Blog - December 19, 2025
Helping hand so Dad can stay living at home
As a single working mum with three teenagers, Lisa’s days were already overflowing with the chaos of life. So, when her ageing dad, Bill, needed a little extra help at home, she found herself conflicted.
After all he had done for her over her life — and still grieving the loss of his wife — Lisa wanted nothing more than to be there for him. But between full-time work, raising her children, and managing her household, she simply didn’t have the capacity.
“Dad is still reasonably independent and healthy, but he needs some support to stay on top of things at home – like a bit of cleaning and gardening, and occasionally transport to medical appointments,” Lisa explained.
“Without help, he struggled to keep the house in order and didn’t spend time doing the things he loves. He wants to stay living here for as long as possible. It’s not just a house – it’s his home, full of memories of Mum and when we were kids.”
That’s where Intereach aged care services stepped in.
“Before starting with Intereach and having their wonderful community support workers come to help Dad, we were considering having to move him into a nursing home, even though he wasn’t ready,” Lisa said.
And it’s not just the practical help that makes a difference.
“His support workers are fantastic! They usually sit down and have a cuppa and a chat with him after they’ve completed their tasks for the day. He loves that,” Lisa said.
“He looks forward to them coming each week so he can tell them all about what he’s been up to. They’re genuinely interested, and it’s given him that bit of companionship he’s missed since Mum passed away.”
Support that goes beyond the home
Bill also attends aged care group activities, giving him a chance to get out of the house, socialise, and make new connections.
Intereach runs many social support groups across its service area, including active ageing and strength and balance classes, and support groups for carers and grandparents raising grandchildren.
Every week in Albury, Intereach volunteer Sue picks up her clients and brings them to the Active Ageing Community Connections group, where they enjoy craft, games, outings and lots of laughs.
“The friendships I’ve seen form are just beautiful. Everyone gels so well and having these regular outings really helps to ease loneliness among older people,” she said.
Guiding families every step of the way
For many families, knowing where to start with aged care can feel overwhelming. That’s why Intereach provides local, personalised guidance.
Aged Care Linker Sue explained: “If you haven’t had an assessment through My Aged Care, we can guide you through that process. From your very first enquiry to understanding your options, support selection, care coordination and service delivery, we’re here to help every step of the way”.
It’s something Echuca Care Coordinator Fiona absolutely loves.“Every day, I feel incredibly lucky to make a real difference in older people’s lives,” she said.
“I’m there to support them, whether they need a helping hand, a listening ear, or simply someone who cares. I treat every client like they’re part of my own family, and I give them the kind of care and respect I’d want for my loved ones.”
A trusted local provider
For more than 50 years, Intereach has been proudly providing services to regional communities.
As a local, not-for-profit organisation, we’re committed to delivering the supports that allow you to live the life you choose in the community you call home.
It’s one of the reasons Bill and his family chose Intereach as their aged care provider.
“Even before I needed a bit of help from Intereach, I knew who they were, as they’ve been part of my community for decades. They already support some of my friends, which made this whole process much easier,” he said.
Intereach understands that change can be overwhelming.
That’s why we’re here to help you at Your Place, Your Pace. With our strong local presence, dedicated team, and community focus, Intereach is your trusted partner to navigate the next steps in your aged care journey.
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!
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