You are not alone in this fight! Most families don’t realise this until they’re living it, but two of the biggest threats to healthy ageing are dementia and falls, and they often go hand in hand. As a registered Support at Home Provider, I see these journeys unfold every single day. I sit with sons and daughters who are overwhelmed, and parents who are frightened by the changes happening in their own bodies. And here’s what I’ve learned: Awareness is not optional. It’s essential. Dementia Prevention While we can’t prevent dementia entirely, we can certainly reduce the probability of getting Dementia syndrome There are modifiable risk factors that influence our brain health. No one talks about these early enough, and by the time symptoms show, families are scrambling for answers that education could have provided years earlier. Falls are another silent crisis. In Victoria alone, 32,000 older people are admitted to hospital each year because of a fall. One misstep can change everything, physically, emotionally, financially. And here’s the part most people don’t know: Falls are not a normal part of ageing. They are preventable. Families shouldn’t have to learn this in crisis. Awareness and education shouldn’t start after a fall or after a dementia diagnosis. We need to talk about this before we reach the breaking point. You are not alone in this fight.

Physical Activity and Dementia Most people don’t realise this… but sitting too much can quietly increase your risk of dementia. When we don’t move, blood flow to the brain slows, memory pathways weaken, and cognitive decline becomes more likely. But here’s the hope: awareness changes behaviour. When people truly understand that small daily movements — a walk, a stretch, even gardening — can protect their brain later in life, they start choosing differently. Prevention begins with knowing. Action begins with awareness. Comment on what you do to keep your physical activity up as others can get influenced by your ideas.

AT-HM Scheme - explained If you’ve been hearing more about Assistive Technology and Home Modifications lately, you’re not imagining it. Since the introduction of the Support at Home Program, the entire AT-HM process has changed — and families need to understand how it works so equipment isn’t delayed. ❤️🩹 Here’s the breakdown (And yes — this is one of the most misunderstood parts of the new system.) 1️⃣ Every request needs a formal AT-HM form Providers must now use an official My Aged Care form before anything can be approved. Unless you have a sufficient unspent funds balance (applicable to grandfathered or transition participants) then you do not need to apply for AT-HM funding. 2️⃣ Evidence is now mandatory Depending on the item: • Under Advice → needs professional guidance (OT / Physio input) • Prescribed → needs a clinician's prescription or justification Missing evidence will delay approvals. 3️⃣ A supplier quote must be uploaded Before the government reviews your request, a formal quote from a recognised supplier is required. This confirms cost, suitability, and budget fit. 4️⃣ Everything must be submitted through the Provider Portal The AT-HM form + evidence + supplier quote are uploaded via My Aged Care. The portal indicates a 14-day processing period for outcomes. 5️⃣ Providers cannot approve or release AT-HM funds This is the part many families don’t know: AT-HM funding is Commonwealth-controlled, not provider-controlled. We can’t: • pre-approve items • speed up approvals • release budgets We submit all documentation — and then wait for the government’s decision. So what does this mean for you? ✔ More consistency ✔ More transparency ✔ More structure ❗ More wait time ❗ Documentation must be complete This is why families may notice slower turnaround — not because providers are delaying things, but because the process is now formal, centralised, and controlled by the Commonwealth.

Depression and Dementia A major analysis by Norton and colleagues found that depression is one of the seven key modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. That means treating and managing depression could help reduce future dementia cases worldwide Long-term depression is linked to reduced brain volume in areas responsible for memory, learning, and planning — areas also affected in dementia. People experiencing depression often face: • Lower physical activity • Poorer sleep • Higher inflammation • Social withdrawal • Worsening of chronic conditions All of these amplify dementia risk.