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Explore our collection of educational resources designed to empower you with knowledge about home care options. From understanding the benefits of in-home assistance to practical tips for selecting the right care provider, our articles and guides offer valuable insights to help you make informed decisions for you and your loved ones.
Spring Safety at Home: Snakes, Heat and Storm Prep for Sunshine Coast Seniors
Ask any local and they’ll tell you spring is one of the best times of year on the Sunshine Coast. The jacarandas are out, the mornings are glorious, and there’s nothing quite like a coffee by the water at Mooloolaba or a stroll along the Caloundra boardwalk. But spring also brings a few uninvited guests.…
Understanding Dementia: Early Signs, Support and Reducing Stigma
Dementia is an umbrella term for changes in thinking, memory, communication, behaviour, and daily functioning that interfere with everyday life. While memory loss is often the symptom people notice first, dementia can also affect judgement, mood, language, movement, and confidence. Understanding the signs, talking openly, and supporting carers are practical ways to reduce stigma and…
Sepsis Awareness: Recognising the Signs Could Save a Life
When someone you love gets sick, it helps to know what to look for. Sepsis is a medical emergency. Spotting the signs early could save a life. September is Sepsis Awareness Month. At HCA, we want older Australians, families and carers to know the signs of sepsis and feel ready to get help when something…
Through the Lens: The Remarkable Life of Photographer Neville Waller
From photographing The Beatles during their historic 1964 Australian tour to capturing prime ministers, royal visits, international events and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Home Care Assistance client Neville Waller has spent more than four decades documenting remarkable moments through his camera lens. Now living on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Neville’s story is one of adventure,…
We’re Shortlisted in Two Categories at the 2026 Future of Ageing Awards!
We’re proud to share some exciting news, Home Care Assistance has been shortlisted in two categories at the 2026 Future of Ageing Awards! The Future of Ageing Awards 2026 celebrate organisations, initiatives and individuals helping to shape a stronger future for ageing and aged care in Australia. Being recognised across two categories is an achievement…
Waiting for Support at Home Funding? Now Is a Good Time to Prepare
If you’ve been approved for Support at Home but are still waiting for your funding to become available, there is some positive news for older Australians across the Sunshine Coast. As part of the 2026–27 Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced a further $389.8 million investment to accelerate the release of Support at Home funding,…
New Changes Could Make It Easier to Challenge Your Support at Home Assessment
Since November 2025, My Aged Care assessments have been generated by software called the Independent Assessment Tool (IAT), not just by the assessor you meet. If your funding package doesn’t match your actual needs, you can appeal to My Aged Care right now. Assessors can also escalate cases for a human override in extenuating circumstances,…
Could the New Centrelink Thresholds Reduce Your Support at Home Contributions?
From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government introduced updated Centrelink income and asset thresholds as part of its annual Age Pension review. While many people assume these changes only affect their pension payments, they can also influence how much you contribute towards your Support at Home services. If you receive government-funded home care or expect…
Social Support for Seniors: How Bob Found Community Through Men’s Shed
Social support for seniors plays an important role in maintaining wellbeing, independence, and quality of life as we age. Staying connected to friends, hobbies, and the community can positively impact both physical and mental health. At Home Care Assistance, we know care extends beyond support at home. Helping older Australians maintain social connections and remain…
Compassionate Nursing Care: Aileen Bartlett’s Inspiring Nursing Journey
As we celebrate International Nurses Week, we honour the incredible people who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Compassionate nursing care has the power to change lives, support families, and improve the wellbeing of entire communities. Few people embody this more than Aileen Bartlett, whose remarkable nursing career has spanned more than 40 years…
Getting the Most Out of Your Home Care Funding
Managing your care shouldn’t feel complicated, and you shouldn’t have to figure it all out on your own. With recent changes under the Support at Home program, the way funding is managed has shifted. While some clients still purchase items and claim reimbursements, many others now have supports arranged and approved before anything is purchased.…
Palliative Care Awareness Week in May
Many people hear the words palliative care and immediately think it only relates to someone’s final days, but that is not always the case. Palliative care is specialised support focused on improving quality of life for people living with serious illness, and it can begin at any stage of illness, sometimes months or even years…
Personal Care Under Support at Home: More Independence with No Co-Contribution
Personal Care under Support at Home has changed. As of 1 October 2026, Personal Care is classified as a clinical support under Support at Home, meaning there is no client co-contribution for Personal Care services. It’s an important change that can make it easier for older Australians to access the everyday support they need to…
How to Prevent Falls at Home: A Guide for Older Australians & Their Families
Why falls prevention matters Let’s be honest – nobody likes to think about falling. It’s one of those topics that can feel a little confronting, especially for older adults who value their independence. But talking about fall prevention doesn’t mean giving up your freedom. In fact, it’s one of the most empowering things you can…
Home Care Assistance Nominated for HESTA Excellence Awards
We’re incredibly proud to share that Home Care Assistance has been nominated for the HESTA Excellence Awards, recognising the outstanding work of our dedicated team in delivering high-quality in-home care. This nomination is a meaningful milestone for our organisation. It reflects the passion, commitment, and compassionate our team brings to supporting clients and their families…
Autumn Wellness: Preparing Your Body for the Cooler Months
As the warmth of summer fades and the mornings begin to feel crisp, autumn offers a gentle reminder to slow down and take stock of our health. Seasonal change can have a real impact on the body, especially for older adults. Energy levels may shift, joints can feel stiffer, and our immune system needs a little…
Caring for a Parent While Working and Parenting? You’re Not Alone
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re juggling a lot. You might be balancing work, your own family, and the growing needs of a parent — all while trying to keep everyone safe, supported, and comfortable. Many adult children tell us they feel stretched thin, emotionally drained, and quietly guilty that they can’t…
Has Your Situation Changed on CHSP? It Might Be Time to Consider Being Reassessed for a Support at Home Package
Many older Australians across the Sunshine Coast begin their home support journey on the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). It provides light-touch help, often just an hour or two a week, and for a while it feels like enough. But as time goes on, and life changes, many people find themselves struggling to get the…
Starting Private Care While You Wait for Government Funding: What You Need to Know
If you or someone close to you is waiting for Support at Home funding to be approved, it’s completely understandable to feel uncertain during that time. Many older Australians find themselves needing help long before the government assessment and approval process is finalised. The important thing to know is this: You don’t have to wait…
Staying Connected: Why Social Connection Matters for Older Adults on the Sunshine Coast
At this time of year, many older people on the Sunshine Coast tell us that things can feel a little more difficult emotionally. The festive season has passed, family have returned to their routines, and the quieter days can amplify feelings of loneliness, especially when mobility changes, health issues or distance from family make socialising…
Meet Nick: From Yoga in India to Care Champion on the Sunshine Coast
Six years ago, Nick Coutts arrived on the Sunshine Coast with no plans to become a care worker – but life had other ideas. Originally from Weymouth, a small coastal town in Dorset, England, Nick found his way to Australia after completing his yoga teacher training in India. He came to visit his son on…
Meet Wonderful Wendy: A Journey of Care, Culture, and Community
Meet Wendy, a proud Gureng Gureng woman from the Wide Bay region, whose journey into aged care has been guided by family, community, and a deep sense of purpose. Born in Gin Gin, Wendy moved to the Sunshine Coast many years ago, where she and her partner raised their three children. Today, she is not…
Your January Action Plan: What to Do If You Think Mum or Dad Needs Extra Support After Christmas
The start of a new year often brings a fresh perspective. After spending time together over Christmas, many Sunshine Coast families begin to reflect on how their ageing loved ones are managing at home — and whether a little extra support may help them stay safe and independent. If you’re feeling unsure where to begin,…
Understanding Means-Tested Co-Contributions in the Support at Home Program
Funding Home Care can feel overwhelming—especially with the Support at Home Program introducing new structures and clearer guidelines around co-contributions. Many older Australians are unsure what they’ll be asked to contribute, how fees are calculated, or what documents they’ll need. The good news? The system is designed to be fair, capped, and fully transparent. At…
Accessing Assistive Technology & Home Modifications Through the Support at Home Program
Staying safe, comfortable, and independent at home often requires more than care alone — it also depends on having the right tools and environment around you. Under the Support at Home Program, older Australians now have improved access to Assistive Technology (AT) and home modifications funded through the AT–HM scheme. At Home Care Assistance…
Honouring Service, Strength, and Love This Remembrance Day
We pause to reflect on the courage of those who have served our nation and its allies. This year, we are privileged to share the story of Anthony Scriggins, a veteran whose life embodies bravery, resilience, and an extraordinary love story shared with his wife of nearly 70 years, Valerie. Anthony grew up in Leicester,…
Stroke Recovery at Home: Safe Routines for Everyday Life
Stroke Recovery at Home: Safe Routines for Everyday Life Recovering from a stroke is a deeply personal journey — one that doesn’t end when hospital care does. For many people, the home becomes the heart of rehabilitation. Creating safe routines, having the right supports in place, and building confidence with daily activities are key steps…
Government Releases 20,000 Packages for Support At Home
The Albanese Government has announced that 20,000 new Home Care Packages will be released before the end of October, with another 20,000 Support at Home packages being released in 2025 after 1st November. This decision comes in response to community and sector pressure to address the growing waitlist for older Australians needing in-home support. Why…
Support at Home: What Sunshine Coast Grandfathered Clients Need to Know
What Sunshine Coast Grandfathered Clients Need to Know About the Upcoming Support at Home Program As part of Australia’s ongoing aged care reforms, the federal government will officially roll out the new Support at Home program on 1 November 2025. This new system will replace the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care…
How to Choose the Right My Aged Care Provider in 2025
As Australia’s population continues to age, more families are exploring My Aged Care to find the right support for their loved ones. With so many options available, navigating the system and making informed decisions can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for basic home assistance or more comprehensive care, knowing how to find a provider that…
Navigating Aged Care on the Sunshine Coast: Latest News and Updates
As our loved ones age, finding the right aged care services becomes a crucial priority. On the Sunshine Coast, where many retirees and elderly residents choose to live due to its relaxing lifestyle, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments in aged care. Here, we explore the latest news, innovations, and updates…
Comprehensive Aged Care Services in Sunshine Coast: Tailored Solutions for Every Need
As we age, our needs evolve, and ensuring the right care is available can provide peace of mind for both individuals and their families. If you’re on the Sunshine Coast and seeking reliable and professional aged care, look no further than My Home Care. Specialising in aged care Sunshine Coast, My Home Care offers personalised,…
Choosing the Right Aged Care Provider on the Sunshine Coast
As the population ages, the demand for quality aged care services continues to rise. Whether you’re looking for care for yourself or a loved one, finding the right support is crucial to maintaining a fulfilling and independent lifestyle. On the Sunshine Coast, residents are fortunate to have access to a wide range of aged care…
The Importance of Personalised Care Plans in Aged Care Services
Supporting older Australians goes beyond simply helping with daily tasks. It is about recognising and addressing an individual’s unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. A generic approach is not enough. This is where personalised care plans make a difference, offering customised assistance to improve the quality of life for seniors. For families seeking these services on…
Holistic Care with Our Balanced Care Method™
We understand that quality of life extends beyond physical care. That's why we are proud to integrate our Balanced Care Method, which focuses on promoting overall well-being through a combination of physical activity, mental engagement, and proper nutrition. Our approach ensures that clients receive not only the best Elderly Care but also a holistic care experience that enriches their lives.