December is a special time in the Mid Murray region. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and many of us are making plans with family and friends.

But for older people and their carers, the festive season can also bring extra stress – from heat and travel, to changes in routine, or feeling a little more isolated than usual.

At Mid Murray Support Service (MMSS), we want you to know: you’re not alone. Our team is here to help you stay safe, supported and connected right through Christmas, New Year and into the year ahead.

As 2025 draws to a close, we’ve taken a moment to reflect on what has been a year of change, growth, and community connection at Mid Murray Support Service. From new programs to transitions behind the scenes, it’s been a big year, and we want to thank every care recipient, carer, volunteer, staff member, and community partner who has walked alongside us.

As the year begins to wind down, many of us start preparing for Christmas — a time often filled with family, friends, food, laughter… and sometimes a little bit of stress. Between gift planning, travel, events, and the general busyness of the season, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.

As 2025 draws to a close, Mid Murray Support Service is wrapping up another big year of care, connection, and community. October brought a number of transitions, celebrations and farewells, all while continuing to meet the increasing demand for in-home aged and disability care across our region.

We’re officially counting down to one of the biggest changes in aged care, the introduction of the Support at Home (SAH) Program.

Mid Murray Support Service has been a steady presence in the Mannum community for over 30 years, and while change is never easy, it often opens the door to something new. Over the past few months, the organisation has undergone some big shifts, including the upcoming closure of Scrooges Country Treasures and the winding down of our in-house kitchen at The HUB.

At Mid Murray Support Service (MMSS), our goal is to help you live safely, comfortably, and independently in your own home for as long as possible. Whether you’re an older person, living with disability, or supporting a loved one, there are simple strategies that can make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.

There’s something about September that brings a new energy to Mannum. The air’s a little warmer, gardens are starting to bloom, and here at Mid Murray Support Service, we’re feeling that fresh-season buzz too.

After many years of service to the community, Scrooges Op Shop, operated by Mid Murray Support Service Inc (MMSS), will soon be closing its doors. Scrooges has been more than just a secondhand store. It has been a place where volunteers gave their time, the community connected, and funds were reinvested back into local programs. 

When emergencies happen, every second counts. Whether it's a sudden fall, a medical episode, or a serious accident, an ambulance can mean the difference between life and death. But did you know that without ambulance cover, the cost of a call-out could run into hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars?

We’re rolling through Winter with warmth and connection here at Mid Murray Support Service!

As the chill of Winter settles in across the Mid Murray region, there’s nothing better than a hearty, home-cooked meal to warm you from the inside out. This month, we're sharing some of our favourite budget-friendly recipes that are perfect for Winter. Easy to make, filling, and kind to your wallet.

We’re rolling through Winter with warmth and connection here at Mid Murray Support Service!

As the chilly months settle in across the Mid Murray region, it’s important to stay warm, stay connected, and take a few extra precautions to support your health and wellbeing. Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but it can also present some challenges, particularly for older people and those with health conditions.

At Mid Murray Support Service, community connection is at the heart of everything we do—and the last few months have been a wonderful example of just that. Our little op shop with a big heart, Scrooges Country Treasures, is going from strength to strength. We’ve been absolutely blown away by the incredible quality of donations—thank you, Mannum and surrounds, for your continued generosity! Every item on our shelves helps fund local programs, services, and social events for older people and people living with disability right here in our region.

At Mid Murray Support Service, we’re committed to keeping you informed and supported through every change in the aged care sector. One of the biggest changes on the horizon is the transition to the new Support at Home program, set to begin 1 July 2025. This new model will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs, with Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services transitioning no earlier than 1 July 2027.

At Mid Murray Support Service, we’re all about connection, creativity, and community — and we’ve got an exciting calendar of events to prove it! Whether you're into art, outings, movement, or a good old-fashioned game of BINGO, there’s something for everyone.

As we age, our risk of falling increases — but that doesn’t mean a fall is inevitable. At Mid Murray Support Service (MMSS), we believe that with the right knowledge, environment, and support, most falls can be prevented.

At Mid Murray Support Service, we continue to be blown away by the kindness and generosity of our community. A big thank you to St. Martins Lutheran Church – Mannum, who have once again donated two more boxes of non-perishable food items to support those doing it tough. Every donation makes a real difference and helps us offer support to more people across the region.

As dementia progresses, families often find themselves mourning the gradual loss of their loved one’s memory, personality, and abilities. This unique form of grief can be overwhelming, as it doesn’t follow the typical grieving process. Instead, families may experience what is known as "anticipatory grief" or "ambiguous loss," which can leave them feeling uncertain and emotionally drained.