Ashand Care and Services Pty Ltd

21/10/2026

❤️ **"I'M FINE AT HOME. I JUST DON'T GET OUT MUCH ANYMORE."**

Sometimes, loneliness doesn't look like sadness.

It looks like someone spending most of their day watching television.

Or an older person who used to enjoy going to the shops but now rarely leaves the house.

Or Mum saying, "Don't worry about visiting. I know you're busy."

As we get older, changes in mobility, health and social connections can make everyday life feel smaller.

But staying connected to people and activities we enjoy is important for emotional wellbeing.

**A little tip for families today.**

Ask your loved one:

"What's something you used to enjoy doing that you miss?"

It might be having coffee with a friend, going to church, visiting the markets or simply enjoying a drive.

Then explore whether social support or community access services could help them reconnect with those activities.

Because living safely at home matters.

But so does having something to look forward to.

💬 **What's one activity your Mum, Dad or loved one still enjoys doing?** 💚

20/10/2026

💰 **"I'M WORRIED MY AGED CARE FUNDING WON'T LAST."**

This is a concern we hear from families navigating Support at Home.

Mum has been approved for funding, but after looking at the cost of services, the family starts worrying.

Will there be enough for cleaning?

What about personal care?

What happens if Mum needs more help later?

It's understandable to feel anxious when you're responsible for planning someone else's care.

**Here's one thing I encourage families to do.**

Ask your Care Partner to sit down with you and go through the quarterly budget.

Not just how much funding is available, but how many hours of support that funding can realistically provide.

Ask what has already been spent, what remains, and whether the current services are sustainable.

A budget should help you plan with confidence, not leave you guessing.

And remember, you have every right to ask questions about how your funding is being used.

💬 **Do you feel confident understanding your Support at Home budget?**

Ashand Care & Services 💚

19/10/2026

🌿 **"I DON'T NEED HELP. I CAN STILL DO THINGS MYSELF."**

Have you heard Mum or Dad say this?

Sometimes, when an older person refuses help, it's not because they're being difficult.

They may be worried about losing their independence.

Imagine spending your entire life making your own decisions, looking after your family and managing your home.

Then suddenly, people start telling you what you should and shouldn't do.

That can be difficult to accept.

**Here's something families can try.**

Instead of saying, "Mum, you need someone to help you."

Try asking, "Mum, which jobs around the house would you be happy for someone else to take care of?"

It's a small change in how we approach the conversation, but it gives Mum the opportunity to make her own choices.

Support at Home should help older people maintain their independence, not take it away.

💬 **Have you found it difficult to convince a parent to accept help?**

You're certainly not the only family having this conversation. 💚

18/10/2026

💚 **WHO LOOKS AFTER THE PERSON WHO LOOKS AFTER EVERYONE ELSE?**

You wake up, prepare Mum's breakfast, organise her medications, take her to appointments, manage the house, and somehow still find time for your own family.

By the end of the day, you're exhausted.

But when someone asks how you're doing, you say, "I'm okay."

Does this sound familiar?

Caring for someone you love can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting.

And sometimes, the hardest part is admitting that you need help too.

**A little reminder for family carers today:**

You don't have to wait until you're completely exhausted before asking for support.

Talk to your family. Speak with your loved one's Care Partner. Explore what services could help take some responsibilities off your shoulders.

Because looking after yourself is also part of looking after the person you love.

💬 **To all the family carers reading this, when was the last time someone asked how YOU were doing?**

Ashand Care & Services 💚

14/10/2026

💙 Two Days of Learning, Reflection and Advocacy for Older Australians

Over the past two days, the Ashand Care and Services team had the opportunity to attend an aged care conference, gaining valuable insights into the ongoing reforms, strengthened quality standards and the future of aged care in Australia.

While there were many positive discussions about improving the quality and safety of aged care, one issue continues to weigh heavily on us — access to care for older Australians who need help NOW.

During the conference, we raised a question with representatives from the Department responsible for aged care:

“What is being done to reduce the waiting times for Support at Home funding, particularly when CHSP providers are already at capacity and older people are struggling to access even basic support in their communities?”

The response we received was, essentially, to wait.

And while we understand that reforms take time, it raises an important question:

What happens to older Australians while they wait?

What happens to someone who needs help showering, preparing meals, cleaning their home or simply getting to a medical appointment?

What happens to families who are already overwhelmed trying to care for their loved ones?

We recognise the significant work being undertaken to improve Australia’s aged care system, and we appreciate the complexities involved in implementing these changes.

However, there is a difference between having services available on paper and being able to access those services when they are needed.

As a nurse-led aged care provider, we see the importance of early intervention, preventative care and supporting older Australians to remain safe and independent in their own homes.

Our concern is not simply about waiting times. It is about the potential impact of those delays on people’s health, independence, dignity and quality of life.

We believe there needs to be greater attention given to bridging the gap between assessment, funding allocation and actual service delivery.

At Ashand Care and Services, we remain committed to being part of the solution — working collaboratively with families, healthcare professionals, other providers and the broader aged care sector.

Because aged care reform should not only be measured by the policies we introduce, but also by the difference those changes make in the everyday lives of older Australians.

💙 Our older Australians deserve quality care, but they also deserve timely access to that care.

24/08/2026

24/08/2026

💙 Struggling With Your Support at Home Contributions? There May Be Help Available

One question families sometimes ask us is:

“What happens if Mum or Dad simply can't afford their aged care contributions?”

You may be able to apply for financial hardship assistance through Services Australia.

If approved, the Australian Government may pay a supplement to your aged care provider to cover some or all of your eligible costs for a period of time, depending on your individual circumstances.

🏡 If you're receiving Support at Home services:

If you apply for financial hardship assistance, let your provider know.

Your provider should pause collecting your contributions while Services Australia assesses the application.

If the application isn't approved, the outstanding contributions will still need to be paid.

Financial hardship assistance may also be available for people living in residential aged care, including residential respite.

Most importantly, please don't quietly reduce essential care because you're worried about the cost.

Talk to your provider. Ask questions. Find out what assistance may be available.

Sometimes the solution starts with simply telling someone:

“I'm struggling to afford this.”

At Ashand Care & Services, we're happy to help families understand their Support at Home funding, contributions and where to go for further assistance.

💚 Care should come with guidance, not confusion.

Aged care financial hardship assistance may help you to pay your aged care costs. What assistance we may be able to provide depends on your situation.

19/08/2026

Dogs have a beautiful way of reaching places that words sometimes can’t. For someone feeling lonely, a gentle visit, a wagging tail, and quiet companionship can bring comfort, connection, and a little piece of joy back into the day. Sometimes the smallest paws leave the biggest footprints on the heart. 🐾❤️