Austalia needs around half a million support workers by 2050, yet providers already can’t fill shifts or expand capacity today. Here’s what you can do: start building your support network now, friends, neighbours, community groups, and encourage Young people to take up courses that can reduce this burden

Feel like you’re always letting someone down? A fellow carer said, ‘There’s never enough of me to go around.’ Let’s talk about guilt and mental health. How do you cope #CaregiverGuilt #MentalHealth #YouAreNotAlone”

Did you know families are waiting 245 days for Support at Home? Co-contribution can make even basic care unaffordable. Financial hardship applications are complicated. These are adding stress to families who are already stretched. Some even cut back on essential services such as showers just to manage the financial challenge. If you’re struggling, contact OPAN; they guide families through complaints and advocacy. Raise your concerns with Ageing Australia and your local MP. Get your voice heard through the right channel. OPAN - 1800 700 600 Ageing Australia - 1300 222 721

"Money talks" matters when planning ageing at home. 60 % say honest conversations about parents’ finances relieve stress. If you’re juggling tuition and aged care, let’s chat budgeting, government funding, and planning. How do you navigate the money talk? Everyone says ‘plan ahead’ for aged care, but what does that actually mean? 7 in 10 sandwich caregivers feel financially exhausted. One 47-year-old told me she lies awake worrying about what happens when her parents’ savings run out. The stress isn’t just money, it’s uncertainty. Here’s what planning ahead actually looks like: Have the honest financial conversations early, before care becomes urgent. Understand eligibility for government support programs such as CHSP and Support at Home. Map out how long assets will realistically last, instead of hoping they’ll be enough. Planning won’t remove responsibility, but it replaces uncertainty with strategy. Have you had these conversations yet? Consult a Financial Planner early to avert future worries. Save this as a reminder and follow to plan early, not in crisis.