like to subscribe to the monthly Navigate Newsletter you can do so here - www.navigateagedcare.com.au/newsletterIf you'd like to book a free 15 minute phone consult to discuss your loved ones needs (Australia only) you can do so here - www.navigateagedcare.com.au/servicesIf you'd like to follow me on socials you can find me at @navigateagedcareau on Facebook or @thetruthaboutageing on Instagram.Talk soon! x

In today's episode I thought I'd unpack a very regular conversation I have with clients about how to access home care services.  There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to starting your aged care journey, so today I discuss what flags to look out for, what services are available, what fees you might have to pay and how to get started with services.Flags you might need support - specific areas of decline to look out forGovernment funded services in the home - Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Home Care Packages and hospital discharge programsFees - charges to your Home Care Package for care and package management and fees that you may personally payHow to access services - contacting My Aged Care, what to request, in home assessments and wait timesThank you as always for tuning into todays episode. If you have any questions or would like to seek individualised advice, please feel free to contact me at www.navigateagedcare.com.au :)

Mindfulness & Ageing is the final instalment of The Truth About Ageing's 'Healthy Habits' series and it's a good one. Today I chat with the beautiful Wellbeing Coach, Steph Noon (aka. my Mum) about all things mindfulness. We discuss what mindfulness is, how you can implement 'mindful ageing', what the benefits of mindfulness are and most importantly, five simple ways to implement mindfulness in your day-to-day routine. We talk about:acceptance of the current moment - non-judgemental awareness of feelings & talking kindly to yourselfmindful moments - finding moments in your day to notice the good e.g. taking time to really be present with your morning teamindful walking - getting outdoors (if possible) and taking time to notice your environment e.g. sounds, smells, sightsbe mindful of who you surround yourself with - prioritise those who lift you up mindfulness meditation - can start with short periods and build up to 15 minsI really hope you enjoy todays episode.As always, you can find more from me at www.navigateagedcare.com.au/podcast or on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing, or Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast. If you want to learn more about Steph, you can find her at www.livelifecoaching.com.au.Happy Wednesday!

In the fourth instalment of my 'Healthy Habits' series, we're looking at all things sleep!We talk about how our sleep structurally changes as we age, what some of the barriers are to good quality sleep, why it's important we get enough sleep and how we can promote great sleep (unfortunately it's not wine & TV before bed...). For more information about the podcast you can head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au/podcast or find me on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast.Tune in again next week for another episode on Healthy Habits!

Part two of the Healthy Habits series and we're talking about EXERCISE!You might read that and not be immediately excited... but I'm here to tell you, it might not be as hard as you think! In this episode, I talk about:Why we need to exerciseThe benefits of regular exerciseHow much exercise we actually needWhat types of exercise are recommendedHow we implement this into our day to day lifeHow we can use Government funded services to assistAs always you can find me at www.navigateagedcare.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast.See you next week!

Welcome to The Truth About Ageing 'Healthy Habits' series - to help kick-start your 2023 with the information you need to stay fit and healthy this year. In today's episode we're looking at diet.I talk about:What should we be eating? What foods are particularly important as we age? How can I overcome barriers to accessing and preparing healthy food?Who should I speak to about my diet queries?I hope you're all having a beautiful start to the year and can't wait to continue this Healthy Habits series with you.

So you've been spending more time with your loved ones over the festive season and you've noticed their health has started to decline... what now?! In today's episode I talk through what to do when you're concerned that your loved one needs a bit more help.I discuss how to have the initial convo with your loved one about your concerns, how to get them assessed for additional services, why you should gradually increase services, why you should maximise all home services before going into permanent care, how you can use your respite and what to do when the time comes to go into permanent care. If you've listened to today's episode and would like some additional help navigating this with your own loved one, send me through an enquiry at www.navigateagedcare.com.au and we can have a chat about how I can help you.As always, you can find me on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing, on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast and via my website www.navigateagedcare.com.au.

A little sugary BONUS ep to kick-start your 2023! We have my beautiful Grandma on the show to re-cap her 2022 - we talk about accepting help, challenges with health, ageing and knowing you won't always be around to see your family grow up. It's really just like you're hanging out in Grandma's kitchen with us as we chat life, health and family. I hope you're all having a beautiful start to the year. I'll be back to regular programming in February!As always, you can find me on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing, on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast or via my website - www.navigateagedcare.com.au!

For many of us lucky enough, Christmas is a time full of family catch ups, seeing relatives and friends that you haven't for a while and probably indulging in a few too many serves of Christmas pudding. For some, it can be a challenging time of year as we experience Christmas without a loved one that may no longer be with us. This time of year often gives us an insight into how our ageing loved ones are coping and can give us space to reflect on their general wellbeing. Most of us don't see our ageing loved one's day to day, so might be surprised by how much their health, cognition, communication or general demeanour may have changed. This often sparks discussion amongst family members about their observations and what the next steps might be. For some, this may simply involve a discussion with your loved about how they feel they are coping. Typically, people fall into one of the following categories (and I'm sure you already know which one…)Aware, but not wanting to accept help ORUnaware and definitely not wanting to accept helpAnd then very occasionally there are those who are self-aware and willing to accept whatever help is available to them – if this is your loved one, give them an extra serve of pudding! Now I don't recommend starting an in-depth discussion about your loved one's care needs over the Christmas table. However, if you have an inkling they might be needing some help, I encourage you to take a step back and really observe the following:Has their mobility changed in the past 12 months?Has their ability to keep up with conversation changed in the past 12 months?Has their personal appearance/hygiene changed in the past 12 months?Are they showing signs of memory loss or confusion? Are they eating as much as they regularly would or has their weight changed?Are they engaging socially as much as usual or are they reclusive? These questions will start to form your answer as to whether it may be time to have a discussion with your loved one about accepting aged care services. 

Happy International Volunteers Day (for the 5th December)!Today I spend some time discussing the myriad of different volunteer roles available out there and how you could find one that might suit you. Volunteering is more people of all ages - there are infinite ways to give back to your community. Not only are you doing a wonderful deed giving to those less fortunate, but you also give yourself a sense of meaning, purpose and fulfilment.  In today's ep we discuss the Community Visitors Scheme, GoVolunteer.Com.Au & how you can make a difference in your local community! I encourage us all to take a moment to pause and reflect on the priviledge in our own lives and consider how we might be able to impact someone doing it tough right now.Sending big love to you all!Links from todays ep:https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/community-visitors-scheme-cvs-0https://govolunteer.com.au/

I am SO excited to announce that Navigate Aged Care is now live!www.navigateagedcare.com.auNavigate Aged Care is a business I've been dreaming of, refining, re-working and crafting for almost 10 years now. I always knew I wanted to run my own aged care business and over the years I've narrowed it down to this little gem. Navigate Aged Care specialises in helping you access the aged care services available to you to help you achieve your ageing goals. This is a gap I saw in the market after I was contact by friends and family many times seeking guidance about how to navigate the aged care services available. Navigate Aged Care offers Comprehensive Aged Care Assessments, assistance choosing a Home Care Provider, getting set up with My Aged Care, finding respite or permanent residential beds and more. In today's episode I talk more about the services available, what areas I'll be servicing, pricing and hours of operation. If you would like any further information head to www.navigateagedcare.com.au. You can also contact me directly at hello@navigateagedcare.com.au or on 0402 353 426. 

Today we're joined again by the lovely Kim Somerville who is an End of Life Doula. Kim chats with us today about what to expect after someone dies - What happens to them physically? When does Rigor Mortis set in? How long before I have to tell people? Do I need to start contacting their bank/health insurer/dentist?I really enjoyed todays chat and I love how Kim encourages us all to tread gently through this sacred space and not rush anything. You can find Kim on Instagram @kimsomerville.endoflifedoula or on Facebook @kimsomervilleendoflifedoula.Hope you're having a beautiful week!

In today's episode of the podcast we're talking all about future planning documents and what happens if you don't have them in place when they're needed. There are a number of Government organisations in place to protect those vulnerable persons who may not have family or decision makers available to assist when they lose capacity themselves. Today we discuss:How 'capacity' is determined?Who can be substitute decision makers?What the Public Trustee, Office of the Public Advocate and Cival & Administrative Tribunals are and when they're utilised?How to avoid getting to a crisis where these services are required?How to access them if they are required?You can find more from the lovely Tamara at www.adelaidehillscc.com :)

Better late than never! This episode might have been handy a few months ago, but there are so many lessons that apply any day of the year. Today I chat with my Mum and Life Coach, Steph Noon, about how we can find the joy when we might be feeling a bit down after months of gloomy weather.Our brain is wired to be alert for what's wrong, so today we unpack how we can intentionally feel better when it might be cold, wet and miserable outside.We discuss:How our thoughts impact our feelingsGetting curious to keep our mind activeGet outdoors - rug up & get exposed to the outside world!Expose your eyes to morning lightFocus external - doing things for othersGratitudeYou can learn more about Steph at www.livelifecoaching.com.au and you can find more about me at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing and on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast

Today's episode is part two of my chat with the wonderful Joanna McIlveen! If you haven't already listened in to part one, head back on to episode 49. In this episode we unpack:How to know the difference between normal grief and prolonged griefWhat to do if you are suffering from prolonged griefHow you can support others to grieveWhat things to say or not say when someone is grievingWhat Jo wishes more people knew about grief and lossI really hope you enjoy today's episode - I took so much away from this chat and I really hope you do too!As always you can find me at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast or on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing - see you there!

Today's episode is with the incredibly knowledgeable Joanna McIlveen. Jo is a Grief & Bereavement Social Worker from NSW who is currently doing a PhD exploring how communities and hospital work together in partnership to provide care during end of life. Jo assists people every day to navigate their grief and helps to normalise their experiences. In part one of our chat we discuss:What is grief? And how does that differ from bereavement?How does our society interact with death & dying?What are the different kinds of grief?What are the types of grieving? What are the stages of grieving and are they linear?I really loved our chat and highly recommend making a hot cup of tea, finding a spot in the sun & listening to the wonderful Jo unpack all our questions about how we grieve. 

It's Pride Month and it felt fitting to have an episode dedicated to navigating LGBTI services. As an LGBTI ally I feel it's important we all better understand potential barriers to accessing aged care services for LGBTI folk and there are a number of wonderful resources out there to assist in doing so. In today's episode we discuss:LGBTI Ageing Strategy 2012-2017:  this strategy informs the way the Australian Government supports the aged care sector to deliver care that is sensitive to and inclusive of the needs of LGBTI people, their families and carers - www.cota.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2012-2017_LGBTI_Ageing_Strategy.pdfRainbow Tick Accreditation: enabling consumers to easily identify providers who have passed LGBTI standards - www.rainbowhealthaustralia.org.au/rainbow-tick10 Questions: this leaflet is part of a series written by nurses, doctors and experts with experience in aged care and aims to make the journey for LGBTI folk into residential aged care easier - www.10questions.org.au/PDF/10%20questions%20to%20ask-LGBTIQ%20FINAL%202019.pdfLGBTIQ Health: this website lists a wide range of other LGBTIQ services and resources available both nationally and more locally -  www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/services_and_supportsMy Aged Care LGBTI support - www.myagedcare.gov.au/support-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-and-intersex-peopleAs always, if you have any questions please feel free to get in touch. I can be found at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast or on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing.

Ever wondered how you'd support a friend or family member that was dying? Have you thought about how you'd look after yourself during such an emotional time? What would you do if the individual could no longer communicate their feelings?In today's episode with EOL Doula Danielle, we talk all about emotional health particularly in the context of terminal diagnosis and palliative care. If you'd like to learn more about Danielle and the work she does, she can be found at:Instagram - @doula_forlifeFacebook - @daniellecopplesondoulaFor more info about The Truth About Ageing head to www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, find us on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast or on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing

Home Care Packages can be great at providing funding for assistance to keep yourself or a loved one living independently at home. But what happens when your level of care increases and you need more funding? In todays episode I discuss what to consider before contacting My Aged Care for a re-assessment. The clearer you can be in highlighting your needs, the more likely you are to be considered for re-assessment. Three things to reflect on prior to contacting:What has changed?   Since you or your loved one were last assessed, what has changed in their care needs? Consider physical, mental, emotional and social changes.What is now required?   What assistance are they now requiring that they didn't previously? How frequently is this occurring? Is this sustainable?What is the potential consequence if this doesn't occur?   What is the risk to you or your loved one if you don't receive additional services? E.g. falls risk, weight loss, safety risk.For more information, head to The Truth About Ageing website - www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au or find us on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast or on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing.

Can I choose to die at home? Why might I want to die at home? What support is needed for me to die at home? Who needs to know my wishes? When do I need to communicate these wishes? What happens if things don't go to plan?These are all questions you might have about the choice to die at home. As we discuss with Kim Somerville in todays episode, there are an increasing number of Australian's choosing to die at home. Whilst this decision requires a lot of support and consideration, families report huge satisfaction at being able to care for their loved one at home in their final days. If you wish to know more about supporting yourself or a loved one to die at home, you can contact Kim at www.kimsomerville.com.au, on Facebook @kimsomervilleendoflifedoula or on Instagram @kimsomerville.endoflifedoula

With any election comes a lot of policy promises and today we're unpacking what funding Labor have committed to the Aged Care sector. The majority of these policies are based on recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission that occurred from October 2018 to March 2021. Labour have committed to $2.5 billion over the next 4 years. Amongst other things, they have committed to:Wage increasesRegistered Nurses on site in Residential Aged Care Facilities 24/7Increased mins/day in Residential Aged Care Facilities Better foodGreater transparency to ensure dollars are going directly to careCapping home care feesThese are all steps in the right direction, but there is always more that can be done. It's a little disappointing not to see any discussion about the Home Care Package waitlist, but hopefully this will become a focus in future. If you feel the Aged Care sector still needs greater resources - speak to your local MP! The more we discuss the growing needs of our ageing population, the more it becomes part of the Government's agenda.

Welcome back! I regularly get asked about what people can use their Home Care Package for and unfortunately like many things in aged care, the answer isn't straightforward. Today we discuss the 'spirit' of the Home Care Package, the many goods & services you can use your Home Care Package for and what items are specifically excluded. Underlying all Home Care Package spending is that goods & services must be in line with your individual  care needs - this means that just because John down the street got a dishwasher, doesn't mean you can have one too. We discuss this in greater detail throughout the episode.The key goods and services are:Bathing, hygiene & groomingNursing servicesPodiatry, Physiotherapy & other therapiesMeals and food preparationHelp with impairments or continenceCleaning, laundry and other choresHome or garden maintenanceChanges to my homeAids to stay independentTransportSocial outings, groups and visitorsSome of the key exclusions are:Items normally purchased out of general incomeFoodPayment of permanent accommodation including rental or mortgage repaymentsPayment of Home Care feesFees/charges of other Government funded programs including MBS & PBSHome modifications not related to care needsTravel & accommodation for holidaysEntertainment e.g. sporting event or concert ticketsGambling activitiesListen in to today's episode for more details about each of these inclusions and exclusions. As always, you can get in touch with me via my website - www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing and on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast. I hope you're all having a beautiful week - talk soon!

Today we pick the brains of the beautiful Tamara from Adelaide Hills Counselling & Consultancy about hoarding and squalor.  Tamara is accredited Social Worker with the AASW and has worked in the aged care sector for 8 years. We talk about:the difference between 'clutter' and hoarding or squalor, including the mental illnesses that sit behind the behaviourthe risks associated with hoarding and squalorvarious supports and strategies available for assisting individuals to work through their mental illnessFor some families this can be an incredibly challenging and sometimes frustrating topic to try navigate with a loved one and Tamara talks us through how to do this in a sensitive and caring manner. If you want to contact Tamara for any additional information or for assistance with finding your loved one a residential placement, please contact her via the details below:Phone - 0414 250 665Email - adelaidehillscounselling@gmail.comWebsite - www.adelaidehillscc.com

Whilst the podcast has maintained regular programming... I've had a little bambino! We welcomed our daughter Cecelia into the world on the 15th of March - known as Cece to her friends. She is an absolute delight, but wowee I don't think I've ever been so sleep-deprived! Thankfully I pre-recorded a number of episodes prior to having her, so episodes have stayed regular. Today is my first ep back behind the mic since having Cece and you might hear from the tone in my voice, I am EXCITED! In today's ep I talk about my aged care journey and how I got to doing the work I am now. I talk a little about my study, volunteering and roles in aged care to date. I love getting to know hosts on other podcasts, so I thought I'd share a little more about myself on today's ep.I hope you're all having a beautiful week and can't wait to chat again next Wednesday!

Worried that you or a loved one are starting to forget medications or maybe get them mixed up? There are so many wonderful prompts and aids available to assist with taking medications on time. In today's quick tip episode we run through the cascading assistance that can be offered for medication administration.1.      Taking medications from original containers2.      Using pill boxes/dosettes3.      Webster Packs packed by the Pharmacy4.      Reminder clocks to prompt when medications are due5.      Automatic pill dispensers6.      Having family/staff attend to administer medications As discussed on the episode, you can find more information about the individual aids at www.tabtimer.com.au - they are fantastic to contact with any questions about what device might be most suitable for you or your loved one.   Feel free to send through any questions on our website at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast :)  

Sometimes we start to become worried about loved ones living at home and become concerned they're not coping independently. In today's episode I unpack some of the common checks I complete for clients (and loved ones!) when visiting their home to give me an indication of how well they're doing.As highlighted at the top of the podcast, please know that each of these checks are just a piece of the puzzle and don't definitively mean that they're not coping. It's also integral that we take time to assess these concerns and reflect on the best way to have this discussion with our loved one.The top five areas to check are:Groceries available and in dateWet areas usedClothing presentationMedication consumptionHome tidiness/cleanlinessIn E39 I unpack how to subtlety and respectfully assess these areas during a visit to their home and if there are concerns, how to best discuss with your loved one.As always, you can contact us at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast or on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing - I hope you enjoy today's ep!

Blue Zones refers to the study of the five places in the world ­where people live the longest, and are healthiest: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. The concept of Blue Zones has been increasingly reported and filtered down into four key categories with nine denominators.In E38 we talk with Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Tara McConkey, about how Blue Zones can apply to Seniors and what we can be doing to integrate some of these concepts into our day-to-day lives. MOVEMove naturally - moving your body intuitively throughout your dayRIGHT OUTLOOKPurpose - having a sense of meaning and purpose throughout your dayDown shift - intentionally taking time to relax & unwindEAT WISELY80% rule - eating until you feel 80% full (*listen to episode for caution warning)Plant slant - increasing the amount of plants in our dietWine at 5 - 1-2 glasses of wine/day (*listen to ep for context)CONNECTRight tribe - being surrounded by people that fill your cupLoved ones first - prioritising time with our loved ones & multi-generational family homesBelong - finding a community that you feel connected to and valued inFor full descriptions and context on these categories, tune into E38. For more information, you can also head to www.bluezones.com.As always, you can find us at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast :)

If you or your loved one are in hospital, how on earth do you work out how to get home? Hospitals are incredibly busy, so knowing what options are available & what to ask can help ensure a smooth discharge for yourself or a loved one.1. Understand the situation:a) Understand the diagnosis - do they know what the diagnosis is? Or is there something they suspect? b) Potential discharge plans - try to get a feel as to whether you or your loved one will be in there for hours, days or weeksc) Level of care required on discharge - trying to establish what additional assistance may be required when they return home e.g. shower assistance, welfare checks, medication support etc.2. Create a plan - meeting or liaising with formal & informal supports to determine capacity to assist on discharge home and then communicating this to the hospital.  3. Stay in regular contact with the hospital - to ascertain changes to discharge plans, to better understand diagnosis, to see if there are updates on level of care required on discharge and to communicate formal & informal capacity to assist. 4. Advocacy when required - advocating when you or your loved one do not feel safe returning home with the proposed supportsAs always you can send any questions through our website at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au - you can also find us on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast :)

Ever been in hospital or had a loved one in hospital and been unclear about what options are available when discharging? Most people want to get home as soon as possible, however may require some additional support before safely & confidently returning home. In E36 we discussed nine different options and pathways available on discharge from hospital. Please note, the names of these programs may vary across Australia however it does give an indication of the main pathways available. 1. Return Home - suitable for those back to their baseline or needing low levels of additional care that can be provided by family, friends or their Home Care Package  2. Hospital at Home - short term assistance (approx. 2 weeks) at home whilst regaining confidence e.g. shower assistance, physiotherapy, medication management 3. Rehabilitation - intensive in-patient rehabilitation programs (minimum 4 weeks) delivered by a multi-disciplinary team with the goal of the individual returning home 4. Care Hotel - uncommon, but there are some places that offer hospital step-down services staffed by nurses 24/7 for individuals who may no longer be acutely unwell, but need some additional support before returning home 5. Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit - additional multi-disciplinary assessment for the elderly (particularly those with cognitive decline) overseen by a Geriatrician - most commonly used while determining the next suitable step for the individual 6. Transition Care Programme (TCP) - 12 weeks multi-disciplinary care for those who have capacity to return to living independently at home - can be provided in a residential aged care facility or in the individuals home 7. Care Awaiting Placement (CAP) - for people that require additional support & may need to move permanently into a residential care facility, however are still deciding where they may go 8. Residential Respite - could be used for short-term additional support or when trialing residential care facilities 9. Permanent Residential Care - moving into an aged care facility permanently, typically for those who require a higher level of care and may not be suitable for rehabilitation programsAs always, please send through any questions! You can do this through the contact page on our website - www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast. 

Finding your individual purpose and meaning are integral to helping you feel connected. The more clarity we have around our purpose and what brings us a sense of fulfilment, the less lonely we're going to be. Finding your purpose can feel overwhelming and complex, however today we work through some simple questions to reflect on that will assist with getting to the core of what lights your fire and what you're passionate about.Reflective questions:What do I want my life to look like? Over my lifetime, what activities have I loved and how can I incorporate that into my life today?If all my stress were gone, what would my life look like? Reflecting back on my life, what would I be proud of or what might I regret?Are there particular areas where people seek my advice?As always you can find us at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast 

Loneliness and social isolation are such common phenomenon for the elderly, with 1 in 3 seniors living alone in Australia* and 20% expressing daily feelings of loneliness**. Often this is met with a feeling of fear or shame which can lead to further withdrawal and potentially depression. In E34 I talk with Wellbeing Coach and Positive Psychologist, Stephanie Noon (aka. my Mum!), all about loneliness, social isolation & strategies we can use to start re-connecting with others. Some of the key strategies we discuss are:Start small - at the start of your day plan 1-2 small actions that you're going to take e.g. prune the roses, check in on a neighbourDon't stop - when you start to procrastinate or avoid the task, be gentle with yourself, acknowledge the feeling & then take a step of action straight awayMagnify - enhance the dopamine! Take a moment to reflect on the achievement and how good it feels to accomplish it for 10 to 20 secondsAccountability Buddy - organise a partner that can help keep you accountable for your 1-2 actions each dayPower of words/thoughts - be aware of how your words and thoughts impact your brain chemistry e.g. instead of 'I am sick today', you can think 'My body is healing today' As always you can find us at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast :)*https://www.dss.gov.au/communities-and-vulnerable-people-programs-services/seniors-connected-program**https://theconversation.com/i-tell-everyone-i-love-being-on-my-own-but-i-hate-it-what-older-australians-want-you-to-know-about-loneliness-166109

Today we are talking all things Residential Aged Care (RAC) Placement with the lovely Tamara. Tamara is accredited Social Work with the AASW and has worked in the aged care sector for 8 years. Tamara now runs her own private practice specialising in aged care services and residential placement and shares her many nuggets of wisdom in today's ep!The key pieces Tamara discusses today are:1. Knowing what your preferences are when it comes to a facility (e.g. location, meals, private bathrooms) and narrowing down sites based on your personalised check-list2. Booking a tour at the facility and pay attention to factors like:Are there any strong smells? Do the residents appear engaged and happy? Can you observe sufficient staff? What do the meals look like and do they have a choice of meal options? What additional services does the site offer? What is their activity program? Do the staff say hello when you enter?3.  What to do in the situation you require emergency respite?4. When to access a private broker to assist you with finding a residential bed5. What to be aware of when it comes to RAC costs and what to ask facilitiesIf you want to contact Tamara for any additional information or for assistance with finding your loved one a residential placement, please contact her via the details below:Phone - 0414 250 665Email - adelaidehillscounselling@gmail.comWebsite - www.adelaidehillscc.com

Welcome to our Home Care Packages refresher episode!If you want to deep dive back into previous episodes we do have the following available:E2 - unpacks all the different home care options in AustraliaE3 - how to access My Aged Care & what they will ask youE5 - goes into detail about Home Care PackagesE6 - discusses how to choose a service providerIn today's episode we refresh the basic details of how to access a Home Care Package (HCP), wait times and the different levels of packages + deep dive into the difference between self-managed and managed Home Care Packages. In summary, there are pros & cons to each type of package management and what's best for you will depend greatly on your individual circumstance. PROVIDER MANAGEDPros - management of your budget & services, individual coordinator that you can contact for queries, reviews to ensure package is meeting your needs, advocacy for higher level packages, complex care management, hospital discharge planning + will assist with navigating the aged care sectorCons -  feesSELF-MANAGEDPros - you have full control over how you spend your funding, is cheaper than provider managed fees and you can choose your own staff for services. Cons - you still need to liaise with provider to ensure that funds are used within legislative requirements, significant time for administrative tasks e.g. applications for re-assessment when required, rostering your own staff,  responsible for monitoring & managing a budget, for processing invoices and dispute resolution.For more details, tune into E32. As always, if you have any specific questions feel free to get in touch. We are on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast and can be contacted through our website at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au.

Today we're flowing off the back of E30 and discussing how we can best support our loved ones during the pandemic. COVID-19 has challenged aged care services in many ways, so today we take some time to unpack what we can do to make sure our loved ones are feeling seen, supported and cared for. I've condensed my 5 Top Tips below:1. Coordinating grocery delivery online2. Looking into meal delivery options3. Keeping regular social contact4. Finding activities to do at home5. Contact My Aged Care if your loved one needs more help at homeIf you want more details about how to do any of these, listen to the ep for more info. As always, you can view our website at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au. You can also find us on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast :)

Today the lovely Amanda is back to chat all about the impact of COVID-19 on Community and Residential Aged Care services. Amanda generously shares her experience of connecting with her Grandma who lives with advanced dementia in a residential care facility throughout the pandemic.Whilst this episode doesn't speak specifically about restrictions in your state or impacts on individual service providers, we talk broadly about how we can support our loved ones through these challenging times.In the community you may experience changes to services in regards to:Support workers wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Changes to service times, days or workersIn extreme circumstances, non-essential services may need to be rescheduled or cancelledService changes may be communicated at short-notice as providers respond to rapidly changing staff availability due to illness or quarantineSome of the tips/tricks recommended for caring for yourself or a loved one during the pandemic are:Coming together as a community - family working alongside providersBeing patient, kind & empathetic to service providersHave a 'COVID plan' in place - discussing what would happen if you were a close contact or if there was a significant reduction in services? Discussing if there is any capacity for other family, friends or neighbours to assist?Preparing items such as gift vouchers for payment of grocery shoppingTo remain socially connected - speak with loved ones over the phone, write letters, print photos, deliver snacks. Anything that helps individuals feel valued and cared for, goes a long way!Within Residential Care settings some of the changes you may experience are:Changes to visitor hours or visitor restrictionsIncreased PPE by all staffPPE & vaccination requirements for visitorsFacilities offering services like Zoom or FaceTime to speak with family when visitors restrictedChanges to normal activity programs, but facilities offering alternative services in place of large group activitiesChanges to admission processes or site tours If you haven't already, you can view our new website at www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au. You can also find us on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing or on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast :)Any of Amanda's opinions shared on The Truth About Ageing are her own.