Blog, Featured - August 11, 2026
Home sweet home: John’s secret to healthy ageing
For Swan Hill senior John, the key to his health and happiness is living in the home he loves for as long as possible.
“It’s really important for me to stay at home,” he said.
“I couldn’t imagine myself being anywhere else.”
However, now in his 80s and living alone after his wife went into residential care, John also realises he can’t do it all on his own.
While he is still able to do many things independently, he needs a helping hand around the house every now and then.
“I’m still capable of doing a bit, but there are things I can’t do anymore,” he said.
Pictured: John takes a break while CSW Mon gives him a helping hand.
That’s where Intereach in-home aged care comes in.
John’s Community Support Workers (CSW) visit once or twice a week, helping him with physically demanding household tasks and a bit of practical assistance.
“It wouldn’t look this clean if I didn’t have those girls here,” he laughed.
One of those CSWs is Mon, who John says consistently goes beyond expectations.
“Mon’s everything I want. Every time I tell her to do something, she does more. She doesn’t do less. She goes over and above,” he said.
For John, the practical help is only part of the story.
“The first day Mon came, I said, ‘I’m having a coffee, you have one too, and we’ll have a chat’,” he said.
Over time, those conversations have grown into a genuine friendship.
“She’s really good. We know all about each other’s families.”
For Mon, building those trusted relationships is one of the most rewarding parts of the role.
“I love working with my clients and being able to build a really good rapport with them,” she said.
“Aged care is more than just completing tasks. It’s taking the time to understand what is important to your client and making a real difference in their life.”If I can make life a little easier for someone, that’s what I love about the job. And for me, it’s not really a job. It feels more like helping family.”
Having trusted support allows John to focus his time and energy on what matters most, including visiting and supporting his wife, spending time with family, maintaining his routines and staying socially connected. Just as importantly, it gives him confidence for the future.
“It’s reassuring to know that help is there if I ever need it,” he said.
As more seniors look for ways to remain at home for longer, John’s story highlights how in-home aged care allows older people to maintain their independence and community connections so they can live the life they choose.
If you want to continue living at Your Place, Your Pace, reach out to Intereach today.
P: 1300 488 226 E: contact@intereach.com.au W: www.intereach.com.au
If you would like to find out more about aged care services and the ways that Intereach can help you and your loved ones, give us a call on 1300 488 226, drop into one of our offices, or visit our website at www.intereach.com.au. Reach out to Intereach today!
Contact the Intereach Aged Care team here
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