Navigating Aged Care Pathways at the SALT Expo in Ballina
On Saturday, 26 July 2025, the Sistability team joined the SALT Expo in Ballina at the Richmond Room of the Ballina Ex‑Services Club. Jenn, our Aged Care Manager, and Nic, our Services Manager, welcomed over 120 local residents—many of whom were part of Ballina’s ageing community—to explore their aged care options.
Friendly Smiles from Jenn and Nic
Jenn and Nic were impressed by the turnout and the genuine interest people showed in planning ahead. Jenn commented on how encouraging it was to see so many families taking proactive steps, while Nic enjoyed hearing about individual experiences and concerns. Their shared goal was simple: make the first steps of the aged care journey straightforward and accessible.
Informative Presentations
Throughout the afternoon, attendees heard from a range of guest speakers who covered topics such as:
ACAT Assessments – what they involve and how to prepare
Funding Pathways – an overview of Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme
Choosing a Provider – questions to ask and factors to consider
Feedback was clear: the presenters stripped back the jargon and focused on practical advice, which helped people feel more confident about what comes next.
Answering Your Questions
Sistability’s stand served as a drop‑in advice centre. People stopped by to ask questions like “How do I start the ACAT process?” and “What documents do I need?” Jenn and Nic guided them through each step: gathering medical histories, understanding eligibility criteria and submitting applications. By the end of each conversation, visitors had a clear list of next actions, whether that was booking an assessment or contacting a service provider for a tailored support plan.
Distributing Practical Resources
Jenn and Nic made sure every visitor left with our Care Compass program flyers—clear guides on how to get started, what to expect at each step, and the support available if you’re feeling unsure about your current Home Care Package provider. Many attendees admitted they’d been thinking about switching because their existing provider wasn’t quite meeting their needs, so they were relieved to learn that with Sistability you can change providers or choose a new one at any stage of your package journey. Whether you’re just beginning, midway through your funding, or ready for a fresh start, our team is here to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Looking Ahead
Thank you to everyone who joined us on 26 July, to the SALT Directory team for organising a seamless event, and to all the speakers who shared their expertise. We look forward to seeing you at future expos and community workshops, where we’ll continue to answer your questions and help you take confident steps along the aged care pathway.
