MOST people want to remain in their own home for as long as possible. But as we get older, looking after hedges and lawns becomes more difficult, and everyday tasks that once took minutes can become overwhelming. This is where Glasshouse Country Care is making a difference. Their home
maintenance team can provide a range of services to keep your yard accessible and your home safe, so you can continue to live independently.
A little help really can make a big difference. Trimming a hedge can mean someone can safely walk to their mailbox or clothesline.
Changing smoke alarm batteries can prevent a fall from a ladder.
Glasshouse Country
Care can also assist with home modifications such as ramps and handrails, changes that can improve confidence moving around the home, keeping daily tasks manageable. Ensuring that help is available when it’s needed is one of the most effective ways to maintain independence.
With the right support, people can remain active and safe in their own home for years longer.
$3bn for aged care in budget
New federal funding for more beds and services
THE Federal Government announced it will invest $3 billion to deliver more beds, more packages and better care for older Australians in the 2026 Budget.
The Government will build on changes to incentivise construction of beds for aged care residents and give providers the certainty they need to build and maintain quality residential accommodation and make Support at Home fairer and more affordable.
The Government will invest $1 billion to change the treatment of personal care services through the Support at Home program, making them free of charge alongside other clinical care.
The Government is also responding to the Independent Review of Residential Aged Care Accommodation Pricing, which provides a considered, evidencebased framework for a sustainable residential care sector that can deliver the accommodation older Australians deserve.
The Budget will respond to the Review’s findings with a package that will deliver an additional 5000 beds a year including:
- New targeted capital
subsidies for residential aged care, providing additional funding for supported residents for newly built or refurbished homes;
- An increase to the Accommodation Supplement and structural changes to introduce new tiers, and additional payment for homes with more than 60 per cent supported residents.
The Government will also invest over $200 million for 20 additional Specialist Dementia Care Program units and an expansion of the Hospital to Aged Care Dementia Support Program.
As part of this package, the Government will accelerate the release of and expand access to more Support at Home places, with further details to be released in the Budget.
Further aged care measures will be announced as part of the Budget.
Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, said when the Aged Care Act commenced, the Government promised it would “keep watching” how the reforms landed to make sure the system was strong and fair enough, to meet the moment.
“Showering, dressing, continence care – these aren’t optional extras,” he said.
“They’re the basics of ageing with dignity, and no older Australian should miss out because of cost.”
Senior Living
Shaping a new gem for over-50s living
By Living Gems Moreton Bay
SET against the relaxed coastal backdrop of Moreton Bay, a new chapter in over-50s living is steadily taking shape –one that blends lifestyle and community in equal measure. At Living Gems Moreton Bay, progress is visible at every turn. Construction is advancing across the community, with new homes and shared spaces continuing to come to life.
The momentum across the site reflects a broader demand for lifestyle communities that offer more than just a home. Buyers are increasingly looking for spaces that feel secure, social, and futurefocused – and Moreton Bay is delivering on all fronts.
“In Stage One, we’ve got a consistent pipeline of homes moving from slab to frame to lock up. When it comes to build momentum, we’re the industry leader,” said James Drever, Living Gems’ National Building Manager. “Our expertise is
collection of amenities – it’s where daily life naturally comes together. This central hub promises to be a space where residents can connect, unwind, and stay active.
Plans for the Country Club include a range of
of scale and intent, where layered detail and precision craftsmanship come together – driven by a team dedicated to excellence at every stage.” said James.
For many, part of the appeal lies in joining a community while it’s still evolving.
lifestyle benefits. Combined with a secure, gated environment and proximity to beaches, shopping, and essential services, it’s a compelling option for those ready to embrace their next chapter.
Architecturally designed homes are progressing on site, giving buyers the opportunity to secure modern, low-maintenance living in a location that continues to grow in appeal.
while meeting or exceeding project timelines. It gets our residents in their homes on schedule and ready to start enjoying their new lifestyle.”
The social heart of the resort is the Country Club. Designed to be the centrepiece of the community, the Country Club is more than just a
to spaces designed for entertaining, activities, and social gatherings. It’s a carefully designed environment, created to support both relaxed living and an active, engaged lifestyle.
“The Country Club is conceived as an architectural statement
feeling of community and being part of something from the very beginning.
And while the physical build continues, the lifestyle promise is already clear.
Living Gems Moreton Bay offers a land lease model with a simple fee structure—providing financial clarity alongside
Aged care trust gap revealed
THE Ageing in Australia Community Expectations Report 2026 showed Australians are more than twice as likely to trust aged care once they have direct experience of it, highlighting a major gap between perception and reality.
As construction progresses across the site, the opportunity to secure a place within this growing community is becoming increasingly limited— particularly for premiumposition homes.
With 40 years of experience, Living Gems is a leading developer in over-50s lifestyle communities across Queensland. As a land lease developer, downsizing to Living Gems Moreton Bay offers homeowners the opportunity to step into the next chapter with confidence and financial peace of mind, with no stamp duty and no deferred management fees.
Unlock equity and reward yourself with a hassle-free lifestyle – move in from mid-2026. Call 1800 953 002 or visit livinggems.com.au.
The report revealed that respondents with current or recent firsthand experience of aged care have high levels of trust and satisfaction, with 71 per cent of those who had personally used aged, and 63 per cent of those who cared for someone, were either very or somewhat satisfied with the care they received. This aligns with other evidence such as the Residents’ Experience Survey carried out independently of the sector each year which showed 88 per cent of residents would recommend their home to others.
The report also showed that just 21 per cent of Australians would turn to the government for information about aged care, while nearly three quarters would go directly to providers.
The findings also showed around half of Australians over 50 are considering downsizing, yet only 37 per cent believe the government is doing enough to help.
Mothers Day at Bolton Clarke
RESIDENTS, families, and staff recently came together at Bolton Clarke in Beerwah to celebrate Mother’s Day with a beautiful high tea filled with laughter, connection, and community spirit.
The event gave families a special opportunity to spend quality time together, meet other residents and loved ones, and create meaningful memories while celebrating the wonderful mothers and mother figures in our lives.
Guests enjoyed delicious treats, tea, music, and warm conversations in a welcoming and joyful
atmosphere.
It was a lovely reminder of how important community and connection are within aged care, with residents smiling alongside their families and staff throughout the afternoon.
The celebration brought everyone together to honour the love, strength, and care that mothers have shared across generations.
Staff at Bolton Clarke were proud to host such a heartfelt event and look forward to continuing to create special moments for residents and their families throughout the year.
THE RangeCare Family Fun Fair was a resounding success bringing together clients, families, neighbours, volunteers, and community partners for a vibrant day of connection and celebration.
Filled with laughter, shared experiences and
the event on Friday April 17, highlighted the strong sense of community that RangeCare continues to foster across the region.
The day was further enriched by the attendance of Mayor Rosanna Natoli, who joined in the festivities
Margaret Wallace with family.
Ellen Taylor and family. Shirley Forbes with family member.
