aged care conversations

Real people,
real talk

Moving a loved one into residential aged care can sometimes feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes hearing from others who have been through it can help.

That’s why we created Cuppa Q&A’s. A series of short videos (below) where we meet families of our residents who share their experiences and emotions moving their loved ones into care.

Cuppa Q&A’s is hosted by Megan and Jason van Genderen from Oma's Applesauce who cared for their beloved Oma before choosing an Opal HealthCare Care Community.

Everyone's experience is different, but their concerns and fears are often alike. We hope by sharing these aged care conversations, you find some comfort and clarity as you make your own decisions.

Remember you’re not alone. We’re here to help.

New episodes are released each fortnight. Listen to the full conversation on our podcast.

If you have more questions, our team can help walk you through the steps into aged care and discuss your loved one’s needs.

Call 1300 183 945

Chat with one of our team

Watch Cuppa Q&A's Season 2

Relationship Reset
EP1

The Relationship Reset

Moving a partner into care can be unsettling, filled with a whirlwind of emotions as you adjust to this next stage of life. Margaret knows this all too well. After years of caring for her husband Ron, who lives with dementia, making the decision to m...

Companionship in care
EP2

The Love Story

Married at 18 and living through the trials of wartime, John and Daphne have shared a remarkable journey of love. In this episode, Vicki tells us about her parents’ transition into care together after living in their family home for 76 years - and ho...

Proactive family
EP3

The Proactive Family

Moving a loved one into care comes with its share of uncertainties and tasks. From taking care of finances to timing the sale of the house, the to-do-list can seem endless. In this episode, we sit down with Lynelle to hear why a proactive approach to...

Reclaiming Independence
EP4

Reclaiming Independence

Pat has always been an independent woman. But when a traumatic fall impacted her ability to care for herself, Pat and her daughter Chris had to face the reality that Pat needed residential care. In this episode, Chris recounts her mum’s resilience, h...

Embracing New Beginnings
EP5

Embracing New Beginnings

You’ve heard negative stories about aged care and you have no idea what to expect. Mike and Kris grappled with negative preconceptions when it was time to move Mike’s mum, Mary, into care. In this episode, they describe Mary’s profound transformation...

Watch Cuppa Q&A's season 1

  • To watch the trailer, click here.

  • Are you supporting a loved one who is complex in nature? If so, you may be wondering how they would cope living with other people. In fact, you may be wondering whether residential care would work for them at all. Our first guest, Jan, grappled with these questions and concerns. Join us as she talks about her experience moving her mum into a Care Community. To watch the episode, click here

  • Carer's guilt- it's all too common. The decision to move your loved one into residential aged care is full of conflicting emotions. As a caregiver, you may have feelings of guilt and perhaps you’re thinking you haven’t done enough. To add insult to injury, you might even feel criticised for your decision. How do you overcome those feelings of guilt? Catherine shares her experience with us. To watch the episode, click here.

  • ‘Having the talk’ can be difficult. The move into residential aged care is a big transition, full of emotions and uncertainties. So how do you approach the subject of permanent care with your loved one? And as you have the conversation, how can you ease their anxiety and concerns? Today’s guest Kristie tells us how she approached ‘the talk’ with her mum. To watch the episode, click here.

  • We've spoken about moving parents into residential aged care, but what happens when it’s your partner? The thought of separation can be difficult and you’ll likely be concerned about how your partner will cope without you. Fortunately, support is available to you and your partner as you adjust to your new way of life. In today’s episode, our guest Susan provides insight from ‘the partner’s perspective'. To watch the episode, click here

  • Being a caregiver is a full time job. It can be particularly complex when you’re caring for an ageing parent. Now you’re making their decisions, you’re telling them what and when they need to do things, and suddenly the roles have reversed and you’re the parent. This change in family dynamics can come with a mix of emotions, something our guest, Julie, is familiar with. She shares her story with us. To watch the episode, click here.

  • What happens when your loved one’s health declines suddenly? When David’s mum lost her ability to walk overnight, he unexpectedly had to begin the process of looking for residential aged care. Like many other families, he had no idea where to start. David walks us through his experience. To watch the episode, click here.

  • You don’t need to do this alone. Many families believe the responsibility of their loved one’s care is theirs and theirs alone. For Jason, the idea of moving his mum, Oma, into residential aged care meant he had failed her. But as Oma’s dementia progressed, Jason and his wife Megan realised that residential care was the safest and most appropriate place for her to be. Jason and Megan tell us why accepting help can make a positive difference. To watch the episode, click here.

  • As featured in our Cuppa Q&A's series, Megan and Evie show us how to make a delicious Persian Love Cake. To watch the episode, click here

Is there a topic you'd like discussed?

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