Advice

Starting 1 July 2025, the Australian Government is introducing a new program called Support at Home. This program will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) model and is designed to help more older Australians stay independent and at home for longer.

This fact sheet provides more information on the new program and the changes for those people who are currently receiving a Home Care Package.   

If you have any questions about Support at Home, you can email us at [email protected] or contact our home care team on 1300 653 600

Grief touches everyone differently but one thing is certain, it’s a natural and important part of change and loss.

Listen to our podcast to hear Helping Hand’s Coordinating Chaplain, Paul Hodgson, share how grief affects us both physically and emotionally, and how important it is to walk alongside those experiencing it. He talks about:

• The difference between grief and bereavement
• Common experiences after loss
• Ways to support someone who’s grieving
• Services and resources available through Helping Hand and beyond
• Why no one should have to grieve alone

Online and phone resources are always available as well:

24/7 telephone support
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Grief and bereavement counselling and support services
Griefline – 1300 845 745 8am to 8pm, 7 days (AEST)
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636

Westering North Adelaide promises the ultimate in quality, style, comfort and location for the North Adelaide community.

Offering positive ageing, ageing-in-place, a vibrant community, housing solutions, new partnerships and a unique care offering, all in one great place.

The premium retirement living residences to be built in Childers Street and Buxton Street will provide locals with the perfect opportunity in North Adelaide to live your best life.

To find out more and register your interest, visit Westering.

No one likes to think about ageing, end-of-life or the worst-case scenario, but planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones.

In this episode of our podcast Age Old Problems: New Age Care, we discuss Advance Care Planning – why it matters, how to start the conversation, and the peace of mind it brings.

Zara Freeman is a Palliative Care Nurse with Helping Hand and she spoke to host Kate Holland about the benefits of talking early and openly about your current and future care needs. She explains:

• Advance Care Planning: what it is and how beautiful the conversations can be
• The definition of an Advance Care Directive (ADC): how you can get one and who signs off on it
• The things to include in your ADC. Yes, songs for your funeral are a valid inclusion
• Benefits of planning for the individual (this includes nominating a substitute decision-maker in case of incapacity)
• Benefits of planning for the family (less guessing and decision making at a stressful time)
• Advice for getting the conversation started. (Relaxed and casual is good!)

If you’re looking for a volunteering opportunity with real impact, this episode of our podcast Age Old Problem: New Aged Care is for you. Helping Hand’s volunteer Kaye is living proof of the joy and purpose volunteering in aged care can bring. You may even need a tissue…

She joins Rachel Carson, Lifestyle Coordinator at our residential care home at Golden Grove, in this episode of Age Old Problems: New Aged Care to discuss the ins and outs (and countless ups) of being a volunteer with host Kate Holland.

Helping Hand is lucky to have more than 150 volunteers across our residential care homes, a large portion of which help with lifestyle activities, providing residents with social interaction, exercise, mental stimulation, and enjoyment.

Listen in and find out how you might be able to help. As Rachel points out:

• Your availability is up to you.
• And there is no typical volunteer. It is for everyone.

Kaye’s advice: “Just give it a go! You’ll find that you will absolutely love it.”