Bolton Clarke Willowdale, Denham Court

31/08/2025

On this day in 1966 we received confirmation of royal endorsement from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

28/08/2025

Ninety years ago today, Melbourne's The Star published this account of a day in the life of our nurses. Our teams bring the same kindness and commitment to high quality care today for clients and residents across Australia.

06/08/2025

From our very first nurse, Nurse Ferguson, to 16,000+ employees across Australia today, on this Aged Care Employee Day we recognise the dedication and resilience that has been a hallmark of our teams for more than a century. It’s timely that today also marks one of our more recent milestones – the day we came together as Bolton Clarke in 2017, honouring early community leaders Brigadier William Kinsey Bolton and Lady Janet Clarke.
A very big Aged Care Employee Day thank you to all the Bolton Clarke teams for 140 years of caring.

05/08/2025

This Thursday (7 August) we are saying as part of Aged Care Employee Day, an annual celebration highlighting the outstanding efforts of all aged care employees supporting older Australians to age well. We want to invite you to say thanks to a team member who you believe goes above and beyond. Share your message of thanks in the comments below!👇

15/07/2025

It's National Diabetes Week this week and to mark the occasion, Bolton Clarke Research Institute Senior Research Fellow Dr Rajna Ogrin has been chatting with Diabetes Victoria about foot health.
If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is really important. High blood sugar can affect your nerves and blood flow, which means you might not feel injuries and they may take longer to heal. This can lead to serious problems like ulcers or even amputations—but the good news is most of these can be prevented!
Top tips for keeping your feet healthy include:
* Check your feet every day – Look for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if you can’t see well.
* Wash and dry your feet daily – Especially between your toes. Keep your skin soft with moisturiser (but not between the toes).
* Trim your nails carefully – Or ask a podiatrist to help.
* Wear comfortable shoes and socks – Avoid tight shoes or seams that rub.
* Never walk barefoot – Even at home.
* See a podiatrist regularly – They can spot problems early and help you manage them.
* Get help quickly – If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait.
To hear Rajna's webinar, visit Annual Cycle of Care: Looking after your foot health - Diabetes Victoria

08/07/2025

Bangerang and Wiradjuri artist Matty Atkinson worked with Live Up to create this artwork, Walking Hand in Hand. It shows how everyday tools can help older First Nations people stay independent. Find out more in Live Up's Everyday Tools to Help Mob guide: https://www.liveup.org.au/resources/first-nations-resources

07/07/2025

Less than two months before the outbreak of World War II, Brisbane Boer War veteran Mr G. M Money became the first resident at Kingshome, our first veterans home, on 8 July, 1938. The Telegraph published this photograph to mark the occasion.

02/07/2025

On 28 June 1880, Victorian police captured Ned Kelly after the siege at Glenrowan. Five years later, we had our beginnings when Lady Janet Clarke was among prominent Victorians who came together to establish Australia's first home nursing service. Watch this video from the State Library of Victoria to learn about the incredible woman, our namesake, who connects these two events.

How did Ned Kelly’s armour end up on display in the mansion of Janet Lady Clarke … the influential Melbourne woman behind The Ashes? If you require a descrip...

17/06/2025

Queensland Governor Sir Leslie Wilson officially opens Kingshome, Queensland’s first war veterans home, on 18 June 1938. At around the same time, the District Nurses welcome first patients to their new After Care Home in Collingwood. The home was built to alleviate an overburdened hospital system that meant many patients had to be discharged days or weeks before they were ready to leave.

24/04/2025

On this day in 1914, then Lt Colonel William Kinsey Bolton led Australia’s 8th Battalion in the landing at Anzac Cove. Back at home he advocated for establishment of veterans’ homes. In Brisbane, this saw our first homes provided for veterans and wartime nurses with generous community support. Today we continue to support veterans through our services and work including the Veteran Family Mental Wellbeing Series.

07/03/2025

Our namesake, Lady Janet Clarke, was one of our earliest leaders. A driving force behind the society’s work from its earliest days, she soon became President and would hold the role until 1908, later being named a Life Governor. She approached community care with the same gusto and hands-on approach she applied to her many fundraising endeavours, opening up her home for everything from soup kitchens to cake drives and accompanying nurses on home visits. A staunch advocate, Lady Clarke also paid a subscription to Mullens’ Circulating Library so the nurses could continue to learn and develop professionally.

07/03/2025

In the approach to International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the initiative and purpose of all the incredible women who have shaped us over the past 140 years into who we are today. Pattie Deakin, pictured here with her husband, Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, accompanied our early nurses on their rounds as a trained almoner, checking on the welfare of patients. She made house calls for 25 years, even as she ascended to the role of vice-president, and used her national profile to lobby the government on issues related to women and children.