Conversations with G & G

We are joined by Clinical Palliative Nurse Specialist Karen Conte to unpick the realities of palliative care, navigating end-of-life funding, and making informed choices for yourself and loved ones.
In this episode, Karen discusses the difference between specialist palliative care and generalist in-home support, how to access up to $25,000 in End-of-Life Pathway funding over 12 weeks, and essential steps for Advance Care Planning in Victoria.

In this month's podcast episode, we are joined by the Head of Care at Dovida Geelong, Uma, who is diving deep into what an effective care management approach actually looks like and why it is the ultimate tool to protect you from severe caregiver burnout.

Missed some of our recent episodes or just need a quick refresher on navigating the complex world of in-home aged care? We’ve got you covered!
 
In this revision episode, we are stripping away the jargon and bringing you the absolute best, highest-value breakthroughs from our last five conversations.

In this episode of Conversations with G&G, we’re talking directly to older Australians about a simple, free service that helps you stay in control of your wellbeing: the Home Medicines Review (HMR).
 
Think of it as a friendly "health check-up" for your medicine cabinet, conducted by a professional pharmacist right in the comfort of your own home. No rushed appointments, no confusing jargon, just clear, practical advice tailored to you.

In honour of Falls Prevention Awareness Month, we welcome back expert pain physiotherapist Meghan Dean to discuss a proactive approach to ageing well at home.
Visit our website for expert resources and insights to support and enhance your caregiving journey: 🌐 www.conversationswithgandg.com
🎙️ In this episode, you will learn:
The hidden cognitive and physical factors that increase fall risks in older Australians.
What to expect during a home-based physiotherapy clinical assessment.
The difference between Occupational Therapy (home mods) and physiotherapy (physical capacity).
How to access allied health services through the Support at Home program without a co-contribution.
Why "reablement" is the gold standard for staying independent.
👥 Who is this episode for?
Family carers supporting ageing parents.
Older Australians navigating the Support at Home program.
Health professionals interested in a multidisciplinary approach.
🌐 Learn more and trusted resources:
My Aged Care — practical guidance on services, assessments, and finding providers. Call: 1800 200 422 Website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au
Carer Gateway — support, counselling and respite options for family carers. Website: https://www.carergateway.gov.au
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission — feedback, complaints and quality standards for providers. Website: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au
Support at Home program — official info and program details. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/su...
ℹ️ Who is Conversations with G&G?
Conversations with G&G is dedicated to supporting the people who support others. We are a podcast and content hub focused on in-home aged care, carer wellbeing, allied health, and disability support. We share real stories, practical education, and evidence-informed insights from the caregiving community, especially in the Geelong/Victoria regional context. Our mission is to inform, support, and empower those navigating the aged care system.
📺 What will you see?
Updates and insights on the Support at Home Program Caregiver health and burnout prevention
Mental health support for carers in Australia
Fall prevention, mobility, and quality of life strategies
Practical steps for due diligence when choosing a quality provider in the Geelong/Ballarat regions.
💬 LEAVE A COMMENT to share your experience: Have you noticed any of the "near-miss" signs Meghan mentioned—like "furniture walking" or stumbling while turning your head?
🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL to stay up to date with new episodes supporting carers and the people they care for. New episodes are released monthly.
📲 Follow our other platforms!
Instagram: @Conversationswithgandg
Facebook: Conversations with G&G
YouTube
Website
 

Feeling overwhelmed by the new Support at Home changes? You aren't alone. This week, Giselle and Giovanni are joined by Michelle, a Client Care Consultant at Dovida Geelong with 25 years of experience in the Geelong region.

In this essential episode of Conversations with G & G, we hear directly from home care client and client advocate, Margaret. She dives deep into the aged care journey, sharing her critical advice: why you must register with My Aged Care NOW—long before a crisis hits.
 
Whether you're a family carer trying to navigate system complexity , or an older Australian considering support, this empowering conversation will show you how client groups (CABs) are transforming feedback into real, practical change.

In this essential episode of Conversations with G & G, we sit down with Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Pip Spence to dive deep into how the right diet can unlock better health, strength, and independence for older Australians.
 
Pip reveals the critical difference between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist and the 3 vital red flags carers must watch for to spot early malnutrition. She provides practical, evidence-informed advice on boosting protein and calcium to prevent falls, manage conditions like diabetes, and ensure your loved one is eating for enjoyment and well-being.

Visit our website for expert resources and insights to support and enhance your caregiving journey: 🌐 www.conversationswithgandg.com
🎙️ In this episode, you will learn:
The subtle signs (like food expiry or not collecting the mail) that indicate an older Australian needs more in-home assistance.
Why addressing early signs is critical for preventing falls and maintaining long-term independence and quality of life.
How to approach the difficult conversations about losing the ability to drive, and what indicators to look for (e.g., car scratches, increased anxiety).
Practical tips for managing medication issues using a Webster Pak (a dose administration aid) and other technology.
How to overcome the fear of accepting help by framing services as a way to achieve their goal of staying in their own home.
The importance of addressing mental health, isolation, and grief (especially around festive anniversaries) as part of a holistic care plan.
The essential steps for choosing a quality, local provider, including key questions to ask about staff training and complaint management.
👥 Who is this episode for?
Family carers checking in on loved ones during the holiday season.
Older Australians considering in-home care for independence and dignity.
GPs and Allied Health professionals seeking resources to guide families toward support.
Employed carers seeking practical knowledge and better ways to connect with families.
🌐 Find resources and support
My Aged Care — practical guidance on services, assessments, and finding providers. Call: 1800 200 422 Website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au
Carer Gateway — support, counselling and respite options for family carers. Website: https://www.carergateway.gov.au
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission — feedback, complaints and quality standards for providers. Website: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au
ℹ️ Who is Conversations with G&G?
Conversations with G&G is dedicated to supporting the people who support others. We are a podcast and content hub focused on in-home aged care, carer wellbeing, allied health, and disability support. We share real stories, practical education, and evidence-informed insights from the caregiving community, especially in the Geelong/Victoria regional context. Our mission is to inform, support, and empower those navigating the aged care system.
📺 What will you see?
Updates and insights on the Support at Home Program
Caregiver health and burnout prevention
Mental health support for carers in Australia
Fall prevention, mobility, and quality of life strategies
Practical steps for due diligence when choosing a quality provider in the Geelong/Ballarat regions.
💬 LEAVE A COMMENT to share your experience: What was the hardest sign to spot when you realised your loved one needed help?
🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL to stay up to date with new episodes supporting carers and the people they care for. New episodes are released monthly.
📲 Follow our other platforms!
Instagram: @Conversationswithgandg
Facebook: Conversations with G&G
YouTube
Website

Visit our website for expert resources and insights to support and enhance your caregiving journey: 🌐 www.conversationswithgandg.com
🎙️ In this episode, you will learn:
The crucial difference between "positive" stress (eustress) and long-term, destructive stress that leads to anxiety.
How to identify the four responses to anxiety—Fight, Flight, Freeze, and the often-unseen Fawn response common in people-pleasing caregivers.
Danni Synot's powerful lived experience of overcoming debilitating panic attacks and agoraphobia (being unable to leave the house or drive).
Practical mindset shifts: how to combat negative "What If?" thoughts by asking "So What?" and flipping the script to "But What If?".
Why holistic self-care—including better sleep, avoiding caffeine, and eating small, nutritious meals—is vital to breaking the anxiety cycle.
The importance of seeking professional help, booking a double appointment with your GP, and being the leader of your own health team.
Simple ways to reintroduce joy, purpose, and positive sensory inputs to rebuild your strength.
👥 Who is this episode for?
Family carers experiencing burnout or isolation.
Older Australians navigating significant life changes that cause stress.
Employed carers and aged-care professionals seeking practical tips for self-care.
Referral networks (GPs, Allied Health) needing resources to guide patients toward holistic solutions.
🌐 Learn more about
Danni Synot & Brave Enough Brave Enough Website – Workshops, coaching, and resources for self-discovery and resilience.
Danni Synot on LinkedIn – Connect and explore Danni’s speaking and mentoring work.
Beyond Blue — Support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.
Lifeline — Crisis support and suicide prevention services.
ℹ️ Who is Conversations with G&G?
Conversations with G&G is dedicated to supporting the people who support others. We are a podcast and content hub focused on in-home aged care, carer wellbeing, allied health, and disability support. We share real stories, practical education, and evidence-informed insights from the caregiving community, especially in the Geelong/Victoria regional context. Our mission is to inform, support, and empower those navigating the aged care system.
📺 What will you see?
Updates and insights on the Support at Home Program
Caregiver health and burnout prevention
Mental health support for carers in Australia
Fall prevention, mobility, and quality of life strategies
💬 LEAVE A COMMENT to share your thoughts on the Support at Home Program or your experiences navigating aged care.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL to stay up to date with new episodes supporting carers and the people they care for. New episodes are released monthly.
📲 Follow our other platforms!
Instagram: @Conversationswithgandg
Facebook: Conversations with G&G
YouTube
Website