Featured Content

18 The Legend of Ita

She’s one of Australia’s best-known and most well-respected public figures. And at 80, Ita Buttrose is showing no signs of slowing down. The ABC Chair sat down for a wide-ranging interview with ACG publisher Paul Koury.

26 Why hobbies are good for your mental health

Whether it’s painting, playing the piano or tripping the light fantastic, hobbies keep us engaged and help feed our need for meaning and purpose.

32 Personal alarms for seniors: a guide

Everything you need to know if the elderly person in your life is at the stage where a personal alarm has become a necessity.

38 Jean Kittson’s survival guide for carers

The comedian and author – and daughter of parents in their 90s – offers advice on how to take care of yourself in the midst of the mayhem.

42 Creating a community that cares for our carers

Establishing an integrated community of care is essential if carers are to get the support they need. And it’s an issue that one Melbourne social enterprise is passionate about getting right.

46 How to say no to your elderly parents

It’s difficult to say no to our loved ones. But learning to use this little word is not only good for your wellbeing, it’s good for your parents, too.

51 Paws for thought: why pet therapy is good for seniors

Research proves it: pet therapy offers comfort, joy and companionship to older people.

56 New ways of living

From upsizing to the country to living as dual citizens ... a look at the alternative lifestyles older Australians are embracing.

64 Tips for navigating Centrelink

If you’re caring for elderly parents or a loved one, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to deal with the behemoth that is Centrelink. A guide to making the process as seamless as possible.

70 How to cope with compassion fatigue

About Australian Carers Guide

Australian Carers Guide is a valuable resource for everyone who is caring for an ageing parent, spouse or an elderly loved one.

Out of the 2.7 million informal carers in Australia, 1.3 million care for an elderly family member or a loved one.

Until now, there has never been anything in the mainstream market specifically for carers.

Our guide delivers useful and practical information, all geared toward the carers and their wellbeing.

Being a carer can put you at risk for what the experts call “compassion fatigue”. What are the signs to look out for, and what strategies can you employ to deal with it?

92 Why talking about dying won’t kill you

End-of-life practitioner Jacqui Williams explores why we need to have more conversations about the Big D.