Banks are bullying older Australians out of using cheques
18 May 2022
We all know that cheques are disappearing, but for the Commonwealth Bank (and maybe others), it's just not fast enough. Enter bully tactics.
Rebates and the problem with government websites
18 May 2022
Navigating government websites can be a nightmare. How can you find the right information to get any rebates you qualify for?
Over-65s: Where to get a free flu jab
10 May 2022
Flu shots are available and everyone should get one, especially if you're older. Free if you're over 65!
Superannuation withdrawals: relief is on the way
10 May 2022
Having to withdraw money you don't need from your superannuation pension account is a bugbear for many, but if you're under 75, 1 July this year brings relief.
Deeming rate freeze: does it really help with pensioner cost-of-living?
10 May 2022
A deeming rate freeze! How good is that? Not all that good, it turns out, particularly if you're in a situation where you need it to be good for you.
The emergency ambulance is here for you, now what?
10 May 2022
Imagine that you’ve just experienced a medical emergency. You’ve managed to stop panicking long enough to call 000 and an ambulance is on its way.
Election 2022: the fine mess parties have gotten aged care into
4 May 2022
Aged care is in a fine mess but it's a deadly earnest mess and no slapstick comedy. All major parties have created the mess. They should clean it up together.
Cost of living: How pension indexation should work and why
4 May 2022
Indexation to catch up with cost-of-living increases after those increases have happened is fine if you have buffer, but those living near the poverty line or way below it have no buffer. A different way of indexing their social security payments would save them a lot of stress and anxiety.
Getting really smart: mobile phone implant scams
4 May 2022
Any new technological development is a double-edged sword. It can bring improvements but also abuses. Better phones = more scams.
The election and the Cashless Welfare Card
27 April 2022
Election campaigns are not exactly known for their slavish adherence to the truth. The Cashless Welfare Card is a case in point.
Will your home care package collapse after worker pay rise?
27 April 2022
Home care workers have had a big win in the Fair Work Commission. How will it affect you?
Is the language of love still in the air?
27 April 2022
Popular music has changed over the decades, but is the change language of songs a change for the better?
Is your term deposit slumming it?
20 April 2022
Inflation is up, the cash rate will be up and term deposit rates should be up. Some are but most aren't. Here's why.
Opposition Leader’s response to Budget 2022: aged care and housing
20 April 2022
In response to the Budget presented by the Australian Government on 29 March 2022, the Leader of the Opposition presented a suite of policy plans.
Older and wiser: older drivers
20 April 2022
Older drivers are among the safest drivers, and one of the reasons for this is that most know when to drive less or stop altogether. But what about the small minority that doesn't?
Can pension poverty be solved by a magic pudding?
13 April 2022
Independently costed plans by The Greens would eradicate poverty. There is one problem: significant reliance is being placed on a magic pudding.
End-of-life planning by you yourself is vital to your dignity in old age
13 April 2022
Thirty per cent of nursing home residents have an advance care plan completed by someone else, such as a family member or carer, rather than making choices themselves. Planning must be done earlier.
How not to have a heart attack
13 April 2022
Out-of-the-blue heart attacks need not be out-of-the-blue. There are simple tests which can show if a person is at risk of a heart attack.
Cost-of-Living Measures: what they mean in detail
6 April 2022
The $250 handout and more have been passed. Here's how you access them.
The future of nursing home staffing ratios
6 April 2022
The Government adopting recommendations doesn't always mean they will implement all the recommendations they adopt. Aged care is no different.