VillageLocal - a community of learning and support
What happens when a biomedical engineer with a heart for community care stumbles into the aged care sector? In this episode, Coral sits down with Jim Moraitis, founder and CEO of VillageLocal, to explore how one neighbourly act sparked a national movement. From helping his elderly neighbour Lillian navigate the aged care maze to building a platform that now supports over 40,000 Australians, Jim shares the deeply personal story behind Village Local’s mission, and why it matters now more than ever. As Support at Home rolls out across Australia, families and providers alike are grappling with uncertainty, complexity, and change. Jim and Coral dive into the real-world implications of the reform, the growing tension between consumers and providers, and the urgent need for clear, compassionate communication. They discuss what’s working, what’s worrying, and how peer-led communities are becoming a lifeline for those falling through the cracks. With warmth, honesty, and practical insight, Coral and Jim reflect on the emotional toll of advocacy, the power of lived experience, and the importance of looking after ourselves while we look after others.In this episode: How a neighbour named Lillian inspired a national movementAged care navigation is so complex and VillageLocal is making it simplerThe Silent Generation and the risks of social isolationWhat VillageLocal does and who it’s forThe three pillars of Village Local’s support: learning, coaching, and communityHow peer networks empower both new and experienced carersThe role of industry professionals in community forumsWhat’s causing the most confusion and fear under Support at HomeTransparency in pricing could be a game-changer for consumersThe importance of clinical insight in assessments and support plan reviewsHow families can advocate effectively using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT)What to do when a loved one’s condition changes and needs escalateThe emotional toll of being a navigator and how to stay resilientConnect with Jim Moraitis and VillageLocal:LinkedInVillageLocalConnect 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...
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Support at Home Q&A with Paul Sadler
In this special Q&A episode, Coral puts aged care leader Paul Sadler in the hot seat to answer the most pressing questions from providers, recipients, and sector professionals as the Support at Home program officially launches. With decades of experience influencing aged care policy and leading national organisations, Paul offers clarity, context, and practical insight into the reforms reshaping Australia’s home care landscape.From co-contributions and grandfathering rules to care management codes and end-of-life pathways, this episode dives into the challenges facing providers. Coral brings real-world questions from the community, and Paul responds with grounded advice, policy interpretation, and candid reflections on what’s working and what still needs fixing.It’s a rare chance to hear Paul and Coral share what rules they’d rewrite if given the chance. A thoughtful conversation that invites listeners to imagine a more responsive, compassionate aged care system.In this episode: Sector sentiment leading up to the November 1 Support at Home rolloutHow clients are responding to the transitionClarification of the “no worse off” principle and grandfathered protectionsImpact of rising service unit prices on care hours and package valueRisk of clients forfeiting packages due to unaffordable co-contributionsClinical care services exempt from co-contributionsProviders’ concerns about delays in hardship application processingClarification of codes for assistive technology and home modificationsCHSP’s continuing relevance and risks of disbanding itPositives in Support at Home: AT/HM stream, end-of-life pathway, better classification targetingHow to bill care management under the end-of-life pathwayCoral and Paul’s “magic wand” rule changes to improve outcomes for older peopleResources mentioned:Support at Home program manual for providers Connect with Paul Sadler: LinkedInPaul Sadler ConsultancyConnect 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...
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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...
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