Home Instead Horsham

30/01/2026

Our caregivers do so much more than just lend a hand. In the kitchen, they’re right there beside clients, helping with meal prep, cooking together, encouraging independence, and making everyday moments feel normal and enjoyable.

With the recent implementation of Support at Home, this means caregivers can now assist with things like:
• Meal preparation and cooking
• Support to stay safe and confident in the kitchen
• Encouraging independence and routine
• Sharing connection over everyday tasks

If you have any questions about Support at Home or how it might work for you or a loved one, please reach out. We’re always happy to help 💛

29/01/2026

Uncle Rocky, Wolf and I at the Dimboola Library 🤍

I also wanted to share a photo of Uncle Rocky on his gopher. It really tells a story. Having one of these means seniors can still get out, stay connected, and keep their independence instead of feeling stuck at home or becoming isolated.

Moments like these remind me how important it is to support our clients to live life on their own terms.
– Caregiver Tina

27/01/2026

In the past month, with the extreme heat and fires across the Wimmera, it’s been a strong reminder of how important it is to look after yourself and to check in on your older loved ones.

Hot weather, smoke and changing conditions can take a real toll, especially on those who are more vulnerable. A simple phone call, visit or extra check-in can make a big difference and help ensure everyone is safe, supported and coping during these conditions.

26/01/2026

Congratulations to Dennis, Tracy, Emily and Tina on being named Caregivers of the Quarter for 2025. This recognition reflects the care, dedication, and professionalism you bring to your roles, and the positive impact you have on the lives of those you support.

While we are incredibly proud of our entire care team, we would like to make a special mention of these four caregivers. Each of you consistently goes above and beyond, remains reliable and supportive within the team, and shows up for your clients day after day with commitment, compassion, and care.

We will be announcing our Caregiver of the Year for 2025 very soon, so keep your eyes and ears open. It is a truly special award, made even more meaningful by the fact that so many of our staff are doing incredible things every single day.

23/01/2026

The Support at Home program, introduced in November 2025, replaces the former Home Care Packages Program and Short-term Restorative Care Programme. The program is designed to improve access to services, equipment, and home modifications, helping you remain independent and living safely at home for longer.

Support at Home may be suitable if you need a more coordinated approach to your care, especially if you require help with multiple everyday tasks or have more complex care needs. Services can include clinical support such as nursing care, occupational therapy, and podiatry; support for independence like showering, medication assistance, transport, and respite; and everyday living support including cleaning, gardening, shopping, and meal preparation. The program also supports culturally safe care, including access to cultural activities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners.

If approved for ongoing Support at Home services, you will be placed into one of eight funding classifications, based on your individual care needs. This includes funding for care management. Those with higher or more complex needs may receive increased support, such as in-home nursing or physiotherapy, helping you stay at home for longer. The program also includes the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme, which provides upfront funding for equipment and home modifications to improve safety and accessibility. Additionally, the End-of-Life Pathway offers extra support during the final three months of life, allowing people to remain at home with dignity and comfort, even if they are not already part of the Support at Home program.

22/01/2026

Our caregiver end-of-year catch-up was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to reconnect, spend time together, and enjoy a delicious meal at the golf club back in December.

We also celebrated Tina for winning Caregiver of the Quarter, along with many other achievements from across the year.

21/01/2026

Throughout 2025, the aged care sector has been preparing for the introduction of the New Aged Care Act and the transition to the Support at Home program. This roadmap reflects the journey we have all been on together, with changes designed to strengthen rights, improve access to services, and support older people to remain living independently at home for longer.

The new Act places a stronger focus on choice, quality, and person-centred care. It brings updated standards for providers, clearer information for clients, and a more coordinated approach to home-based support. While change can feel overwhelming, these reforms aim to create a more supportive and transparent aged care system into the future.

As we move through 2026, our team will continue to guide you through the implementation of these changes, keep you updated on what they mean for your services, and support you every step of the way. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please reach out to your Care Manager, who is here to help, advocate for you, and ensure your care continues to meet your needs.

20/01/2026

We’re excited to share that our bus trips will be starting up again in February, weather permitting. For everyone’s safety and comfort, trips may be cancelled on extreme weather days, and we’ll always communicate clearly if that happens.

We’re also doing some forward planning for the year ahead and have a few proposed ideas we’re excited about, including a Mother’s Day High Tea in May (date to be confirmed), an Irish Christmas in July, a Father’s Day BBQ for the blokes in September, and our much-loved Christmas Lights Tour in December. These outings are all about connection, enjoyment, and creating shared memories.

We’d love your input too. If you have any ideas or suggestions for outings you’d enjoy, please let us know - we’re always open to hearing what matters most to you.

18/01/2026

Henry recently took a very special drive down memory lane, stepping back into an almost-as-new Valiant Regal his parents bought brand new in 1966.

Henry is one of our clients at Dovida Horsham, and moments like this are exactly why we love what we do. Seeing our clients reconnect with cherished memories, share their stories, and continue to thrive is incredibly special.

Thank you for letting us be part of your journey, Henry 🤍

Read the full article:

Horsham s Henry Mitchell went for a drive in an almost-as-new Valiant Regal last week years after his parents bought it new from Horsham s Wilson Bolton Mr Mitchell s parents Ray and Lorna bought the car in when Mr Mitchell was nbsp Mrs Mitchell used to drive the -or-so miles from their Karnak farm....

16/01/2026

Our annual Christmas light tour went off with a bang in December with our clients at Dovida ✨A tradition we’ve held onto since opening, and one we look forward to every year.

14/01/2026

Caregiver of the Quarter – Congratulations Tina ✨

We’re proud to recognise Tina as our Caregiver of the Quarter.

Recently, we received a phone call letting us know that one of our caregivers had quietly paid a bill for someone in the community who couldn’t afford it. After a little investigating, we discovered it was Tina.

This simple, selfless act speaks volumes about who she is – someone who goes above and beyond, not just in her role, but as a person.

Tina consistently shows kindness, empathy, and genuine care in everything she does. Her clients feel supported, respected, and valued, and her presence makes a real difference every day.

Thank you, Tina, for representing the very best of Dovida and for the impact you continue to have within our community 💛

08/01/2026

Severe weather across the Wimmera can be more than uncomfortable — it can be dangerous, especially for our older loved ones.

As temperatures rise and conditions become extreme, a quick check-in can make a real difference. Small things help more than we realise:

• Make sure air conditioners and fans are working properly
• Keep fresh water within easy reach and encourage regular sips
• Close blinds and curtains to keep homes cooler
• Help with light meals that don’t require much cooking
• Check medications are stored correctly in the heat
• Call or visit, even briefly — isolation increases risk during extreme weather

Older people are more vulnerable to heat stress and dehydration, often without realising it themselves. A little extra care during severe weather can help keep them safe, comfortable, and supported.