Welcome to the 18 November 2008 enewsletter
This week we look at the ways of enjoying our homes, and finding out more about services for those who wish to stay at home longer. An interesting fact. Some 12% of Americans aged over 65 are in retirement villages, while just 5% of similarly aged Australians choose this form of accommodation. Why? Perhaps just because we value our family homes long after the younger folk have left. Perhaps it’s because we like to have plenty of room if they wish to come back? Or maybe we really enjoy the mix of age groups and intergenerational aspects of our towns and suburbs. We’re not sure, but in the interests of supporting those caring for aged parents, or those less able to live independently, this week we have a full run-down on the State-based Home and Community Care programs (HACCs), as well as links to all these sites. In “pennies” Keith shares a warning about car repairs, and Madeline asks about concessions available to Centrelink recipients. We also consider the question of security for those who enjoy pursuing online work opportunities, and Drew has shared his wisdom on the need for multiple passwords to keep the scammers at bay, David blogs in favour of compost and Geoff has a timely message about those who preach damnation.
Once again Debbie has been to the movies – this time to check out the remake of Brideshead Revisited starring Emma Thompson, and Kaye shares her very favourite crime fiction writer. We also have a tribute to the charming Reg Varney who has hopped off the bus for the last time.
But best of all we love Peter’s Pop Scones – you can make them in minutes, and they taste better than those your mum made!

Happy homemaking
David & Kaye Fallick

Recommend a friend
Recommend a friend for your chance to win one of four copy's of My Family series 4 on DVD.

State Government concessions
Madeleine, an AboutSeniors subscriber, is keen to know what concessions she may be eligible for. Every little helps!.

Home help
Staying at home is important to many Australians as they get older, feeling comfortable and settled in their own home can help them ward off illness. Recognising this, the Home and Community Care (HACC) program is there to provide assistance.

Commonwealth Carelink Centres
Finding the right information you need to stay in your own home or get the care you need can be time consuming and confusing. Commonwealth Carelink Centres offer a one-stop shop for those who need a little extra help.

A timely reminder
Keith, an AboutSeniors subscriber serves a timely warning about getting second opinions before carrying out major repairs.

Less spam
Last Tuesday, in the US, the webhost McColo was shutdown. This came after a four month investigation by the Washington Post and resulted in the company’s internet service providers, Global Crossing and Hurricane Electric, flicking the switch.

If it sounds too good…
We all know the old saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. This saying stands true in most sections of life and is no exception to the following company about which we have received information from AboutSeniors subscriber, Nigel.

Security online
Are you secure online? Do you know which passwords people use most often and therefore make their online security more vulnerable?

Summer arts course
If you fancy exploring your artistic side this summer, why not think about taking a short course. The Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) has just released its Summer Short Course brochure.

Knowledge is power
We’re not sure just how much value this knowledge will add to your life but a little fun can be had with thesenot so useful facts.

Seek and ye shall find
AboutSeniors personal ads are a mix of people looking for love and friendship, old and interesting books and movies and even wanting to give things away!

Looking to challenge your mind? Our Sudoku and Crossword pages are updated daily!

Geoff on heaven and hell
David on the good earth

Christmas saving tips

Two for one with Club Med
Escape for a peace of mind vacation and the second person stays free at selected Club Med Resorts in Asia-Pacific, happiness is on the horizon.

Free breakfast
Book your bed at a participating Accor hotel in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji and get breakfast for free

Pop scones
Peter, an AboutSeniors subscriber, earns himself a copy of YOURLifeChoices Magazine for sharing with us his simple but tasty recipe for Lemonade Scones.

Speedy shearers
Kangaroo Island plays host to the speediest shearers from Australia and overseas as they compete in the richest shearing event in the Southern Hempisphere.

Hard times travel
Times are hard and travel is not high on the list of people’s priorities. But if you do manage a getaway break, make sure you get the best deal for your dollar

Chinless wonders
A smash when adapted as a television mini-series in the 1980s, Evelyn Waugh’s epic novel, Brideshead Revisited has hit the big screen, but does Hollywood do the story justice?

Who dunnit?
The enduring appeal of who dunnits is testament to the need most of us have for order in our lives. We start with a mystery – normally a body – and work our way back.

To be an ideal guest, stay at home.
- Edgar Watson Howe
Read more quotes here.