Recent News

Sheila

– Albury, NSW

I have worked in residential aged care as a Manager since the early 1980’s.

Over the last 25 years I have seen a marked decline in the time that staff have available to them to provide care to residents.  when I talk with staff they all tell me that they dont have time to spend with residents.… Read more

Jacqueline

– Dungog, NSW

Although I am getting older this story is not about me. 

My mum and stepfather started to show signs of dementia some eight years ago. Forgetting to turn off the stove, leaving water running, not showering or taking medication, and not eating proper meals.My new husband and I were concerned about this and tried to help by cooking meals and cleaning their home etc.Over the next three years the condition of both my mum and step father deteriorated quite a lot. … Read more

Rosina

– Port Macquarie, NSW

I am caring for a long time friend of many years and he has Motor Neurone Disease. We are both over the age of 70.

We were given an EACH package as he is high care which allows us 10 hours for all care including 2hrs respite a week for myself.

My friend can no longer walk, has no use in the left arm and limited use in the right, his speech has now become difficult and he has swallowing difficulities.… Read more

Josephine

– Marden, SA

At present I am reasonably healthy and independent and want to remain that way as long as possible.

For the future I want to stay in my own home as long as I can but have few family members nearby who could help.

I live alone and am not able to retire with any superannuation as such a scheme did not exist in my working years.… Read more

Julie

– Kingston, TAS

We are senior disability support pensioners, collectively we have type 1 diabetes (30 years), medication induced osteoporosis, osteoarthritis (25 years) and a 4cm leg length difference. When in my 50’s my GP said my bone age was that of someone in their 80’s, my bones now may be octogenarians or older.

Osteoarthritis, in an ageing sense, is only recognised as an ageing problem in later years and one reason for older people qualifying for in-home care packages.… Read more

Jean

– Hobart, TAS

I have recently had to move my 90 year old mother into residential low aged care and even with a university eduction and a career in unionism, I found the process long, tortuous and complex.

The bureaucracy was mind boggling and at one stage I had to resort to writing to my local MP.… Read more

Lorraine

– Warwick, QLD

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1996 and now I am confined to an electric wheelchair which was provided by MASS (Medical Aid Subsidiary Scheme) in 2005 and it will soon have to be replaced at my expense – up to $15,000 as the EACH package that I have now does not provide equipment, maintenance or repairs.… Read more

Barbara

– Basin View, NSW

I am a pensioner with a little UK pension from my husband ($25 per week) and a small super ($100 per week).

Two years ago I lost my husband, leaving me with a home with a $30,00 equity loan. The house has ramps front and back which are now getting too steep for me to cope with as I am partly disabled. … Read more

Elaine

– Beachport, SA

I have worked in local government for the majority of my working life and am now looking to retire to enjoy life. BUT like a lot of others my age we find that we still have aging parent/s to care for.

I live in a small country town and find it difficult to get services organised simply because of my ignorance as to what is available.… Read more

Diane

– Gosford, NSW

It is time that aged care is high on the prioroty list where funding is urgently needed and reform, to ensure that there is legislation in place to have a set amount of care staff to residents.

The care staff who work in the aged care sector deserve an accolade as they work very hard under the circumstances delivering the care to the best of their ability under great duress.… Read more