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.

As we welcome March, we’d like to take a moment to thank our wonderful community for their generosity and support. Your kindness continues to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Recognising the early signs of a stroke or heart attack is crucial for prompt medical intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes and save lives. Understanding these symptoms empowers individuals to act swiftly, ensuring timely medical care.

As we step into the new year, we’d like to reflect on the incredible generosity of our local community and share some exciting updates for the year ahead.

Thanks to the dedication of Thomas Hogben, an honorary member of the Mannum Lions Club, and his family, important strides are being made to ensure our community has access to life-saving defibrillators. Their tireless fundraising efforts are a testament to their commitment to making Mannum a safer place.

As the days grow longer and temperatures start to rise, we're getting ready for another hot and dry Australian summer. With that in mind, we want to remind everyone to prepare for heat waves, watch out for reptilian visitors who tend to be more active in warmer months and stay vigilant against dehydration.

At Mid Murray Support Service, we're continually grateful for the support from the local community. In August, we assisted 355 clients with an incredible 2,107 hours of direct care. The dedication of our staff and volunteers made these essential services, ranging from domestic assistance and personal care to home maintenance, transport, and social support, possible.

As the weather starts to treat us with little snippets of Spring, we at Mid Murray Support Service have been busier than ever! We'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful community for your patience and understanding regarding the carpark changes. With construction next door, our carpark has been significantly impacted, but thanks to the care everyone has taken, it remains safe for all. Though it's still a work in progress, your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

We are thrilled to share some beautiful Mid Murray Support Service (MMSS) updates this month. Thanks to the generous support and active participation of individuals like you, our community continues to grow and thrive.

Mid Murray Support Service has many updates, exciting events, and opportunities to share with you this month. We hope you find these updates beneficial and join us in making our community even more vibrant and supportive.

Mid Murray Support Service recently hosted a charming Pretty Pink High Tea in honour of Mother's Day, creating a day filled with love and community spirit. Many attendees embraced the theme with elegant attire, and staff members enjoyed a delicious smorgasbord lunch in the kitchenette. A particular highlight was an insightful presentation on breast care by Annie from The McGrath Foundation, who covered self-awareness, screening, and seeking support. The event was a tremendous success, thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to making the day memorable.

April has been a bustling month at Mid Murray Support Service (MMSS), where our dedicated team has been actively providing care and support throughout the community. It's been a month filled with warmth, connection, and gratitude, from our vibrant social activities at The HUB to our essential community care initiatives.

We can't believe it is April already at Mid Murray Support Service! We have been busy bees and are excited about all that 2024 has brought.

As we bid farewell to February, it's time to reflect on the exciting happenings at Mid Murray Support Service (MMSS) and look forward to what March has in store.