RANGE Care’s Nambour Social Centre hosted a special event on Thursday, March 13, to celebrate some extensive renovations and express gratitude to the Nambour Community Foundation and Sunshine Coast Council for their support.
The Social Centre has been transformed thanks to the generosity of the Foundation and local Council. Additions were made to the centre to improve accessibility for clients, which included a re-carpet of the interior and resurfacing of outdoor areas as well as improvements to
Clients, Management and Team Members enjoyed a delicious morning tea plus a range of games and activities as part of the celebration.
RangeCare’s Business Development Manager, Jess Garey said, “The purpose of the Social Centre is to get people out and about, connecting with other people.”
“They share a lovely meal prepared by our in-house kitchen team and they can enjoy plenty of fun activities while they are here.”
To find out more about how to get involved with supporting RangeCare, visit www.rangecare.com.au/
Starting the Home Care Conversation
A guide for adult children looking to support ageing parents
By Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care
DECIDING to welcome a caregiver into your parent’s home is a signifi often emotional choice.
Many older adults value their independence and see their home as a sanctuary, making the idea of accepting outside help challenging. However, home care can enhance their well-being by providing the necessary support to help them maintain their independence and stay in their familiar environment longer.
Starting a conversation about home care with an ageing parent can be daunting, as it involves navigating emotions, concerns, and practicalities. Here are some key tips to help you approach this sensitive discussion.
times and consider a neutral location, like a café, for a relaxed atmosphere.
thoughts and concerns.
Listen attentively without interrupting, showing
Choose the Right Time and Place: Select a quiet, private setting for an open discussion, free from distractions. Avoid bringing up the topic during stressful
understanding and care. Use “I” statements to express your concerns without sounding accusatory. Frame the discussion around your parent’s well-being and quality of life.
Listen Actively: Encourage your parent to share their
and Well-being: Reassure your parent that home care is designed to support their independence, not take it away. Highlight how it can enhance their safety, happiness, and daily life.
Discuss Practical Aspects: Research home
care options together, comparing providers, costs, and services. Involving your parent in the decisionmaking process helps them feel more in control.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult healthcare professionals, such as a GP or home care manager, who can provide expert guidance tailored to your parent’s needs. Build a Support System: Connect with family members, friends, or caregiver support groups for advice and emotional support. Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges can be invaluable.
Starting the conversation about home care is an act of love. With empathy and open communication, families can work together to find the best solution.
Mark & Sylvie’s Home Care understands the challenges families face and offers personalised home care services to meet the unique needs of your loved one, providing support every step of the way.
Senior Living
Gourmet safari
Part of my life as an African safari guide
By Matilda Cutmore
I AM Australian. But I am also South African. I have lived in Australia for half my life. But that is the problem with us emigrants. We have one foot in our home country and one in our adopted country. So like most emigrants I was very homesick. I already had my African Cottages in Maleny and producing a range of products called Gourmet Afrika. Also importing Justine Skincare, for other homesick expats. But I was still homesick!
Then I decided to take groups of Australians to South Africa to show them my beautiful homeland. But it had to be different. So Gourmet Afrika Safari was born. My Safari focused on the cuisine of South Africa. There was plenty of scope! They are called the Rainbow Nation for a reason. There are 13 different clans, each with their own unique
cuisine.
The focus was on the food. Quaint villages where we had delicious lunches. Townships where we had
What a stunning place!
Nestled amongst majestic mountains is a valley of sheer beauty and stunning winelands.
Then there is Stellenbosch. What a magic place! Nothing like Stellenbosch anywhere on earth! A historic town with whitewashed historic buildings, lots of restaurants and cafes, and about 300 wineries, most of them over 400 years old South African cooking has a strong Malay influence. When the Dutch came to the Cape in 1652 they imported Malay slaves, who
0 years South has a nfluence. When the came pe in 1652 mported slaves, who
THE WRITE STUFF - Do you have a life story that deserves to be told? Perhaps it’s a tale of triumph or blunder, the happiest moment or a time of profound sorrow. Whatever it is, we’d love to hear it. We’re inviting readers to share their personal stories for publication. We’re not looking for a perfect story, just honest writing so give it a go and send us 400-450 words with a title, your name, age and town: editorial@gcnews.com.au
are distributed as you wish. In addition to financial assets, a will can also specify guardianship for minor children and address other important matters like funeral preferences. However, it’s important to regularly update your will to reflect any significant life changes—such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of
making informed decisions about your estate, you can protect your loved ones and provide clarity during a difficult time. Contact the lawyers at Spire Law to take these steps now, which can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress in the future. Spire Law- Ph (07) 5440 4800 or visit our website spirelaw.com.au
Senior Living Support at Home offers
SUPPORT at Home is the new in-home aged care program developed by the Australian Government, bringing together existing programs from July 1 2025.
Many of these changes are in response to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The vision is to deliver the highest quality personcentred care for older people, where and when they need it.
Under the new Support at Home program, there will be improved access to services, products, equipment and home modifications to help older people to remain healthy, active and socially connected to their community.
This includes: A Restorative Care Pathway,
which can help you maintain and improve your independence through multidisciplinary allied health services; the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, which will support you to access products, equipment and/or home modifications to meet your assessed needs; an End-of-Life Pathway, which can provide dedicated funding to access services and remain at home in your last 3 months of life.
The Support at Home program will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme from July 1
2025.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will become part of the Support at Home program no earlier than July 1 2027.
CHSP will continue operating as usual until it moves to Support at Home.
More information about these changes can be found through the Department of Health and Aged Care website at https://www. health.gov.au/our-work/ support-at-home
WE have had a busy month at Sounds Good with many people taking advantage of our Free hearing check in lieu of World Hearing Day which was March 3. With such a good response we have decided to extend the Free hearing check for the month of April as well. If you or someone you know has a problem with their hearing call the clinic to find out more. Hearing aid trials have also proved to be popular. As always, the trial of hearing aids from Sounds Good is cost and obligation Free. There has never been a better time to explore what better hearing could mean for you or someone you know. Hearing aid trials are available to both those on the Hearing Service
Program and those who are private clients.
All aspects of wax removal are available
previously.
from Sounds Good, with most appointments being completed on the day without the need for repeated doses of ear wax softening agent. A flat rate of $80.00 for wax removal services applies for April. Those booking for wax removal are also taking advantage of the FREE hearing check if they haven’t been tested
Custom ear protection is another part of the services at Sounds Good. Whether it be for musicians or those who work in noisy environments we have a range of custom solutions. To discuss any of the custom noise solutions feel free to contact the clinic via the email soundsgoodsc@ outlook.com or call/ text on 0410467090.
A lot of people have asked if a referral is needed for hearing assessment and the short answer is NO. If attending for a hearing test a report can be completed and sent to your medical practitioner if needed. Monday to Friday 830-430. Saturday by appointment. 8/43 Maple Street. (opposite the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre in Bicentenary Lane).
