Canberra has a wealth of activities, specialists and help for seniors, this feature talks to some of Canberra’s experts.

In 2020, the Australian Bureau of Statistic (ABS) found about 4.2 million people (roughly 16 percent of Australia’s total population) were aged 65 or over.

From law advice, pain care and renovation help, here are some experts that have Australia’s 16 per cent covered.

Cost-effective health services for fatigue and chronic pain

Offering low-cost exercise programs, including tai chi, chair yoga, pilates, hydrotherapy and strength/balance classes, Arthritis ACT CEO Rebecca Davey says their services have steadily grown in response to the needs of the community.

“In this cost-of-living crisis, it is our mission to ensure that Canberrans have the opportunity for quality health care that is affordable,” she says.

Arthritis, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT provides a hub of information and services for anyone living with a condition that leads to chronic pain or debilitating fatigue.

“The lovely thing about our classes in particular is the people attending them become friends,” says Rebecca.

“Many of our clients came to us very socially isolated, and they then find people with similar issues to themselves that they can talk to.

“We have pool groups that now meet for breakfast after their early morning exercise sessions and strength/balance groups that go out and celebrate each other’s birthdays, support each other through loss, and some even holiday together!”

Rebecca says it’s important to know that clients aren’t required to have a fatiguing condition or a doctor’s referral to access the services.

“We have a lot of people who come to us for things such as ongoing rehabilitation post-stroke, for exercise to manage diabetes and some come because they know they need support to improve their general health and wellbeing,” she says.

“That’s why we exist.”

Arthritis ACT, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

The Grove opens up their doors to an extension

Now entering into expansion work, the Grove Ngunnawal Retirement Village is currently in the process of incorporating 45 new two-and three-bedroom premium villas, to grow the village from a 161 to 206 villa precinct.

ACT senior development manager of Keyton Sarah Forbes says the new homes will feature spacious kitchens, equipped with premium stainless-steel appliances, a generous master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and private ensuite, outdoor living with an undercover alfresco for entertainment and is an accessible single-storey living space with ample storage.

The new homes will be ready to move into early 2026.

“The site will also include expansive greenery and a welcoming space, including the restored historic Homestead, for residents to enjoy,” says Sarah.

“This also includes a clubhouse complete with a library, gym, heated indoor swimming pool, village green and gardens as well as connected walking trails and more.”

Sarah says new residents will have access to The Grove’s existing program of wellbeing events that continues to expand.

“This ensures residents experience the best of retirement living, including a sense of connection, belonging and a vibrant environment that ensures residents thrive.”

The Grove Ngunnawal, 1 Monty Place, Ngunnawal ACT. Call 1800 550550 or visit visitthegrove.com.au

Fixing homes to suit personal needs

Renovation Matters specialises in future-proofing homes by enhancing accessibility for the ageing population, says founder Kim Persson.

Installing grab rails is a key safety measure that provides crucial support at home, allowing for more autonomy.

“Grab rails are beneficial not only for the elderly but also for individuals recovering from temporary injuries and even young children,” Kim says.

“They offer stability when getting in and out of a bath or shower or using the toilet.”

While grab rails are commonly installed in bathrooms, Kim emphasises that they can be placed anywhere in the home, so long as the walls offer adequate support.

However, she stresses the importance of professional installation to prevent potential hazards.

“If not securely fixed, grab rails have the potential to detach, which could lead to falls and injuries.”

Beyond grab rails, Renovation Matters also improves home accessibility by widening doorways for wheelchair or mobility access, installing higher-seated toilets or bidets and removing large hobs from showers.

“These are all modifications that make daily living safer and more convenient for individuals with mobility challenges,” says Kim.

Renovation Matters. Call 0427 696662 or visit renovationmatters.com.au

Innovative aged-care facilities in Canberra

Offering premium, residential aged-care services, including 24/7 nursing support and dedicated relationship-focused care, Arcare Aged Care CEO Colin Singh says their services include private suites, chef-prepared meals, engaging lifestyle programs and a strong focus on emotional and social wellbeing.

“Over time, we have evolved to place even greater emphasis on personalised care by introducing our unique Relationship-First Approach, ensuring residents, families and team members build meaningful connections,” Colin says.

Embracing technology, Arcare uses innovative solutions to enhance its services, improving communication, engagement and healthcare support.

“What sets us apart is our commitment to our Relationship-First Approach, our premium hospitality, our intergenerational and community engagement as well as our innovative partnerships.”

Residents have access to elegant private suites, cafes, private dining rooms, cinemas, hair salons and indoor/outdoor spaces for relaxation and socialisation.

“We create meaningful programs that bring together residents and the wider community, enhancing social connectedness,” says Colin.

Ensuring a high standard of care as Australia’s ageing population grows, Colin says Arcare is constantly looking at innovations in building and service models to ensure that the next community cohorts’ needs and wishes are met.

“Arcare is excited to be expanding our services into the ACT, starting with our first residence in Aranda, followed by two more in Wright and Gold Creek,” he says.

“We look forward to welcoming new team members, residents and their families, and becoming an integral part of the ACT’s aged-care landscape.”

Arcare Aged Care. 1 Bindel Street, Aranda. Call 1300 297 189 or visit arcare.com.au

Offering compassion and support during difficult times

As the operations manager for Invocare ACT, Cassandra Proctor says she is proud to lead a dedicated team that exemplifies compassion within the community.

“With genuine warmth and empathy, we strive to provide comfort and support to families during their most difficult times,” she says.

“Our mission is to stand alongside our clients, their families and friends during pivotal moments in their lives, offering compassion, exceeding expectations and delivering exceptional service.

Encompassing three ACT brands of White Lady, Tobin Brothers and Simplicity Funerals, Cassandra says innovation is central to their operations.

“We actively seek new strategies, opportunities and technologies that enable client families to honour their loved ones in meaningful ways,” she says.

“Our team is deeply passionate about the service we provide, viewing our work as a true vocation that transcends traditional job roles.”

Caring is fundamental to Cassandra’s approach, and she says they take pride in building authentic connections with the families and communities they serve.

“By fostering trust through our compassion, we help alleviate the burdens faced by grieving families and guide them thoughtfully through their journey.”

“At Invocare, we are committed to ensuring that every farewell is a meaningful tribute, making each moment count during times of need.”

Invocare. Call 02 9978 5200 or visit invocare.com.au

Trusted advice for diabetes management

Maintaining good health while ageing is the key to enjoying a great quality of life.

Living with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, means maintaining good health is even more important.

“There’s a lot of misinformation and conflicting advice out there,” says Natalie Smith, general manager of Health Service Operations at Diabetes Australia NSW & ACT.

“We know that many seniors are online and active on social media and we’re concerned about people masquerading as experts, handing out dubious advice and promoting products that don’t work.

“Management techniques that may have always worked might not be as effective or may stop working all together and you may need to find different kinds of support.”

According to Natalie, it is essential to build a team of trusted, qualified experts when managing a complex chronic condition.

“Medical costs are high enough without the added worry of scams,” she says.

“Educating yourself and building your knowledge about self-management can also make a big difference.

“Trusted sources such as the Diabetes Australia or NDSS websites, or joining Diabetes Australia’s free membership, will give you access to a wide range of relevant information at your fingertips.”

Offering a range of programs and one-on-one clinics with qualified and experienced diabetes educators and dietitians, Natalie encourages people looking for support or information to book an appointment, register for a free membership or contact Diabetes Australia.

Diabetes Australia. Tenant B, 19-23 Moore Street, Turner ACT. Call 1800 177 055 or visit diabetesaustralia.com.au

Goodwin salutes the special expertise of women

Residents and staff across different Goodwin Aged Care Villages have celebrated International Women’s Day, marking the 50th anniversary of the UN’s recognition of the day.

“Women are the cornerstone of aged care in the ACT, making up over 80 per cent of the workforce,” says the board chair of Goodwin Aged Care Services,
Laurann Yen.

“These dedicated individuals provide essential care and support to our elderly population, ensuring their well-being and quality of life.”

Recognising and celebrating the invaluable impact of women in the sector and the contributions of many individuals who helped shape and continue to drive the organisation, Lauren says women bring a vital perspective to aged care, often demonstrating strong empathy, exceptional communication skills and a nurturing nature.

“[Women] excel at creating a sense of community and understanding the emotional well-being of residents, making a profound difference in their lives,” says Laurann.

“Goodwin is incredibly proud of the many women who embody these qualities and contribute to our mission every day.

“Our sector continues to grapple with the challenges of workforce shortages and high turnover, but at Goodwin, our staff are more than just employees; they’re partners in delivering the highest quality care and support.

“Together, we’re committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our residents and clients.”

As the ACT’s population ages, the demand for skilled and compassionate aged care professionals will only increase.

“Supporting women in leadership positions alongside ensuring fair working conditions for the broader workforce, are essential in building a sustainable and high-quality aged care system for the future,” says Laurann.

CEO Stephen Holmes says: “Goodwin is grateful for the dedication and expertise of the women who have built and continue to strengthen our organisation.

“We’re committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive, lead and continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Goodwin Aged Care Services. Call 6175 5100 or visit ​​goodwin.org.au

Support at home services provided locally, by locals

Community Services #1 has been delivering a wide range of services across Canberra since 1987, says Juliette Spurrett, executive director of Aged Care Services.

“An important part of our service is offering a variety of aged-care services including Home Care Packages,” she says.

“If you have a Home Care Package and are looking for a more personal and transparent experience – you might consider contacting Community Services #1.”

Juliette says being based in Canberra gives Community Services #1 the distinct advantage of being able to provide a responsive and accessible service to people in the greater ACT area.

“One of the great benefits of providing a local service is that it gives our clients confidence with their support at home knowing that the people providing the support live right here in the local community,” she says.

Juliette says the team at Community Services #1 is dedicated to ensuring clients receive a more individualised experience, and that one of the key aims is to always ensure our clients feel and are confident with their support at home services.

“If you would like to know more, please reach out to one of our team members to find out how Community Services #1 can deliver an improved level of service,” says Juliette.

Community Services #1, 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah. Call 6126 4700, or visit communityservices1.org

Lawyers who are there for clients’ life journeys

“As we get older, we often face new challenges,” says KJB Law principal, Jo Twible.

“These can include decisions to downsize from the family home to a smaller home or retirement village, or it could be entering aged care.

“You might also re-think your will, enduring powers of attorney and superannuation nominations, to take into account what you see happening in your family’s lives.”

Jo says things can get complex if one partner has started to lose capacity.

“In addition to these issues, we also have the new aged-care regime coming into place on July 1, 2025,” she says.

KJB Law runs free seminars twice yearly, in conjunction with Phillips Wealth Partners, to help seniors gain an appreciation of downsizing, estate planning and aged care issues.

The next free seminar is on Wednesday, May 7 at the Woden Hellenic Club.

“With the upcoming changes, we want people to have an understanding of the impact on residential aged care and in-home care costs as well as estate planning capacity issues to ensure that people understand the issues which might impact them, and options to address those issues,” says Jo.

Jo says KJB can also help with general buying and selling of property, business succession planning and exits, as well as family separations.

“At the end of the day,” says Jo, “we view ourselves as here for our clients’ life journeys, helping them with their legal needs.”

KJB Law, ground floor, 10 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au

Working together to make retirement work

David Luke Retirement Planning specialises in advising those coming up to, or already in retirement, says director David Luke.

“I can help maximise your Centrelink entitlement, minimise tax exposure, set up income streams and offer investment advice and implementation,” he says.

“I have been a financial planner in Canberra and surrounding regions for 23 years, exclusively advising on retirement,” he says, and has run his own business for the last five years.

David says financial rules are daunting when you look at them for the first time.

“I can lead you through the process of the ATO, Centrelink, and investment markets, to make them work for you and achieve the retirement you want,” he says.

“You don’t need any prior knowledge with the rules or with financial planning, just an idea of what you want to achieve.”

He says he will break down the issues so you understand how it all fits together.

“I have no relationship with any product providers – I am on your side and I’m a one-person operation so you will always deal directly with me,” says David.

“I’m more than happy to visit you at home, after hours or on weekends.

“Don’t let the complexity of the system make you think it’s all too hard. Make it work for you instead.”

David Luke Retirement Planning, Level 1, 33 Allara Street, Canberra City. Call 0404 857242, or visit davidlukeplanning.com.au

Planning ahead provides relief

“It is important to seek professional estate planning help in order to be clear about what you want – where you want your assets to go,” says director and founding partner of Capon & Hubert, Ken Hubert.

“Your initial thoughts on this subject may not take into account contingencies which may occur.

“It is so important to ensure that the wealth you worked for goes to the people you want to inherit.”

Ken says at Capon and Hubert, they always work through the client’s initial plans and thoughts, and ask questions to determine a clear path forward should different scenarios occur.

“Many people who come to us have thought about making a will and feel a sense of relief once this is completed,” he says.

“We also find that people who have been asked to be an executor have a much easier role when the will they are responsible for is clear, well thought out and has considered different scenarios.”

Life can produce circumstances where initial plans may not be possible, says Ken, and clear details of intent for assets is necessary.

“A will greatly assists anyone who may be dealing with an estate for the first time and may be unsure how to proceed and the steps which must be taken to administer an estate,” he says.

“Having a will is caring for those who may need to carry out your wishes at a challenging and difficult time.”

Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators, First Floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au