Optimising communication, compliance and efficiency with Conpago
In this technology-themed episode, Coral sits down with Ali Galadari, CEO and co-founder of Conpago, to explore how digital innovation is transforming aged care. From humble beginnings to a fully integrated communication and care coordination platform, Conpago helps providers streamline operations, improve transparency, and empower families.Ali shares the story behind Conpago’s evolution, the challenges of integrating with legacy systems, and how their purpose-built platform supports care providers, staff, recipients, and families alike. Whether you're a provider or a family member navigating aged care, this episode shows what’s possible when technology meets compassion.In this episode: How Conpago evolved to support care providers and streamline operationsThe importance of real-time communication between providers, families, and care recipientsWhy Conpago’s Brisbane HQ houses the full team under one roofThe four tiers of users the platform is designed forThe value of a single source of truth for resident data and eventsHow Conpago enables partnerships between retirement operators and home care providersThe consumer experience focusIntegration challenges with legacy systems and the push for open APIsThe importance of connected systems for provider efficiency and staff wellbeingSecurity and privacy measuresStoring data onshore in Australia matters for compliance and trustConpago supports family members with scheduling and visibilityReducing phone calls and increasing transparency through self-service featuresWhy ease of use and one-touch functionality drive adoptionOpportunities for providers to trial Conpago through a UAT environment and pilot phaseConnect with Ali Galadari and ConpagoLinkedInConpago websiteConnect with Coral Wilkinson: Instagram LinkedIn Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and...
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OT driving assessments explained
Driving is often linked to independence, especially for older adults. But when health, cognition, or mobility changes, how do we know if someone is still safe behind the wheel? In this episode, Coral speaks with Karin Naude, a qualified Driving Assessment Occupational Therapist, to discuss what’s really involved in an OT driving assessment. And it’s much more than just a drive around the block.Karin explains the structured process behind both the off-road and on-road components, including medical history, cognitive screening, physical function, and tailored driving routes. She also addresses common concerns like cost, report confidentiality, and what happens if someone doesn’t pass. This conversation offers clarity on what to expect, how decisions are made, and what support options exist if driving is no longer an option for an older person.In this episode: What an OT driving assessment involvesThe off-road and on-road componentsVision standards are a critical first stepPhysical and cognitive tests that are includedAssessments are started in the client’s homeWhy GPs don’t usually conduct full assessmentsHow on-road testing is tailored to individual driving needsWhat makes an OT nervous during on-road assessmentsWhy older clients may use their own car for testingWhat happens if someone passes, receives restrictions, or is deemed unsafeSupporting clients with alternative transport optionsThe time and cost breakdown of a full assessmentSpecialised training to become an OT driving assessorResources mentioned:Occupational Therapy Australia – A guide to driving assessmentsConnect with Coral Wilkinson: Instagram LinkedIn Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our parents.Your Aged...
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Hold on to independence with hand therapy
In this episode, Michelle speaks with hand therapist Sarah Holdman about how hand therapy supports older adults to maintain independence, manage chronic conditions, and recover from injury. Sarah explains the role of hand therapists, common age-related changes that affect hand function, and practical strategies for prevention and rehabilitation.Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how hand therapy can help with arthritis, fractures, nerve conditions, and everyday challenges like grip strength and fine motor control. Sarah also shares advice for carers, discusses therapy adaptations for people with dementia, and outlines how to access services, including Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans and self-referral options.In this episode: What hand therapists do Common hand and wrist injuries in older adultsImpact of arthritis, osteoporosis, and reduced circulationHow falls contribute to hand injuriesTypical treatment plans for older adultsBalancing rehabilitation with pain managementImportance of education for patients and carersAdapting therapy for people with dementia or neurological conditionsEarly signs that someone may benefit from hand therapyPreventative therapy to maintain hand functionSimple exercises and habits to protect hand healthAccess to hand therapy without a referralEligibility for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans Connect with Sarah Holdman:LinkedInConnect with Coral Wilkinson: Instagram LinkedIn Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our parents.Your Aged Care Compass podcast brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our parents but also our vast professional experience in supporting other families to keep their loved ones at home. We'll help you makes sense of Australia’s aged care system and bring you topics related to ageing as well. Legal, financial, health, forward planning and more. Your Aged Care...
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Occupational therapy in rural Australia
In this episode, Coral sits down with occupational therapist Lani Davies to explore the realities of delivering OT services in regional and rural communities. From gravel driveways to being swooped by magpies while writing her notes, Lani shares the creative, flexible, and deeply human side of rural practice. If you’ve ever wondered how OTs navigate limited resources, long travel days, and community-led solutions, you’ll love this episode.Together, Coral and Lani explore the challenges and triumphs of supporting older Australians in regional and remote communities. You’ll hear stories of scooter trials using a neighbour’s equipment, enlisting another client to teach someone to use a lift, and the power of local knowledge in getting things done. This conversation offers practical insights and plenty of heart. Older people in rural areas should still receive the support, equipment, and modifications they need, even when resources are limited.In this episode: Lani’s journey from aspiring nurse to passionate OTThe logistics of supporting clients across Gympie and surrounding rural areasStrategies for efficient travel and client scheduling in remote locationsCreative scooter trials using a neighbour’s equipmentBarriers to accessing suppliers and therapists in rural townsThe importance of community connections in rural OT practiceA lift trial arranged between two clients in the same townThe impact of limited tradie availability on home modificationsNavigating provider requirements for multiple quotes in remote areasPhysical access to equipment matters for older rural residentsLani’s reflections on collaboration, resourcefulness, and rural resilienceConnect with Lani Davies and Forbes Care:LinkedIn Forbes Care Occupational Therapy website Connect with Coral Wilkinson: Instagram LinkedIn Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us...
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The role of the occupational therapist
When is the right time to engage an occupational therapist and what difference can they really make? In this episode, Coral sits down with Kelly Forbes from Forbes Care to explore the OT’s role in helping older people to live safely at home. From falls prevention to dementia support, Kelly shares real-world examples that highlight how small changes can have a big impact. A rail, a ramp, a touch lamp, or simply a different position in bed could improve someone’s independence at home.Kelly discusses funding pathways such as GEAT and CHSP to help access important services and support.What impressed us most? The way OTs assess not just the person, but the entire home, including who’s pushing the wheelchair, how transfers happen, and whether routines have been disrupted. It’s a holistic, practical approach that goes far beyond equipment. Occupational therapists see what you might not and guide you to options that will improve safety and security. In this episode: What occupational therapists do in community settingsHow OTs assess home safety after a fallCommon and uncommon home modifications (including ramps, rails, and sensor lights)High-risk zonesHow OTs support older people with dementiaThe role of assistive technology in falls prevention and independencePersonal alarm systems What a functional capacity assessment involvesWhy king single beds are standard under Home Care Package guidelinesThe GEAT programSupport at Home and the Restorative Care Pathway may enhance OT servicesConnect with Kelly Forbes and Forbes Care:LinkedIn Forbes Care Occupational Therapy website Connect with Coral Wilkinson: Instagram LinkedIn Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:See Me ACN websiteFacebook Instagram More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our parents.Your Aged Care Compass podcast brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our parents but also our vast professional...
Are you supporting an older loved one at home and ready to give up because it’s just too
hard? Your Aged Care Compass is aimed at anyone who is caring for an older loved one who still lives at home and is wondering what support is available to them.
We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.
Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years experience in both health and aged care. A
former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.
Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is now the client care manager for our business.
Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as
independent as possible and remain connected to their community. We reached a point
however, of needing extra support and we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well, we knew what programs could assist us and our parents.
This podcast, Your Aged Care Compass, brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our own ageing parents but also our vast professional experience in supporting other families to keep their loved ones at home.
We'll help you makes sense of Australia’s aged care system, from your first contact with
My Aged Care through to the different funding streams and assessment workforces,
management options for home care packages and extra funding that people might be
eligible for.
There's so much more. Topics relating to dementia and legal and financial considerations
will be covered, as well as real-life stories of where it went wrong for people and how we
guided them to get it right.
Your Aged Care Compass will guide you clearly and compassionately to the right support at the right time for your ageing parents and loved ones.
Australia