Helping Hand

23/03/2026

Tuesday Tips to live your best 60+ life!

Tip of the week: Autumn Comfort Cooking
Warm bowls, happy hearts – cook once, enjoy many times. Make a big pot of vegetable soup or stew and freeze portions. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for cooler nights.

20/03/2026

At Helping Hand, our nursing and allied health professionals work every day to help older people stay active, recover from illness or injury, and enjoy the best quality of life possible. Their expertise makes a real difference to quality of life in aged care.

To highlight some of these professions, we’re sharing three podcast episodes that explain their role in aged care:
🎧 What is Occupational Therapy? https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Mrvg4qMx33nefy3gJMq5i?si=07bcaf36d9924895
🎧 What is Exercise Physiology?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6PHkXFpu0BJGhgTjOt7smb?si=17c140969100490f
🎧 Nursing Services at Home
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2lrkW2whADqUTR15R076vy?si=59fb93e03d5e4aa3

Take a listen and learn about the difference they make in aged care.

Age Old Problems: New Aged Care · Episode

18/03/2026

PEOPLE OF HELPING HAND

Meet Mary, a retired nurse who over the course of her career worked for SA Health and Clinpath. Coincidentally during this time Mary completed rounds at Helping Hand Ingle Farm, an experience she still remembers fondly to this day.

“Ingle Farm feels as warm and welcoming as the first time I stepped foot in there, which was 20 years ago now!”, she said.

Mary is the wife of George, who has called Helping Hand Golden Grove home since November 2025.

“George has Parkinson’s, and there came a point where I physically couldn’t care for him on my own anymore,” Mary said.

“I remember one morning when he fell at home. We had to wait more than half an hour for an ambulance to arrive, as I simply couldn’t lift him myself.”

That moment was a turning point and Mary knew she needed to find a residential care home that could provide George with the support he needed, while also giving her peace of mind.

Mary toured Helping Hand Golden Grove in August and George completed a two week respite stay in early November.

“On Melbourne Cup Day, 4 November, I received a call to say a place had become available at Helping Hand Golden Grove. Which was our preferred home,” she said.

“George officially moved in on 20 November.”

The transition has been a positive one for both of them.

“George has settled in very well and it’s taken such a weight off my shoulders,” Mary said.

“He’s far more socially active than he ever was at home, always involved in activities and enjoying the hustle and bustle.”

One comment in particular reassured Mary that they had made the right decision.

“I took George out to the movies on a 42 degree day. When we got back to Golden Grove, he said, ‘Thank God…I’m home.’ Hearing him call it home meant everything to me,” she said.

Mary says it’s the staff who also make a real difference.

“The staff are wonderful, always cheerful and happy to listen to me regarding George’s care,” she said.

“They genuinely love him and often pop into his room just to say hello. If I were still nursing, I’d love to work here.”

For families facing similar decisions, Mary offers simple advice:

“Be persistent, take a tour, and put your registration of interest in straight away. I submitted mine just two days after visiting, and we were blessed with the outcome."

“Residential care at Helping Hand has been the best thing for George and for me."

“I know he’s safe and well cared for, and I no longer need to sleep with one eye and ear open at night.”

16/03/2026

Tuesday Tips to live your best 60+ life!

Tip of the week: Seasonal Swap Out
New season, fresh start - even for your home. When the season changes, swap clothes and bedding – and give them a quick refresh. It keeps your home feeling fresh without big spending.

16/03/2026

World Social Work Day is on 17 March 2026, and this year’s theme, ‘Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society’, highlights the vital role of social work in bringing people together across communities, cultures, and systems to shape a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow.

At Helping Hand, our social workers make a meaningful difference every day. They support people through life’s challenges, help them recognise their strengths, and work alongside them to improve their wellbeing. Their roles may be varied, but their focus is always on helping people live well.

Join us in recognising the incredible contributions of social workers. Learn more about the services our team provides on our website: www.helpinghand.org.au/wellness-lifestyle/

15/03/2026

National Advance Care Planning Week, 16-22 March, is the perfect time to have a conversation with your loved ones and health providers so they know what matters most to you and respect your treatment preferences.

Listen to our podcast episode about Advance Care Planning to learn why planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones: www.helpinghand.org.au/podcast/

Advance care planning gives you the chance to:
- Talk to your family, friends and doctors about how you would like to be cared for in the future.
- Write down your own preferences for care and medical treatments.
- Choose who you would like to make medical treatment and care decisions for you.

Find out more on the Advance Care Planning Australia website: https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/news-and-events/events/advance-care-planning-week

14/03/2026

At Home shares a very special family story. Jan and Margaret reflect on their father, Rev Arthur Strange, founder of Helping Hand, and the values of compassion, service and community that shaped their family life. Their memories paint a picture of a life dedicated to helping others, especially those experiencing loneliness. It’s a moving reminder of the legacy that continues to guide Helping Hand today.

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

11/03/2026

Little ones bring big smiles to our care homes.

Our intergenerational playgroup The Learning Tree is open to families in the community, welcoming children and grandchildren aged 0–5 to enjoy songs, play, stories and connection with our residents. It’s a lovely way for different generations to spend time together and brighten each other’s day.

Contact us to find out more:
Ingle Farm: Thursdays, 10am to 11:30am (excluding school holidays), call Chantelle on 8397 8200
Lightsview: Wednesdays 10am to 11:30am (excluding school holidays), call Michele on 8214 3000

We believe in the magic that happens when different generations come together.

09/03/2026

Tuesday Tips to live your best 60+ life!

Tip of the week: Declutter in Fives
Five items a week - clutter-free without the stress. Instead of a massive clear-out, try removing five things you no longer use each week. Small steps create a calmer, more spacious home without the overwhelm.

08/03/2026

Just a reminder that our 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.

Our Home Care team provides essential services only on public holidays. To change your services, call 1300 444 663.

07/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day to all the women making a difference in their workplaces, communities and in aged care. Today we celebrate the achievements and impact of women everywhere.

At Helping Hand, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Rachael Sharp, an inspiring Project Manager and leader in our Property and Development team.

In her working life, Rachael supports the development, refurbishment and maintenance of resident and corporate environments. Outside of work, she’s energised by learning and creativity.

“I paint, take photos, listen to podcasts and read non‑fiction,” she says.

Her favourite way to unwind is spending time with her dogs, Atlas and Remy, both husky mixes.

“They’re big dogs with big energy and I love them,” she laughs.

Rachael’s passion for construction began during work experience and a part‑time role while at university.

“I was always good at maths and science and earned two degrees: Civil and Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Geophysics.”

She thought she’d work in mining, but a part‑time project management role changed her path.

“That’s where I discovered project management and how it aligned with my passions and skills.”

What drew her in was seeing the outcomes of her work.

“In construction, the impact is real. You can walk through a building and know you helped create something that improves people’s lives.”

She joined Helping Hand in June 2025, after years of consulting experience.

“Coming into aged care I quickly saw the pride people take in their work, directly supporting older Australians.”

Rachael is committed to advancing the construction industry to be fair, respectful, and inclusive, and was recently elected SA Chapter President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

“NAWIC SA has about 45 volunteers who support, connect and advocate for women across the industry.”

Last Friday, she represented the NAWIC SA Chapter at their International Women’s Day Leadership Lunch, her first as president. She shared her priorities for the year, including “adding weight to the scales” to address industry imbalances and support the greater representation of women.

Rachael also hosts and produces NAWIC’s podcast, ‘NAWIC Couch’.

“Women in construction are already the minority. The podcast shares the stories of the minorities within this group, whose voices are often under-represented.”

To mark International Women’s Day, Rachael reflected on the women who inspire her.

“I am inspired by all the women I volunteer with at NAWIC, every guest on the podcast and the women across Helping Hand. All working for positive change without seeking recognition, which is truly admirable.”

Her advice to younger women or those starting out:

“Take time to know yourself, your values and strengths, and how you want to show up in the world. When you are grounded in self‑understanding, it is easier to find your voice and speak with confidence.”