Helping Hand

23/01/2026

Moving into residential aged care is a big step — and it often comes sooner than families expect. The process can feel confusing, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

In this episode of Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, we talk with Helping Hand’s friendly Admissions Team members, Chanie and Emma, who explain:
👉 How to get approval codes through My Aged Care
👉 What to know about waitlists and referral codes
👉 Why tours and early planning make the process easier

Their advice? All questions are welcome — and the earlier you prepare, the better.

🎧 Tune in now and learn how the Admissions Team can support you every step of the way.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/15XwfXVKSedTWaRBSWyIOU

Age Old Problems: New Aged Care · Episode

21/01/2026

PEOPLE OF HELPING HAND

Norfe – Mum, keen gardener and community advocate

Meet Norfe, a proud mum of two. Originally from the Philippines, Norfe migrated to Australia nearly 11 years ago. When she’s not working as a Lifestyle Assistant at Helping Hand Parafield Gardens, Norfe wears many hats. She also works as an interpreter for different agencies and as an administrator at an ethnic school. In addition, she founded Filipinos iConnect SA Inc, a small not-for-profit supporting women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds facing domestic violence and mental health challenges.

Yes, Norfe is one busy woman! However, she still finds time to unwind in her garden and catch up with friends.

“I consider myself a happy-go-lucky person. I love gallivanting about, trying new things and meeting new people,” she says.

Norfe’s journey in aged care began during her Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care placement at Uniting Care.

“I saw how energetic and passionate the lifestyle team was engaging with residents and thought, ‘I’d love to do that one day,’” she recalls.

Inspired, she went on to complete a Certificate in Individual Support and a Certificate IV in Health and Leisure. After gaining experience at other aged care organisations, she joined Helping Hand Parafield Gardens.

What she loves most about her role is the freedom to be herself.

“I really have fun with the residents. It’s so fulfilling to be part of their world and live in the moment, especially for those living with dementia,” she says.

Her role allows her to help residents stay socially active and connected through activities, outings, and events.

Norfe’s passion for helping others extends beyond her workplace. In 2018, she founded Filipinos iConnect SA Inc. which became a registered charity in 2021. Last year, the organisation was honoured with the National Outstanding Community Organisation Award at a Brisbane conference.

“It was a proud moment, but the real reward is seeing the women we’ve helped reclaim their lives,” she says.

When asked what community means to her at Helping Hand, Norfe shares:

“It’s about creating a sense of belonging, connection and purpose among residents, families, staff and local partners. Community is more than a place, it’s a feeling we build through shared experiences, compassion and respect.”

Her advice for anyone wanting to make a difference?

“Be happy in your own shell and bloom wherever you’re planted. The motto I live by is: Help One Another to Help Another One.”

19/01/2026

Tuesday Tips to live your best 60+ life!

Tip of the week: Walk and Talk
Walk, talk, and feel great – a perfect triple win! Catching up with a friend on the phone? Put on your walking shoes and head outside. Combining conversation with movement boosts both mental health and fitness – and you might find the chat flows better in fresh air.

12/01/2026

Tuesday Tips to live your best 60+ life!

Tip of the week: Stand Up Every 30 Minutes
Your body will thank you – stand, stretch, and move often! If you spend a lot of time sitting – reading, working, or watching TV – set a reminder to stand and stretch every half hour. It’s a simple way to protect your joints, circulation, and posture.

11/01/2026

Being her best self

Senior Care Worker Francie says the best part of her role is knowing she’s made a difference in someone’s day. Her compassion and professionalism shine through in everything she does — and it’s why she’s so respected by clients, families and colleagues alike.

Meet Francie and read more stories from across Helping Hand in the latest At Home: helpinghand.org.au/about-us/resources/our-publications

09/01/2026

No waiting rooms. No travel. Just quality nursing care, right at home.

In this episode of Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, Helping Hand nurse Jessica Bryant shares how nursing at home can make life easier — from managing medications and wound care to supporting recovery after surgery.

For many of our clients, these services are included in their government funding, but anyone can also choose to self-fund. Best of all, it means seeing familiar faces in familiar uniforms.

🎧 Tune in and discover how nursing at home supports both clients and carers.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2lrkW2whADqUTR15R076vy

Age Old Problems: New Aged Care · Episode

07/01/2026

PEOPLE OF HELPING HAND

Vonny – Mum, Nanny and Green-Thumbed Garden Guru

Meet Vonny, a proud mum of two grown children and nanny to four grandchildren. When she’s not spending time with family, you’ll find her in her garden surrounded by fruit trees. Vonny has dedicated 37 years to Helping Hand, beginning her journey as an Enrolled Nurse at Parafield Gardens.

“Funnily enough, when my husband and I moved to Adelaide from Jamestown, we managed a hardware store on Salisbury Highway. I had a front-row seat watching Helping Hand’s Parafield Gardens care home being built,” Vonny recalls.

Once her children were older, Vonny returned to nursing, starting with one casual shift a fortnight at Parafield Gardens that grew into a permanent career. About eight years ago, while at Helping Hand, she was seconded to collaborate on research projects with universities and the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI).

One standout project was Pitch, a community-based study involving home care clients living with dementia.

“We wanted to see if carers would benefit from specialised dementia training to enable better homecare for clients and their loved ones,” Vonny explains.

“It was an incredible experience that took me from Port Pirie to Burra, Kadina, and Adelaide.”

Another project, BEFRIENDAS, focused on residential care. Over four weeks, volunteers engaged with residents, significantly reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and social isolation.

“The best part was seeing lasting friendships form. Many residents didn’t have regular visitors before, and suddenly they had something to look forward to.”

Vonny also fondly remembers a Virtual Reality (VR) and apathy project with a university student.

“Using VR headsets, we took residents down memory lane. One gentleman, a musician, was virtually transported to the Sydney Opera House. It was emotional and beautiful like flipping through a photo album, but fully immersive,” she said.

“Research gave me a new perspective to aged care. Yes, residents need basic care, but it’s the extra care we can provide that can make a world of difference.”

Today, Vonny works as a Learning Pathways Enrolled Nurse, supporting nursing, care worker, and kitchen students during placements.

“I’m passionate about teaching the next generation to see residents as people with rich backgrounds and stories. Building real connections makes all the difference,” she said.

She also oversees Helping Hand’s annual dental project with TAFE SA.

“TAFE’s oral health students conduct assessments in our metro and some regional homes. It’s a win-win; residents get free checks, and students gain experience working with older clients, including those with cognitive impairments,” Vonny said.

With retirement on the horizon in 2026, Vonny looks forward to more time in her garden and travelling with her husband.

Her advice to future aged care workers?

“Get to know residents as people. The best way to hone your clinical skills is to develop your personal ones too.”

07/01/2026

Stay safe this summer, and remember to check on older friends, relatives and neighbours who may need support in coping with the current heatwave conditions.

05/01/2026

Tuesday Tips to live your best 60+ life!

Tip of the week: The Two Minute Rule
Small actions, big results – the two-minute rule works wonders! If something will take less than two minutes – washing that cup, replying to a message, putting away the mail – do it right away. It keeps little tasks from piling up and weighing on your mind. You’ll feel lighter and more organised without a huge effort.

31/12/2025

From everyone at Helping Hand, Happy New Year!

We hope 2026 is full of joy, good health, and happy memories. Thank you to our amazing staff working through the holidays to support our clients. May the New Year bring positivity, new opportunities, and moments to celebrate with family, friends, and community. Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Admin offices and residential receptions are closed on public holidays. Direct numbers are on our website: https://www.helpinghand.org.au/contact-us/

The Retirement Living team is available in business hours except public holidays. For urgent maintenance outside hours, use your location’s emergency maintenance service.

Home Care continues through the holiday period, with essential services only on public holidays. To change your services, call 1300 444 663.

29/12/2025

Tuesday Tips to live your best 60+ life!

Tip of the week: Comfort Cooking to Share
Food tastes better when shared. Make a simple meal to share with a friend or neighbour. It’s a warm way to connect.

28/12/2025

Two worlds. One true love.

A letter written during the Vietnam War became the start of a lifelong love story. Janet and Lyall’s tale of romance, resilience and partnership spans 58 years — and it all began with a handwritten note.

Read their beautiful story in the latest At Home with Helping Hand: helpinghand.org.au/about-us/resources/our-publications