When I consulted with Helping Hand after setting an appointment online, I became interested in their palliative care service. This provides patients with relief from their diseases and mental health support.

Grandma could receive counselling, aside from being relieved of her chronic pain. She told me chronic disease in old age is stressful! So, I am glad she could find people to talk to here.

They are also certified under Australia’s Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Thus, Grandma would be in the hands of trustworthy medical experts and facilities. They have dedicated staff for cleaning, such as maintaining gardens and mopping floors to avoid slipping.

My family could also pay only a small fee, since part of the costs are government-subsidised.

However, the eligibility process is quite tedious. It could take weeks to hear back.

My mother loves the facilities

“My mother has been staying there for the past few weeks and she says she loves it there. That’s good enough for me. Lovely rooms and the staff are really nice.”

Mark Galdes | Google review

Loving community despite demanding work

“A caring supportive aged care facility, beautiful residents and although the workload can be demanding and challenging as it can be in any RACF this is one of the best aged care facility around.”

Tracy Sullivan | Google review

Grandma also needed support adjusting at home after her hospital stay. To make this process easier, we checked out the non-profit UnitingSA Hawksbury Gardens.

This assisted living facility offers transitional care. Grandma’s hospital could partner with their practitioners and ensure full medical services.

They also have accreditation from the DHS Australian Service Excellence Awards. This proves the reliability of their services, staff, and volunteers.

They also have homes called Special Disability Accommodations. These have disability-friendly furnishings, such as open floor plans for wheelchair users. 

If my Grandma gets stressed, they also have mental health counsellors who will lend her a listening ear.

However, being a largely volunteer-based centre could mean the quality of services is dependent on the amount of donations they receive, aside from government assistance. 

11 year resident

“My mother was a resident for nearly 11 years and the kindness, consideration and care that was given to her was amazing.”

Barbara Dymmott | Google review

Excellent premises and staff

“Well laid out premises with excellent and friendly staff. Very clean and new.”

Paul Brooks | Google review

Grandma’s doctor recommended consulting Infinite Aged Care in Klemzig for their End of Life and Last Days package.

He said this is best for terminally ill elderly people who don’t want to be hospitalised and want to continue living with loved ones, either at home or at their residence. Regardless of location, the staff monitors their needs for rest, relief medicine, and additional mobility help.

I was told their housing is certified with Aged Care Quality Standards, ensuring it’s accessibility-designed. Each unit has a bell to alert its assigned nurse of the patient’s needs.

If Grandma opts to live with us, the assigned nurse can also have a visiting care schedule.

However, their fees can be pricey, considering they mostly offer shared units and have few solo ones. This is bothersome for patients who want a private residence. These shared units’ prices start at $300,000, while solo ones begin at $500,000. 

Four year patron and resident

“I’ve been at Klemzig aged care facility for four years now. I love it very much as my wife was here as well, I love the activities, the food and the staff please me well, they are very caring, and management always solve any issues very promptly.”

Albert Culbertson | Google review

Good facility but needs upgrading

“Infinite Care Klemzig is home to dedicated nursing staff who do their best to care for residents, though the facility itself needs attention. It’s showing signs of wear and requires refurbishment, particularly the air conditioning, which fails to adequately cool the building, leaving both residents and staff uncomfortable. The meals provided are satisfactory, but single rooms with suites are scarce, with many residents sharing combined rooms. A noticeable odour in the common areas impacts the environment. Administrative processes could be improved to reduce unnecessary frustration and streamline paperwork. Having experienced other facilities, it’s clear that Infinite Care Klemzig could benefit from upgrades in amenities, temperature control, and staff support. While the staff are doing their best, management should consider these improvements to create a better living and working environment for all.”

Anne Andre | Google review

I must admit the search for a suitable assisted living facility is exhausting. While doing it, we’re also taking care of Grandma in the meantime. 

I’m glad that my parents found Linsell Lodge Aged Care Centre; they could give us a break. They have free respite services, in which their medical practitioners would take over caring duties for us. 

My parents also liked how low their lodging prices are, starting at $225,000. 

Their management under The Salvation Army Australia deploys services such as modified physical programmes, workshops, and in-house spiritual counselling. The staff said these help ease the stress and physical discomfort residents have.

However, they also told me they are often understaffed. They halted admissions to avoid being overwhelmed. They also struggle with on-the-ground maintenance, such as cleaning shared toilets, because of limited manpower.

Constantly upgrading to provide best care

“Nice aged care facility undergoing constant upgrades and renovations so the residents have a very good experience and quality of life.”

Chris Ahlberg | Google review

Rude staff, limited manpower, overcrowded

“A terrible place for workers. Always short staff, very rude staff. Too many rooms & clients and bells keep going all the time till you finish your shift. Never relief. Never ever go to this place. Terrible & horrible.”

Amin | Google review

Yellow Door Care impressed me with its extensive assisted living services, such as medical transportation and one-on-one personal companionship. These carers, who have certifications from ACHS and EQuIP, could accompany Grandma during her doctor-recommended outdoor walks!

They also have a network of health experts, meal preppers, cleaners, and mobility providers. We could connect to their providers for Grandma’s diet. Plus, their cleaners sanitise communal spaces with toxin-free products.

They also operate as a family-owned business. It results in low admission fees because there are no third-party services to pay for. 

The only downside to this is that they only admit those aged 65 years and above. Grandma is only 64. They also don’t have mental health and counselling care available.

Professional, caring, and efficient support

“Yellow Door Care has provided professional, caring, efficient support in all aspects of a home care provider. Their responses are very efficient! Their follow up is timely. Our direct contact with the team has been respectful and supportive, putting my mum at ease with the whole process. Would recommend this company to all my family & friends.”

Lisa Alvino | Google review

Prompt and committed

“I’ve been very pleased with the Yellow Door Care Team for their promptness and commitment in providing the required services to my parents. Their staff and service providers deliver these services with compassion and professionalism. Their collective efforts have been extremely helpful to both my parents and our immediate family, and thus, we greatly appreciate and highly recommend them.”

Rebel J | Google review