Loneliness in Aged Care: What’s the Solution?

By Jeff Gibbs

A new initiative to tackle loneliness among older Australians is being pioneered by Silverchain and Federation University Australia. With research showing that 28% of older people in high-income countries like Australia experience loneliness, the partnership aims to develop practical, evidence-based solutions to improve the quality of life for those in in-home aged care.

A PhD candidate, co-supervised by researchers from Federation University and Silverchain, will lead the project, working closely with practitioners and older Australians to explore and implement scalable interventions. The research will be embedded within Silverchain and focus on delivering real-world outcomes for aged care clients.

Loneliness: A Growing Public Health Concern

Adjunct Professor Tanya Davison, Silverchain’s Director of Research Discovery, described loneliness as an epidemic and a major public health risk.

“While this analysis from PLOS One focuses on older adults in general, risk factors for loneliness—such as partner loss, limited social networks, poor perceived health, and depressed mood—are often heightened among people receiving in-home aged care,” Prof. Davison said. “This underscores the need for targeted research and intervention for this vulnerable group.”

Silverchain has already invested in innovative support programs like Enhanced Management of Home-Based Elders with Depression, which aims to reduce symptoms of depression in older Australians receiving care at home. The new PhD project, funded by the Silverchain Foundation, builds on this work and represents an exciting opportunity to combine academic excellence with practical innovation.

Developing Scalable Solutions

Federation University’s Distinguished Professor Colette Browning said that while general awareness of loneliness is increasing, the specific needs of in-home aged care clients have been overlooked in policymaking.

“It is crucial to explore innovative strategies to mitigate loneliness and enhance mental health in this population,” Prof. Browning said. “This partnership allows us to develop evidence-based interventions that can be widely implemented across the aged care system.”

The project will include a series of studies to explore the experience of loneliness among in-home aged care clients, with the goal of developing scalable solutions that can enhance mental health and wellbeing across the sector.

By combining academic research and practical interventions, the partnership between Silverchain and Federation University aims to set a new standard in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in aged care.

For more local news, click here.

Tweed Seniors Festival 2025: Time to Shine!

By Jeff Gibbs

Tweed’s older residents are ready to take centre stage as the 2025 Tweed Seniors Festival kicks off from 3–16 March with a packed program of more than 40 events, celebrating the vibrant contributions of seniors across the region.

This year’s festival, themed ‘Time to Shine!’, offers a mix of creative workshops, cultural experiences, social events, and physical activities designed to promote wellbeing, community connections, and lifelong learning.

A Community Celebration

Naomi Searle, Tweed Shire Council’s Director of Sustainable Communities & Environment, highlighted the festival’s importance to the region.
“With twice the state average of people over 60, the Tweed is home to an incredible community of older residents who make invaluable contributions every day,” Ms. Searle said.
“The Tweed Seniors Festival is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate these contributions, while also providing a space for connection, learning, and wellbeing.”

Festival Launch and Local Achievement Awards

The festival will begin with a grand opening ceremony on Monday, 3 March at the Tweed Heads Civic & Cultural Centre Auditorium. The event will include the highly anticipated Local Achievement Awards, celebrating seniors who have gone above and beyond to make the Tweed a diverse, active, and inspiring place to live.

Chris Watts, Manager of Tweed Meals on Wheels, will serve as MC for the event, with entertainment provided by Danceland Tweed Heads professional dancers and Fiddle Faddle, a traditional old-time music band.

Phil Eizenberg, Tweed’s official Senior Ambassador of the year, will be performing at the festival’s open ceremony on Monday 3 March with the Fiddle Faddle band.

Community Connection and Recognition

Phil Eizenberg, the 2025 Tweed Senior Ambassador and Fiddle Faddle band member, called the festival a fantastic opportunity for seniors to explore new experiences and connect with others.
“Seniors are at the heart of our community,” Mr. Eizenberg said. “I’m proud to be part of this year’s festival celebrating their contributions. It’s a great chance to try something new, stay active, and meet others.”

Guests at the opening ceremony will also enjoy a complimentary morning tea, prepared by the Tweed Hospital Auxiliary, and have the opportunity to learn about local services and community programs available for older residents.

Festival Highlights

With events ranging from art workshops and fitness classes to live performances and social gatherings, there’s something for everyone. The Tweed Seniors Festival is part of the larger NSW Seniors Festival, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest event dedicated to celebrating older people.

Get Involved

For the full Tweed Seniors Festival program, visit the Tweed Shire Council website.

Free tickets for the opening ceremony can be booked at Humanitix. Bookings are essential.

Come along, celebrate Tweed’s incredible seniors, and enjoy the fun and festivities!

For more local news, click here.

Two $30,000 Grants Awarded to Combat Senior Isolation in Lismore and Tweed

By Jeff Gibbs

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has announced that Beating Hearts of Lismore (auspiced by Northern Rivers Community Gateway) and Tweed Shire Council have each secured $30,000 under the NSW Government’s $840,000 Connecting Seniors Grant Program 2025. These grants aim to support innovative projects designed to reduce social isolation among seniors in the Lismore district and Murwillumbah area.

Supporting Seniors Through Innovative Projects

Ms. Saffin congratulated both recipients, highlighting the critical role these initiatives play in fostering community connections for older adults.

“They are among 28 organisations funded in this year’s Connecting Seniors Grant Program across categories including Aboriginal, Multicultural, Creation, Enhancement or Expansion, and Local,” said Ms. Saffin.

“I’m particularly pleased that the wonderful Beating Hearts of Lismore, coordinated by Lismore-based Geriatrician Dr. Rachel Jones and her dedicated volunteers, will be able to enrich the lives of more local seniors.”

Funded Local Projects

1. Northern Rivers Community Gateway (Beating Hearts of Lismore):
   • Expansion of the weekly volunteer-led singing group, connecting older adults facing social isolation, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease, along with their carers.
   • Introduction of evidence-based dance classes aimed at improving strength, balance, and social connections.
2. Tweed Shire Council – Age Well-Connect Program:
   • A diverse range of activities to combat senior isolation, including:
     • Technology classes to improve digital literacy.
     • Cooking workshops to encourage social interaction and healthy living.
     • Falls prevention and cognitive health initiatives to support physical and mental well-being.
     • A vibrant jazz festival to foster community spirit and cultural engagement.

A Broader Commitment to Senior Well-being

Since its launch in 2020, the Connecting Seniors Grant Program has funded more than 120 projects, engaging over 30,000 seniors across 82 Local Government Areas in NSW. This program aligns with the objectives of the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, showcasing the NSW Government’s dedication to building inclusive communities and addressing the growing challenges of isolation and loneliness among seniors.

For more details on the grants program and the full list of 2025 recipients, visit here.

For more local news, click here.

Dying to Receive Home Care: Aged Care Wait Times Spark Renewed Outrage

By Robert Heyward

Six years after the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, National Seniors Australia (NSA) has slammed the ongoing crisis in home care support, describing it as a persistent “running sore” that continues to leave vulnerable older Australians waiting—sometimes dying—without the care they need.

The alarming case of an 86-year-old South Australian applying to end his life under a Voluntary Assisted Dying Scheme due to prolonged delays has reignited calls for urgent reforms. Federal Member for Mayo, Ms. Rebekha Sharkie MP, brought the case to light, highlighting the human cost of bureaucratic delays.

Home Care Crisis: Numbers Paint a Grim Picture

• 15-Month Wait for Level 4 Care: The highest level of care, meant for those with critical needs, can take more than a year to be approved.
• Surging Waitlists: Over 76,000 older Australians are currently waiting for home care, with 47,000 more people added to the waitlist since June 2023.
• Past Improvements Reversed: After briefly achieving a 1–3 month target in early 2023, wait times have worsened dramatically.

NSA Chief Executive Officer Chris Grice described the delays as “appalling” and warned that without significant investment in resources and workforce, the government’s commitment to returning to its three-month target by 2027 is unlikely to be met.

A Royal Commission’s Legacy Ignored

The Royal Commission into Aged Care, launched six years ago, identified the backlog in home care as a critical issue.

Yet, many of its findings remain unresolved:

• Delayed Approvals: As the Royal Commission heard, people often receive approvals long after their assessments. Many have died waiting for care, a scenario the Commission deemed unacceptable.
• Lack of Urgency: While the proposed Aged Care Bill 2024 aims to expand home care packages by changing means-testing rules, these changes won’t take effect until July 2025—too late for many in desperate need now.

Workforce Shortages: The Elephant in the Room

Even with additional packages, a lack of staff threatens the system’s ability to deliver care.

NSA has emphasised the need for solutions to retain experienced workers, including:

• Exemptions for Care Workers from the Age Pension Means Test: A measure that could help keep skilled older workers in the sector.
• Better Support for Aged Care Staff: Without addressing burnout and low pay, workforce challenges will persist.

A Call to Action

Mr. Grice underscored the urgency of the situation.

“To have someone apply for Voluntary Assisted Dying because they can’t wait for care is heartbreaking. This should never happen. We are grateful to this individual for sharing his story and to Ms. Sharkie for her advocacy, but more must be done to prevent such tragedies in the future.”

NSA’s Recommendations

• Enforceable Timeframes: The new Aged Care Act must include strict time limits for the approval and delivery of care.
• Immediate Action on Workforce Shortages: Fast-tracking measures like pension means-test exemptions to bolster staff numbers.
• Greater Investment: Increase funding and resources to reduce wait times and avoid further blowouts.

A Broken System That Needs Fixing Now

The home care crisis continues to undermine the dignity and quality of life of older Australians. As Grice put it, “We’ve had this conversation too many times. It’s time for action.”

For Australians like the 86-year-old South Australian and the thousands still waiting, swift reform isn’t just necessary—it’s a matter of life and death.

For more local news, click here.

Urgent Action Needed: Community is Both the Challenge and Solution for People with Dementia

Dementia Australia has issued a call for urgent action as new research released during Dementia Action Week reveals that the ongoing lack of understanding of dementia among Australians continues to fuel stigma and discrimination. The report, titled “‘People in the Community’ are the Challenge and the Solution: Towards a Dementia-Friendly Future,” highlights that while community support can be transformative, it is also the primary source of challenges faced by those living with dementia.

Key findings from the 2024 research show:

• 71% of people with a loved one living with dementia reported their loved one was patronised by others.
• 76% felt their family member or friend with dementia was treated as though they were not intelligent.
• Two in three identified people in the community as the most frequent source of discrimination.
• One in three reported that people avoided or excluded their loved one with dementia.

Additionally, other surveys by Dementia Australia show persistent misconceptions, with one in three Australians still believing that dementia is a normal part of aging—a belief that has grown slightly over the past decade. Alarmingly, 68% of respondents in both 2012 and 2024 indicated they know very little about dementia.

Bobby Redman, Chair of the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee and an individual living with dementia, expressed her frustration over the lack of progress in understanding and awareness. “It’s almost unbelievable that we still have to talk about this. Why do people treat us differently? What have we done to deserve this? All we are asking for is to be understood, respected, and supported—basic human rights,” Ms. Redman said.

She emphasised the need for communities to recognise dementia as a disability, despite its invisibility, and to provide the necessary support to reduce social isolation. “If councils, businesses, and organizations acknowledged this, we could feel less isolated and more included,” she added.

While some communities are making efforts to combat discrimination and foster inclusion, Ms. Redman stressed that much more must be done to create dementia-friendly environments across the country.

Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Dementia Australia, noted that the research confirms “people in the community” are the primary source of discrimination toward those living with dementia. “The stigma surrounding a dementia diagnosis can discourage people from seeking healthcare, including early diagnosis, and it often leads to reduced social engagement, which in turn negatively affects the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of the individual.”

Professor Buchanan called for collective action, urging local, state, territory, and federal governments, as well as community groups, to raise awareness and understanding of dementia and take steps to make communities more inclusive.

The report serves as a stark reminder that greater education, understanding, and community-driven initiatives are essential to reducing the stigma and discrimination faced by those living with dementia.

“It is incredibly disappointing that Australians’ understanding of dementia has not shifted in a decade and profoundly concerning that more people now think dementia is a normal part of ageing than they did a decade ago. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing.

“We know that we can do better as there are great examples of dementia-friendly communities from around the country.

“And that’s why this Dementia Action Week (16-22 September) Dementia Australia is calling for urgent and sustained action by communities and governments at all levels to increase their awareness and understanding of dementia – and to become the solution.”

Head here to find out how you can join us to create a future where all people impacted by dementia are supported and welcomed in their communities, no matter where they live.

For more seniors news, click here.