Oxley News Autumn 2022
As summer has now drawn to a close, it is hard to believe that Autumn is with us and we’re already in March of 2022 with Easter fast approaching. This…
Essential Services Update for Greater Sydney
Home care for the ageing population of Australia is an essential service In Greater Sydney, our staff will always carry proof of their address to comply with the direction of…
Oxley News Winter 2021
Find out how you can get more out of your Home Care Package, plus tips for avoiding scams, meet our team plus more. CLICK HERE to download Did you find this…
Want to live longer and happier? Here’s how…
Most of us would like to live for a long time. And, while we’re at it, to have fun. So, what do the experts recommend that we do to achieve…
Five thoughtful things you can do for an elderly parent living with dementia
Family and friends matter when it comes to navigating life’s ups and downs. So, what can you do to keep the special bond alive when an elderly parent is living…
How to apply for a Home Care Package…
Being able to stay at home as we age is one of the most important things for most Australians. The Federal Government offers assistance in the way of a Home Care…
Are you eligible for Veterans Home Care?
For those who have served our country in the military, or are a widow or widower of a veteran, there are a range of home care services and entitlements which…
Tips for choosing the right aged care for you or your loved ones
Finding the best aged care for your loved one can be a difficult journey – for all of the family. According to Choice, Australia’s leading advocacy group, the fear of moving…
Top five things you need to know about Home Care Assistance
When the time has come to consider home care assistance, it is critical to ensure the home care provider is the right choice for a loved one. There are a…
10 things you can do to prevent dementia
In Australia, there are over 1,500 new cases of dementia diagnosed each week. It’s predicted that by 2050 there will be almost one million Australians with the condition and 10…
Older Australians making the most of social media and apps
A recent report undertaken at Griffith University has found that the number of older Australians using social media and apps to stay connected with family and friends is “surging”. It appears that…
Dementia is second leading cause of death of Australians…
The number of deaths in Australia from dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease, has increased by 68 per cent over the past decade while other leading causes of death, such as heart…
Five things to do in Sydney with an elderly relative…
If you’re seeking venues in Sydney to take an elderly relative for an outing or day-trip, perhaps you might like to consider the five places featured below. Each venue is…
Top eight iPad apps to support people with dementia
Tablets and touchscreen devices such as iPads are very useful in helping people with dementia engage with their community. iPads are tactile, versatile and very simple to use and the…
$100 million to help senior Australians live at home for longer
The Federal Government this week committed to investing an additional $100 million over two years to support senior Australians to remain living independently in their own homes. The funding injection will help…
Veterans’ Health Week 2018
Did you know that Veterans’ Health Week is next week? It will be held from Saturday September 22 through to Sunday September 30, 2018. The Department of Veterans Affairs, ex-service organisations and community…
Do you know what to do if a stroke happens?
It’s estimated that more than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented simply by managing risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle, according to the Stroke Foundation. There are some risk…
How to live to 100, or to have a long life at least…
Would you like to know the key to a long life? The Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at the University of NSW is investigating what makes those aged 95 and…
Dementia Awareness Month
Did you know that September is Dementia Awareness Month? Dementia Awareness Month is a campaign conducted by Dementia Australia National that’s all about encouraging Australians to become aware of dementia and to…
Great Father’s Day Gift Ideas
When we think of Father’s Day, we often think of home-made cards, ties, shirts, handkerchiefs and slippers. But, when it comes to an older father, a Father’s Day gift requires…
90 Days until your Home Care Package. What to do next…
If you or a loved-one are waiting in the national queue for a Home Care Package, you are now going to receive a letter 90 days before you are assigned a Home…
How to communicate effectively with a person with dementia
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be very challenging as their past ability to communicate and understand can be affected. A previous article we’ve compiled gives you an insider’s perspective…
Frailty can be diagnosed in your middle age and lead to higher mortality risk
Frailty is something that’s commonly associated with old age. But, research from the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing has revealed the significance of frailty in middle age and the…
Time with family and friends helps stave off depression, especially for those in aged care
Isolation and loneliness are major contributors to depression. It’s true for everyone, but it’s especially relevant for older people, who may be dealing with physical limitations, ill health and new…
What the Federal Budget means for older Australians
Older Australians are the cornerstone of Treasurer Scott Morrison’s Federal Budget. In his budget speech on Tuesday this week, Treasurer Scott Morrison advised that the federal government would spend $1.6…
Oxley Home Care has entered the Northern Beaches Local Business Awards
Oxley Home Care has entered the 2018 Northern Beaches Local Business Awards. The Local Business Awards recognise business excellence among local Northern Beaches companies. We pride ourselves on servicing our local community, employing…
Wendy Mitchell’s book provides inspiration to those living with dementia
(Image courtesy of Alzheimer’s Society, UK) Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease at 58 years of age. Her disease became obvious when she had a fall while jogging by…
How can I avoid getting dementia?
Did you know? Almost half of 2,000 people surveyed by the BBC’s ‘Trust Me, I’m a Doctor’ program were keen to know ‘How can I avoid dementia?’ (49 per cent according to a ComRes…
Younger people caring for their parents with dementia
The number of people living with dementia in Australia is continuing to rise. It’s estimated that 425,000 Australians currently live with dementia – that’s 250 Australians developing dementia every day.…
Pets help the elderly, especially those receiving aged care…
Parisian author and poet, Anatole France once wrote: “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” The benefits of having a pet and pet therapy…
Your gut bacteria could influence whether you develop Alzheimer’s Disease
Did you know that there is a link between your intestinal bacteria and your chance of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease? New research from Lund University in Sweden has shown that your…
New blood test detects Alzheimer’s Disease with 90 per cent accuracy
Scientists from Australia and Japan have developed the world’s first accurate blood test for Alzheimer’s Disease that can detect the presence of the disease up to 30 years prior to symptoms…
Can you exercise when you have arthritis?
Arthritis is one of the most common, costly and disabling chronic conditions in Australia. Currently, there are 3.9 million Australians with arthritis and this is set to grow to 5.4…
Care to stay at home – it’s a fact that many of us do…
Recent research from Macquarie University has discovered that by receiving home care, Australian seniors can significantly reduce the chance that they will need to move into residential aged care. The researchers studied…
10 Questions you should ask a Home Care Provider…
It becomes all too clear when the time is right to engage the services of a home care provider to look after a loved one. Perhaps they need help with…
Tell-tale signs that your elderly parents need home care assistance
Christmas and the annual holiday break is often a joyous time of catching up with extended family and friends, giving presents and sharing food. It’s also an opportunity for you…
Buying gifts for elderly relatives or loved ones…
Buying Christmas gifts for family members can sometimes be difficult, and finding presents for elderly relatives can be an even harder task. There is probably nothing they need and very…
Dementia and the festive season – tips for families
While the festive season is generally a very happy time to relax and reflect on the year which has passed, it can often be fraught with emotion and family issues…
Reaching out to fight loneliness at Christmas time…
The festive season is generally a happy time to relax and reflect on the year that’s past. But, it’s also a time that can be fraught with emotion as Australians…
Christmas shopping with the elderly…
(With much thanks to the Frenchs Forest, Belrose, Davidson and Forestville Community Facebook Group.) If you’re out and about Christmas shopping in a large shopping centre this festive season, perhaps…
How can I estimate my fees for a Home Care Package?
It is difficult to give a “one size fits all” answer when it comes to estimating home care fees and services, as it can depend on an individual’s circumstances, the…
The Australian community has spoken and said “Yes”
The Australian community spoke loudly and clearly this week. The majority of eligible Australians who expressed a view in the voluntary survey said “Yes” to Australian law being changed to…
Be prepared to make a decision about aged care early on…
It really doesn’t matter what it is – being prepared is always the best way to approach situations and aged care is no different. According to Rita Merienne, founder of Aged…
Seniors staying safe at home in the summer months
Australia’s number one natural killer is not floods, cyclones, bushfires or storms – in fact, heat stress has claimed the lives of more people than all of those disasters combined.…
Staying hydrated in the warmer weather…
Staying hydrated, especially as it becomes warmer, is important for everyone. Insufficient consumption of fluids, especially water, can result in headaches, lethargy, urinary tract infections, kidney failure, digestive troubles, hallucinations…
Do you work in aged care? Maybe you should consider it…
Do you work in aged care? There are lots of reasons to and it’s a growing sector. The Australian Bureau of Statistics released its 2016 Census of Population and Housing this week.…
6,000 new Home Care Packages released in September 2017
By 2050, more than five million people will need access to aged care. And, according to the Productivity Commission, Australia will need almost one million aged care staff to care…
Is air pollution connected to dementia?
Did you know that air pollution could be linked to an increased risk of developing dementia? According to an observational study undertaken by researchers and scientists at King’s College London,…
Marking National Carers’ Week
National Carers Week takes place this month, from October 14 to October 20, 2017 – and is all about recognising and celebrating the amazing positive difference that Australia’s 2.7 million unpaid…
Maggie Beer to launch recipe book to help Australia’s elderly with Alzheimer’s Disease
Well-loved Australian cook, Maggie Beer and Professor Ralph Martins, a leading Alzheimer’s Disease Researcher, have teamed up to help Australia’s elderly fight a debilitating disease – Alzheimer’s Disease. Using the latest…
How does Oxley Home Care compare to other Home Care providers?
Finding the best aged care for your loved one can be a difficult journey – for all of the family. So, how do you choose the right Home Care Provider?…
Received a letter of approval from My Aged Care? Are you confused?
Congratulations. We can help you on this journey. We are Home Care Package specialists. We make it simple for you to get the support you need and to maximise the…
Three families living with dementia featured on ABC’s ‘Four Corners’ program
(Photo taken by Janine Cohen) The ABC’s recent ‘Four Corners’ program, ‘Forget Me Not’ featured a story on three Australians who have been diagnosed with dementia. http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2017/07/10/4697530.htm According to the…
Are Seniors Saving for a Rainy Day?
There is a misconception that retirees and pre-retirees are either spending their kids’ inheritance (the SKI-ers) or they are hoarding it to pass onto their families when they pass away.…
Five thoughtful things you can do to help your elderly parents
Watching elderly parents, grandparents or loved ones deteriorate can be extremely difficult. It is hard to watch those that once cared for you become in need of care themselves. While…
Discussing in-home care with your loved ones
It can be a big adjustment to get used to having someone support you to live in your own home. Most of us have a sense of pride when it…
New campaign launched to raise awareness of My Aged Care
Ken Wyatt, Federal Minister for Aged Care, has launched an information campaign to raise people’s awareness of the My Aged Care website, Home Care Services and Home Care Packages. The idea behind…
Choice Magazine reports on high Home Care Package exit fees being charged…
In June’s edition of ‘Choice’ magazine, Daily News Editor, Tony Ibrahim wrote about the high exit fees that some Aged Care Providers are charging their clients. “Undisclosed fees as high as…
Workers in aged care have never been more in demand…
With Australia’s ageing population and increased life expectancy, there are growing demands for Care Workers in our nation. In fact, a career in aged care will be a long one…
Shelia Raphael turns 100! ‘The Manly Daily’ and Oxley Home celebrate!
Sheila Raphael will celebrate her 100th birthday in the way that she has always wanted – with family, friends, cake and plenty of laughs. Sheila was born on May 29,…
No exit fees at Oxley Home Care
When shopping around for a home care provider, it’s important that you check out if a short-listed home care provider will charge you joining fees, assessment fees, moving fees or…
How to change your Home Care Provider in Sydney
Did you know that you can now switch your Home Care Provider as of February 27, 2017? If you’re not satisfied with the level of service that you’re receiving from…
2017 Budget outcome – measures to boost Australian aged care workforce
It’s been estimated that the Australian aged care sector will need to expand its workforce to 980,000 by 2050 to respond to the demand of an ageing population, according to Ken…
Appreciate mum by giving the gift of independence – Home Care
Mother’s Day is a chance to express thanks to your mother or the mother figure in your life. Breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas or dinners at restaurants frequently take place on…
Changes benefit people in need of care at home
Oxley Home Care was featured in the Canterbury Bankstown Express on Tuesday April 25, 2017 highlighting the recent changes to Home Care Packages made by the Federal Government’s Department of Health, with a case…
Exercising the brain helps those living with dementia
It’s well documented that exercising your brain can help ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, but it can also help once a diagnosis has been made. Researchers have looked into whether…
What are Home Care Packages?
While we are fortunate in Australia to have a world class aged care system in place, as our population ages, we need to make fundamental changes to ensure the system…
Noel Whittaker’s ‘Sun Herald’ column on home care and options for the elderly
On Easter Sunday – April 16, 2017 – Oxley Home Care was featured in Noel Whittaker’s column in the Money segment of The Sun Herald. The article included interviews with Fraser Douglass, Managing Director of Oxley…
Advances in wound care management taught to home care nursing staff
Like all Australian industries, nursing often has advances occurring rapidly. So, it’s important that home care nursing staff attend regular training and keep their skills levels up to date, especially…
Give the gift of independence this Easter
Special occasions such as Easter can be an opportune time to thank your ageing parents for all the care, support and strength that they have shown you over the years.…
Safe and fun activities for those living with dementia
For a person living with dementia, the need for a good quality of life, full of activities and engagement does not diminish. There are many safe and rewarding activities that…
Dementia, loneliness and becoming re-engaged with society
Loneliness can be crippling at any stage of life but can be very pronounced as we begin to age. Children move away and start their own families, partners and friends…
Nursing care tips to reduce skin tears and wounds in the elderly…
Skin tears are the most common wound type in the elderly population because as we begin to age, our skin becomes weaker and is more susceptible to tearing. In Australia,…
Department of Health releases Home Care Packages
The Australian Government Department of Health has announced this week that a “new national system for prioritising access to home care packages has now been established.” The new system will…
What is an Aged Care Assessment?
Are you in the process of applying for a Home Care Package? Have you had your aged care assessment? Are you wondering what the Aged Care Assessment Team do and…
Keeping your brain fit to ward off dementia…
While we are bombarded with messages to keep our bodies fit, keeping our brain fit is also very important as we age. Researchers at Stanford University in the United States found that…
Virtual reality technology helps give greater understanding of dementia
Dementia carers will be able to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia, thanks to revolutionary new virtual reality technology being rolled out in training…
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease now possible with eye camera
Researchers at two Australian universities are the first in the world to receive a specialised eye camera, which could make it much easier for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Current technologies…
Seniors look at changes to aged care
Oxley Home Care was featured in ‘The Manly Daily’ on Saturday February 24, 2017, discussing how seniors now have the power to choose their aged care provider in national reforms implemented on…
Continence management for the elderly living at home
There are many products which can assist with issues such as continence management and wound care for elderly people still living in their own homes. Oxley Home Care uses many products…
Living independently at home with allied health support…
Being independent and staying in their own homes for as long as possible is the wish of many older Australians. Oxley Home Care works in conjunction with a number of allied health…
Accessing Home Care after 50…
Aboriginal Australians can access aged care services including home care packages from the age of 50, rather than from 65, as applies to non-Indigenous Australians. According to the Australian Institute of Health and…
Finding the best home care for your family…
The decision has been made. Your elderly loved one needs some assistance from a professional aged care provider. Where do you start? What do you need to look for in…
Why it’s important to ensure your aged care provider is accredited…
Australian home care and aged care providers are subject to an accreditation process to help ensure the care provided meets the necessary levels of service. The Australian Aged Care Quality Agency (AACQA)…
Pets help the elderly, especially those receiving aged care…
Parisian author and poet, Anatole France once wrote: “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” The benefits of having a pet and pet therapy…
Altruism grows as we age…
Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist, lecturer and poet once wrote: “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” While that…
What do mature Australians want from life?
The familiar Latin expression “Carpe Diem”, or “Seize the Day” as it translates to in English, is certainly not one just for the young. The “mid-life crisis” is a myth,…
Dementia Advocate and South Australian of the Year – Kate Swaffer
While she didn’t win the title of Australian of the Year, dementia advocates Kate Swaffer is grateful and humbled by the experience of being named the South Australian of the…
Landmark reforms to the Australian aged care sector
Australian seniors will be given the power to choose their in-home aged care provider as of Monday, February 27, 2017 as a result of landmark reforms to the Australian aged…
Having a conversation about aged care is important…
For most of us, the first few months of the New Year is a time to rest, refresh and plan for the rest of the year. It’s also a great time…
Enhancing the bond between grandparents and grandchildren
When you’re a grandparent, it’s important to make the most of the precious family time. The bonds between grandparents and their grandchildren can be deep and enduring. Those caring for…
Long distance care of elderly family members with Home Care Packages
Being geographically close to ageing relatives, especially those receiving a Home Care Package, is a huge advantage in providing care and supervision of their needs, but unfortunately that is not always…
Concerned about losing your independence? How Home Care can help…
A British survey has found that almost half of the respondents are more afraid of losing their independence as they grow older, than of dying. The research was carried out by…
It’s vital that carers of people with dementia receive a break
Carers of people with dementia can often feel guilty when asking for support, but it is vital for them to have a break to ensure they remain physically and mentally…
Dementia – from an insider’s perspective
What is it like to experience dementia? It’s suggested that to truly understand someone, you need to walk a mile in their shoes. But, how can you experience the world…
Drug trial successful in combatting Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease patients in Australia have been given a remarkable drug in a world first trial at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. The trial of drug Anavex 2-73 has already…
Lifelong learning keeps you young…
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young” – Henry Ford Henry…
How to make 2017 a great one for those living with dementia
Making a New Year’s resolution to eat better, exercise, watch your weight, see your healthcare provider regularly, or quit smoking once and for all, can help you get healthier and…
Action taken to prevent elder abuse in Australia…
The most common form of elder abuse in Australia is financial and the perpetrators are likely to be related to the victim. As a result, the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has…
At risk of dementia? A new study calls for participants…
People aged between 50 and 70 are being asked to volunteer for a new research study that is looking at whether a Healthy Brain Ageing (HBA) E-Health Platform can identify…
How elderly Australians can avoid being scammed…
While elderly Australians are becoming increasingly reliant on technology for many aspects of their life, it’s important to be aware of potential scammers. Last year, Australians aged over 55 lost…
Is over consumption of alcohol linked to dementia?
Australians aged between 60 and 69 are drinking more than ever, with fears excessive drinking can lead to serious illnesses such as dementia, brain damage and liver disease. (For further information…
Why laughter is the best medicine for your mental health…
It’s true that laughter really is the best medicine. There’s no doubt that a good laugh is a contagious act of happiness, which transforms mind and body into a higher…
Why gardening is good for you…
English poet Alfred Austin once wrote: “The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just…
Getting out and about safely…
Getting out and about – and transferring into a car – can be extremely difficult for many older Australians, depending on their level of strength and flexibility. It’s important for their…
Energy Saving Tips for You…
As we age, it’s harder to live by the old quote: “Don’t stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done.” That might be all well and good when you were…
The loneliness of dementia
“There is still such a stigma with the disease. A diagnosis of cancer and everyone rushes in to help. Dementia and everyone disappears!” These sad words are from a dementia…
What do I need, to find a career in Aged Care?
Aged care is shaping up to be a booming industry in Australia’s economy as our population ages and the demand for care services continues to grow. In fact, a career…
Enhanced muscle strength improves brain performance
Think weightlifting is just for gym junkies and Arnold Schwarzenegger? Think again. New research has shown that regular weight training can lead to increased brain function and can help stave…
Four things to do to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
While the majority of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease are in their late 60’s and early 70’s, the disease and the cognitive decline can actually begin to develop 20 years…
The Gift of Independence
Special occasions such as Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can be an opportune time to thank your ageing parent for all the care, support and strength that they…
Treating Alzheimer’s Disease with success
Since it was first described over 100 years ago, Alzheimer’s Disease has been without an effective treatment. And while researchers around the world are working tirelessly to find treatments and…
Why it’s important to have your legal ducks in a row
Regardless of your stage of life, it is very important to have a power of attorney, an enduring guardianship appointment and a current will in place. Solicitor Sadie Hamer of Hamer &…
How the aged care sector is hungry for new workers
With Australia’s ageing population, increased life expectancy and longevity, there are growing demands for aged care in our nation. In fact, a career in aged care will be a long…
Cost Benefits of Home Care versus Residential Care
Just as Dorothy uttered those famous words in The Wizard of Oz: “There’s no place like home,” and had she been talking about aged care, she could have added: “It could…
Caring for the Carer
Caring for a person with dementia can be incredibly tough – both mentally and physically. And, many Baby Boomers now find themselves in the “Sandwich Generation” – caring for their elderly…
What are the 10 early signs of dementia?
Most people with dementia are older, but it is important to remember that not all older people get dementia. It is not a normal part of ageing. Dementia can happen to anybody,…
Preventing falls, part 2
The most common place for people aged over 65 to trip or fall is in the home. So, whether it’s slippery floors or a misplaced electrical cord, it pays to…
Preventing falls, part 1
There is no other single injury cause, including road trauma, which costs the health system more than injuries related to falls, according to the NSW Health Department. Falls are a…
Why a good diet makes all the difference to ageing
It’s no secret that choosing a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean protein and avoiding overly processed foods that are high in sugar, saturated fat…
Older Australians wish to stay at home for as long as possible…
The old phrase “home is where the heart is” rings true for most of us, but particularly for older Australians who have experienced a life of memories in their family…
Remembrance Day
A century ago, Australian soldiers danced in the streets celebrating the end of what was then the bloodiest war the world had even seen – “the war to end all…
Celebrating National Carers Week 2016
National Carers Week – October 16-22, 2016 – is all about recognising and celebrating the amazing positive difference that Australia’s 2.8 million unpaid carers make to our families, communities and the national…
Spring Eating…
With the weather becoming warmer, it’s an ideal time to consider purchasing fruit and vegies that are in season. Why? Well, seasonal produce is often cheaper than out-of-season produce, as…
Living well with dementia…
Did you know that September 2016 was Dementia Awareness Month? The campaign was conducted by Alzheimer’s Australia and was all about encouraging Australians to become aware of dementia and to have a…
Warning Signs That Your Ageing Parents Need Help at Home
Have you noticed that your ageing parents need help around their home? Has there been a change in their physical appearance? Is their backyard neglected? Is their mail piling up?…
DVA Community Nursing
Oxley Home Care becomes a DVA Community Nursing Provider Oxley Home Care have been contracted by the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) to provide DVA Community Nursing Services to clients…
Preventing Dementia: Online Course (MOOC)
What is Preventing Dementia MOOC? MOOC is an acronym for Massive Open Online Course – a recent global educational development that has been embraced by key universities and learning institutions…
Doll Therapy for Dementia Clients
Doll therapy is one way Alzheimer’s disease caregivers try to ease anxiety and bring joy to loved ones with dementia. Many caregivers have found doll therapy to be a good…
Questions you should ask a Home Care Provider…
It becomes all too clear when the time is right to engage the services of a home care provider to look after a loved one. Perhaps they need help with…
iPad’s in Aged Care
iPad’s and Aged Care go hand in hand It’s not only toddlers and teenagers who love downloading apps, games and watching hilarious YouTube clips and music on their iPad’s –…
Changes to Home Care Packages
Recently Gilian Douglass, Director and General Manager of Oxley Home Care was invited to write a short article for Peninsula Living Magazine about Home Care Packages. Below is the article…
