What happens when a biomedical engineer with a heart for community care stumbles into the aged care sector? In this episode, Coral sits down with Jim Moraitis, founder and CEO of VillageLocal, to explore how one neighbourly act sparked a national movement. From helping his elderly neighbour Lillian navigate the aged care maze to building a platform that now supports over 40,000 Australians, Jim shares the deeply personal story behind Village Local’s mission, and why it matters now more than ever.
As Support at Home rolls out across Australia, families and providers alike are grappling with uncertainty, complexity, and change. Jim and Coral dive into the real-world implications of the reform, the growing tension between consumers and providers, and the urgent need for clear, compassionate communication. They discuss what’s working, what’s worrying, and how peer-led communities are becoming a lifeline for those falling through the cracks.
With warmth, honesty, and practical insight, Coral and Jim reflect on the emotional toll of advocacy, the power of lived experience, and the importance of looking after ourselves while we look after others.
In this episode:
- How a neighbour named Lillian inspired a national movement
- Aged care navigation is so complex and VillageLocal is making it simpler
- The Silent Generation and the risks of social isolation
- What VillageLocal does and who it’s for
- The three pillars of Village Local’s support: learning, coaching, and community
- How peer networks empower both new and experienced carers
- The role of industry professionals in community forums
- What’s causing the most confusion and fear under Support at Home
- Transparency in pricing could be a game-changer for consumers
- The importance of clinical insight in assessments and support plan reviews
- How families can advocate effectively using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT)
- What to do when a loved one’s condition changes and needs escalate
- The emotional toll of being a navigator and how to stay resilient
Connect with Jim Moraitis and VillageLocal:
Connect with Coral Wilkinson:
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More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast:
Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.
We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.
Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.
Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business.
Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our parents.
Your Aged Care Compass podcast brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our parents but also our vast professional experience in supporting other families to keep their loved ones at home.
We'll help you makes sense of Australia’s aged care system and bring you topics related to ageing as well. Legal, financial, health, forward planning and more.
Your Aged Care Compass will guide you clearly and compassionately to the right support at the right time for your ageing parents and loved ones.
Like what you hear? Please leave us a rating and review. We’d love you to share this podcast with any friends or family who have older loved ones.
Mentioned in this episode:
Pharmacy Guild
