Helping older people to live healthier for longer at home, connected to community

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Last updated 2 October 2026
General Practice Allied health Community health Older persons health
Helping older people to live healthier for longer at home, connected to community

Closer connections to community and to the right services can help people to keep living well at home as they age into the older years of life. On the International Day of Older Persons, we look at how health professionals can help patients age well, and the local programs that can support their patients to live healthier for longer at home and in their communities. 

The United Nations International Day of Older Persons is marked each year on 1 October. The 2026 theme, The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives, asks health and social systems to adapt so that longer lives are also healthier, more secure and lived with dignity. 

In Queensland, 1 October also marks the start of Queensland Seniors Month. Coordinated by COTA Queensland on behalf of the Queensland Government, the month focuses on older Queenslanders being connected to their communities, receiving care and support when they need it, and being recognised as valued community members. 

For many older people, living well means staying in their own home and community for as long as possible. Primary healthcare professionals perform a central part in making that possible. A regular appointment with a GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or allied health professional is often where early signs of risk are first noticed, such as a recent fall, changes in memory, growing isolation or a carer under strain. 

Healthy Ageing Hubs bring health information and support into familiar community settings 

Brisbane South PHN commissions Healthy Ageing Hubs with local community organisations. The hubs help older people, their families and carers to manage their own health and wellbeing, and create local links to primary health care. 

Each hub offers health information and support in a culturally safe, familiar setting. Participants are helped to find and use existing local services and reliable aged care information, alongside the social connection that comes from meeting regularly with others. 

Hubs are currently run by: 

  • Amputees and Families Support Group QLD Inc 

  • Gunya Meta 

  • Inala Wangarra 

  • Kingston East Neighbourhood Group 

  • Village Connect. 

At the Kingston East Neighbourhood Group hub in Slacks Creek, for example, older people in Logan can join free group presentations, get one-on-one support and access tailored resources to help them navigate health and aged care services and stay active and connected. 

In August, the ABC reported on the Healthy Ageing Hub run by Amputees Queensland in Logan Central.  

To connect patients with a hub: contact the hub organisation directly, or email Brisbane South PHN’s Older Person’s Programs team at [email protected] for details of the hub closest to your patient. 

Help connect older patients to the primary health care services that help them live well for longer at home 

Support at Home helps older people receive care in their own home 

Since 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program has replaced Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care. It started alongside the new rights-based Aged Care Act, and includes an End-of-Life pathway for people with 3 months or less to live who wish to stay at home. 

Our earlier article, Supporting older people to access the new Support at Home program, sets out guidance and training for GPs and primary care professionals. Patients, families and carers can check eligibility and arrange an assessment through My Aged Care or by phoning 1800 200 422. 

Everyday prevention supports healthy ageing 

Routine consultations are a chance to talk with older patients about the things that help them stay independent. Important conversations to have include: 

  • Falls prevention: Queensland Stay On Your Feet has evidence-based resources for health professionals and patients on staying active, safe and steady on their feet. 

When greater support is needed, Care finders help vulnerable older people navigate aged care options 

Some older patients need more than information to access aged care. The free care finder program supports vulnerable older people who have no carer or support person to help them. 

Care finders can arrange and attend aged care assessments, shortlist local providers, help complete forms and connect people with other community supports, such as housing and mental health services. 

Patients may be eligible if they are: 

  • aged 65 years or older, or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

  • eligible for government-funded aged care 

  • in need of help with daily tasks 

  • without a support person who can help them. 

To refer a patient, complete the care finder referral form or contact a care finder organisation directly.  

Further information to help your older patients live healthier for longer, stay connected and remain supported at home: 

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