Mrs Gow's mother, Thelma Bailey, moved to UnitingCare's Garden Suburb aged care facility in early 2013 after she wound up in hospital after a bad fall.

She was there for a year until she died in March - three weeks off her 101st birthday.

During her mother's time in the nursing home, Mrs Gow struggled with day-to-day life.

That was until she turned to the Family Friendship Support Group.

Formed in November 2012, the group provides an open, relaxed environment for aged care residents' families to share stories and forge friendships.

Mrs Gow said it was invaluable.

"A lot of people who have had their loved ones in here for a while know how to help you through it," she said.

"If you're a bit down, all you have to do is talk to one of them and you walk away feeling good."

Mrs Gow has stayed involved with the support group and become a volunteer at the nursing home once a week, helping to feed residents.

The support group and its contribution was celebrated last week when it received a coveted Better Practice award from the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency.

The award recognises innovation in nursing homes across the nation.