Sunrise Aged Care Association

Sunrise Aged Care Association Sunrise Aged Care - Home Care Services

A morning with laughter, warm conversations, and simple joy.Our uncles and aunties gathered together, sharing everyday s...
09/07/2025

A morning with laughter, warm conversations, and simple joy.

Our uncles and aunties gathered together, sharing everyday stories in gentle, familiar voices. Every now and then, the room filled with happy laughter, maybe from a fun quiz or a small game that brought smiles all around. One usually quiet uncle even picked up the microphone to tell a funny story. He sounded a little shy, but his smile said he was truly enjoying the moment. Another stood up just to greet everyone warmly, and that simple hello made the room feel even more connected.

After all the fun, it was time to enjoy a warm and caring meal. The portions were small, but the joy was big - everyone chatted, shared stories, and felt at ease together. It didn’t matter who was new or who had been coming for a while. It felt like a group of old friends catching up.

That’s the spirit of Sunrise - calm, friendly, like a second home.
Every little gathering brings people closer, and fills the day with quiet happiness.
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Get in touch with us today!
☎️ 0439 93 68 68
📌 254 Hampshire Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria

Affection woven in daily rhythms."Habit" – a word that often sounds so disciplined, tied to schedules and clear objectiv...
02/07/2025

Affection woven in daily rhythms.

"Habit" – a word that often sounds so disciplined, tied to schedules and clear objectives: at what time, doing what, with whom. Yet, strangely, many of our most precious habits don't stem from any plan at all. They grow from the simplest, most ordinary things, repeated just enough until they suddenly become wonderfully familiar.

Consider the image of an old man turning on the television at exactly 6 PM, day in and day out. The news is old, the voice familiar, and no one in the house truly pays close attention. At first, perhaps a sigh might escape: "This show again?". But as time passes, that steady hum of the television transforms into the sound of peace, of family dinners gathered together. It's no longer just a program, but a familiar bass note in the symphony of home.

Or take the old woman with her habit of chewing betel in the late afternoon. The young grandchild innocently asks, "Grandma, are you eating leaves?". And just like that, a story begins – from the green betel leaf, to the bustling market of yesteryear, then to the first time she met Grandpa. Each telling is different, no two ever quite the same, but each one is filled with laughter and sparkling eyes. It's not a lesson, but a flowing river of memories, passed down from one generation to the next with the utmost naturalness.

Indeed, no one ever deliberately set out to create these things. No one sat down and solemnly declared: "From now on, let's all build a common family habit!". These moments, they simply blossom, simple and sincere, when we are "free" enough not to rush past each other.

And then, these small, seemingly insignificant things become a poignant ache of missing if one day they are no longer there. Not because they hold some grand or special meaning, but simply because they are familiar and present when we are together.
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Get in touch with us today!
☎️ 0439 93 68 68
📌 254 Hampshire Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria

Just lying still, why does it still hurt?Many people assume that older adults simply need to lie down and rest. But for ...
25/06/2025

Just lying still, why does it still hurt?

Many people assume that older adults simply need to lie down and rest. But for a body that’s becoming more fragile, the wrong bed can quietly become the start of something more serious, especially pressure ulcers.

💡 What are pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores) develop when an area of skin is under prolonged pressure, cutting off blood flow and leading to tissue damage. Older adults are at higher risk, particularly those who are bedridden, as their skin tends to be thinner and circulation weaker.

How should we position the body during sleep to reduce risk?
✔️ 30-degree side-lying position
– This is one of the most recommended positions in long-term care.
– It helps relieve pressure on common hotspots such as the sacrum, heels, and shoulders.
– Alternate sides every 2–3 hours to maintain circulation.

✔️ Back-lying with proper support
– When lying on the back, use a pressure-relieving mattress and soft cushions under the knees and heels to prevent direct pressure.
– Avoid keeping the body in a completely flat position for extended periods.

✖️ Avoid full 90-degree side-lying or curled positions
– These can increase pressure on the hips, shoulders, and ankles.
– They may also restrict breathing and blood circulation.

So, which mattress should you choose for pressure relief?
1. Alternating air mattress
This type of mattress is designed for people who are confined to bed for long periods. It works by inflating and deflating air chambers in cycles, shifting pressure points regularly. This mechanism helps reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, particularly in elderly individuals with limited mobility.

2. Memory foam mattress
Memory foam conforms to the body and distributes weight evenly, reducing pressure on high-risk areas like the shoulders, hips, and heels. It’s suitable for seniors who can still move slightly on their own or receive regular assistance with repositioning.

3. Water or gel mattress
These are considered secondary options in certain situations. They offer a cooler surface and adapt to body contours, but they require regular checks for stability to prevent shifting or leaks, especially during extended use.

Comfort in old age isn’t just about softness, it’s about safety and the quiet confidence that every night, the body can truly rest.
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Get in touch with us today!
☎️ 0439 93 68 68
📌 254 Hampshire Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria

“This one’s easy, let Grandma have a guess!”And just like that, the whole room burst into laughter.A fresh morning, a wa...
17/06/2025

“This one’s easy, let Grandma have a guess!”
And just like that, the whole room burst into laughter.

A fresh morning, a warm cup of tea, and a crossword puzzle pinned neatly on the living room wall. Nothing fancy, just a small game, but enough to make an older loved one feel sharp, joyful, and connected. At Sunrise Aged Care, we believe that entertainment in later life isn’t just something to pass the time. It can be a gentle kind of memory booster - a doorway to stories, to laughter, to feeling fully alive each day.

📚 Gentle mental activities you can try at home:
– A simple trivia game between two generations, no prizes needed, just laughter.
– A familiar game of chess or checkers, not for winning, but to share a quiet afternoon together.
– An audiobook, when the printed words start to blur with age.
– Or simply reminiscing together: that time the whole family went to the beach and forgot to pack food, or the first time Grandma ever tasted ice cream.

Older adults don’t need us to make them young again. They just need a space where their minds can stay active, and their hearts can stay light. We believe that real care means more than meals and medicine, it means sharing the little joys, the moments of play, memory, and love.
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Get in touch with us today!
☎️ 0439 93 68 68
📌 254 Hampshire Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria

“But Grandma, you just had lunch. Did you forget already?”. It’s a sentence that seems harmless, but it can hurt an elde...
11/06/2025

“But Grandma, you just had lunch. Did you forget already?”. It’s a sentence that seems harmless, but it can hurt an elderly person more than you might realize.

I once saw a young woman say that to her grandmother. Her voice wasn’t angry, just a little surprised and tired. Her grandmother didn’t respond. She only looked down at her hands, as if trying to piece together the memory, wondering if what she just heard might be true.
The question wasn’t wrong. It didn’t carry bad intentions but for someone slowly losing their memory, it felt like a quiet reproach. People with dementia don’t know they’ve forgotten something. They only sense that something inside them is… different. When we ask, “Did you forget again?”, we unknowingly highlight something they can no longer control. We make them feel they’re no longer normal, when in fact, what they need most is to feel just like anyone else.

So instead of correcting them, try to meet them where they are. If they ask again whether they’ve had lunch, avoid simply replying, “You already ate.” You could say instead, “Lunch was lovely today, fish, greens, and some hot soup. We just finished a little while ago. Let me pour you a glass of water.” And if they forget someone familiar, rather than saying, “Don’t you remember her?”, try gently bringing the memory closer: “Do you remember Lan? The one who used to massage your back every evening.” They may no longer recall names or faces with certainty. But emotional memory, those quiet, tender fragments, often lingers long after everything else fades.

What older adults need is not to be corrected. They need to be protected from shame, from confusion, from feeling lost in their own skin. We all forget things now and then. But people with dementia face that disorientation every single day, with themselves. So the kindest thing we can do isn't to help them remember, it's to help them feel that forgetting is okay.

Brightening Days, Caring Always.
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Get in touch with us today!
☎️ 0439 93 68 68
📌 254 Hampshire Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria

I used to think that as long as a house was clean and comfortable, it was good enough. But everything changed when my gr...
03/06/2025

I used to think that as long as a house was clean and comfortable, it was good enough. But everything changed when my grandmother moved in with us.

That’s when I started to notice things I had never seen before. She wakes up around 4 or 5 in the morning. At that hour, the house is still dark, and the hallway feels long, cold, and dimly lit.
One day, she tripped over the edge of a rug—something I’d walked past a hundred times without a second thought. She brushed it off with a smile, but I was startled.
Older people rarely complain. They don’t ask for much. But that doesn’t mean everything is okay.

So I began with the little things:
– I taped down the corners of the rugs.
– I installed soft sensor lights along the hallway.
– I swapped the round door k***s for lever handles that are easier to open.
– And most importantly, I rearranged her room - cleared out clutter, adjusted the bed height so it was easier for her to sit and stand.
It wasn’t some fancy interior makeover. It was simply making sure she felt steady and secure with every step she took. And I realized: safety doesn’t mean no risks - it means no sense of fear.

At Sunrise Aged Care, we start with these exact things. Not because they’re part of a checklist, but because they’re the foundation of something far more important: helping older adults feel that the space they live in truly belongs to them. Not a place to “get through” old age, but a place to live every day fully - with comfort, dignity, and peace of mind.
If you have an elderly loved one at home, take a quiet walk through their room today. You might discover that a few small changes could mean the world to someone you love.
Brightening Days, Caring Always.
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Get in touch with us today!
☎️ 0439 93 68 68
📌 254 Hampshire Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria

"My mum is 72. She still loves sweet treats and remembers every dessert she used to make when she was young. But now, th...
27/05/2025

"My mum is 72. She still loves sweet treats and remembers every dessert she used to make when she was young. But now, the doctor says she has diabetes."
That’s when we started a new chapter together, learning how to eat well, live well, gently and lovingly.

At this age, diabetes isn’t just about blood sugar numbers. It’s every cautious meal, every restless night, those dizzy spells out of nowhere, and sometimes, the feeling of losing the freedom to enjoy food. But here’s the beautiful part: with the right diet and care, things can turn around.

🍠 A bowl of brown rice instead of white—still tasty.
🥦 More veggies on her plate—her tummy feels lighter.
🚶‍♀️ Evening walks with other residents—she’s happier, and sleeps better too.

It’s never too late to look after your health, whether you’re 70, 80, or beyond.
Seniors living with diabetes can live well and feel good, especially when they’re not facing it alone.

At Sunrise Aged Care Association, we do more than just serve meals tailored to each person’s health needs. We create a home where older adults feel listened to, cared for, and supported every single day.

If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re here to walk the journey with you and your loved one.
Brightening Days, Caring Always.
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Get in touch with us today!
☎️ 0439 93 68 68
📌 254 Hampshire Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria

How simple conversations and music can help your loved one feel less alone.If you have an elderly loved one in a nursing...
20/05/2025

How simple conversations and music can help your loved one feel less alone.

If you have an elderly loved one in a nursing home, your parents, grandparents, or someone you care for, you may wonder how to help them feel more emotionally connected, even in a new and unfamiliar environment. The good news is: You don’t need big gestures. Small, meaningful moments can make all the difference.

Three things that truly matter:
✅Conversation – A simple act that makes them feel seen
Just talking regularly, asking how they feel, reminiscing, can reduce feelings of isolation and remind them that they’re not forgotten.
✅Music – A powerful emotional bridge
Playing familiar songs can evoke positive emotions, improve mood, and even help with memory in those with dementia.
✅Memory – A way to help them reconnect with themselves
Bringing up old stories helps restore a sense of identity and value, reminding them of the life they’ve lived and the legacy they carry.

How to start:
- Ask open questions like, “What song reminds you most of your youth?”
- Play their favorite tunes during the day.
- Take a few quiet minutes just to sit and listen — no distractions.

Sometimes, the most powerful support we can give is simply being present.
Because even in old age, feeling heard, remembered, and valued is what keeps the spirit alive.

Brightening Days, Caring Always.
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Get in touch with us today!
☎️ 0439 93 68 68
📌 254 Hampshire Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria

Signs of depression in older adults – and how you can support your loved oneDepression doesn’t always look the same in o...
13/05/2025

Signs of depression in older adults – and how you can support your loved one

Depression doesn’t always look the same in older adults. It’s not just about feeling sad - it can show up as withdrawal, irritability, or simply “not being themselves” anymore. And sadly, it often goes unnoticed. If your parent or loved one has been showing signs of low mood, losing interest in things they once enjoyed, or avoiding social contact for more than two weeks, they may be dealing with depression.

Here are some common behavioural signs of depression in seniors:
- Avoiding family gatherings or phone calls
- A noticeable shift in personality or mood
- Becoming quiet, flat, or unmotivated
- Skipping showers or meals
- Drinking more than usual
- Seeming disconnected or “not present”

What you can do to help:
✅ Pay attention to symptoms and patterns. Has their sleep changed? Appetite? Energy?
✅ Let them know you’ve noticed a change and that you care. Avoid judgment. Just listen.
✅Their GP is a great first step. From there, you can explore options like therapy, medication, or community support.
✅ Offer to drive them to appointments or help schedule visits. Small gestures can ease big barriers.

Depression is common — but it’s also treatable. With the right support, older adults can regain joy, purpose, and connection.

Brightening Days, Caring Always.
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Get in touch with us today!
☎️ 0439 93 68 68
📌 254 Hampshire Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria

What is a stroke — And how can you prevent it?Source: The NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA)A stroke occurs when the ...
06/05/2025

What is a stroke — And how can you prevent it?
Source: The NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA)

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted. Since blood carries oxygen and nutrients, any interruption can cause brain cells to suffer or die. If deprived of oxygen for even a short time, some cells may recover — but once they die, they cannot be restored. While the brain may generate new cells over time, this process is slow and less effective in older adults.
After a stroke, a person may struggle with speech, movement, or memory due to the damage done to specific areas of the brain.

Reduce your risk of stroke: what you can control
While factors like age, genetics, and ethnicity are beyond your control, you can lower your stroke risk by making healthy lifestyle choices:

✅ Control high blood pressure – It’s the leading cause of stroke. Monitor it regularly and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
✅ Don’t smoke – Smoking damages blood vessels and increases stroke risk. Quitting helps immediately.
✅ Manage cholesterol – High cholesterol can cause artery blockage. Lowering it reduces your risk.
✅ Control diabetes – Uncontrolled diabetes harms blood vessels, increasing stroke chances.
✅ Eat a heart-healthy diet – Choose foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
✅ Stay active – Regular physical activity improves heart and brain health. Start small and choose activities you enjoy.
✅ Use blood thinners properly – If you take aspirin or anticoagulants, ensure the dosage is right to avoid complications like bleeding.

Stroke is preventable in many cases. Small changes in your daily habits can protect your brain and improve your quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider about your stroke risk today.

Brightening Days, Caring Always.
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Get in touch with us today!
☎️ 0439 93 68 68
📌 254 Hampshire Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria

Vascular Dementia: Causes, Symptoms, and TreatmentsSource: The NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA)Vascular dementia re...
29/04/2025

Vascular Dementia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Source: The NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Vascular dementia refers to changes to memory, thinking, and behavior resulting from conditions that affect the blood vessels in the brain. Cognition and brain function can be significantly affected by the size, location, and number of vascular changes.

Symptoms of vascular dementia can begin gradually or can occur suddenly, and then progress over time, with possible short periods of improvement. Vascular dementia can occur alone or be a part of a different diagnosis such as Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. When an individual is diagnosed with vascular dementia, their symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of Alzheimer's.

What causes vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is caused by different conditions that interrupt the flow of blood and oxygen supply to the brain and damage blood vessels in the brain.

People with vascular dementia almost always have abnormalities in the brain that can be seen on MRI scans. These abnormalities can include evidence of prior strokes, which are often small and sometimes without noticeable symptoms. Major strokes can also increase the risk for dementia, but not everyone who has had a stroke will develop dementia.

What are the symptoms of vascular dementia?

People with vascular dementia may experience:

- Difficulty performing tasks that used to be easy, such as paying bills
- Trouble following instructions or learning new information and routines
- Forgetting current or past events
- Misplacing items
- Getting lost on familiar routes
- Problems with language, such as finding the right word or using the wrong word
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Difficulty reading and writing
- Loss of interest in things or people
- Changes in personality, behavior, and mood, such as depression, agitation, and anger
- Hallucinations or delusions (believing something is real that is not)
- Poor judgment and loss of ability to perceive danger

How is vascular dementia treated?

Because many different disease processes can result in different forms of vascular dementia, there may not be one treatment for all. However, vascular dementia is often managed with medications to prevent strokes and reduce the risk of additional brain damage. Some studies suggest that medications that are used to treat Alzheimer's might benefit some people with an early form of vascular dementia. Treating modifiable risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and problems with the rhythm of the heartbeat can help prevent additional stroke. Living a healthy lifestyle is important to help reduce the risk factors of vascular dementia.

Brightening Days, Caring Always.

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Get in touch with us today!
☎️ 0439 93 68 68
📌 254 Hampshire Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria

What Is A Heart Attack?Source: The NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA)🌺A heart attack happens when the flow of blood i...
22/04/2025

What Is A Heart Attack?

Source: The NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA)

🌺A heart attack happens when the flow of blood in one or more of the coronary arteries (major blood vessels that supply blood to the heart), suddenly becomes blocked. When this happens, part of your heart can’t get enough oxygen.

🌈A heart attack is usually caused by coronary artery disease, which happens when a sticky, waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the arteries, causing them to narrow. The plaque can break open, causing blood clots that, if they grow large enough, will block blood flow to the heart. If blood flow isn’t restored quickly, the heart muscle begins to die.

🌵A heart attack is a life-threatening medical emergency that needs immediate attention. Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack may help save a life. The signs can include:

- Crushing chest pain or pressure in the center or left side of the chest
- Pain, numbness, and/or tingling in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath when active, at rest, or while lying flat
- Fainting, lightheadedness, or sudden dizziness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Cold sweats
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Weakness
- Anxiety

🪸The symptoms of a heart attack can be different in men and women. Women are more likely than men to experience shortness of breath; tiredness; weakness; upset stomach; anxiety; and pain in the shoulder, back, or arm. Women may also face more health problems after a heart attack, so it’s very important if you’re experiencing any symptoms or think you’re having a heart attack to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know might be having a heart attack, call 911 right away.

The good news is that excellent treatments are available for heart attacks. These treatments — which work best when given right after symptoms begin — can save lives and help prevent disability after a heart attack.

Brightening Days, Caring Always.

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Get in touch with us today!
☎️ 0439 93 68 68
📌 254 Hampshire Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria

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Sunshine, VIC

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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