Whether it's joining a local group for a cuppa and a chat or having a friendly visitor drop by at home, St Vincent's helps the person you love by making sure they regularly have someone by their side.
Social support as a service of in-home care is about connection. It helps older people keep up relationships, take part in community life, and feel like they belong. You can get support in two main ways:
It's hard when we can't give the people we love the time they deserve. But St Vincent's social support exists to help share that load with loving carers.
For the St Vincent's team, social support is not just about having a cuppa (as important as that is).
St Vincent's qualified staff keeps an eye out to make sure the person you love is getting all the care and support they need.
Ongoing home monitoring and care assessments that keep you worrying less about injuries through trips and falls
Additional clinical expertise through the reach of our St Vincent's hospital network
Consistent & qualified care with a history of care and support over 165 years
St Vincent's is able to offer competitive pricing for hospital & aged care backed clinical expertise because of our not-for-profit mission.
For over 160 years, St Vincent's has been supporting the most vulnerable in our community.
If you're unsure about being able to afford home care services, get in touch and see how we can help you.
A: Paying for in-home care can often feel confusing due to multiple funding options, eligibility criteria, and wait times.
To simplify things, we've outlined the three main options below, along with clear advantages, average wait times, and steps to access each one.
When it comes to paying for social support, there are three main options:
Advantages:
Average Wait Time:
Steps to access care privately
Home Care Packages are government-funded programs providing financial support to older Australians who need ongoing care at home.
Advantages
Average Wait Time
Steps to access a Home Care Package
CHSP offers entry-level support services for older Australians with minimal care needs.
Advantages
Average Wait Time
Steps to access CHSP services
For personalised assistance or further guidance, please contact our team directly on 1800 778 767.
Live alone or feel isolated
Have lost social connections due to illness, grief or mobility issues
Want to meet new people in a safe, welcoming environment
We also support family carers by giving them a break and peace of mind.
You're juggling a lot. Letting someone else spend time with your loved one gives you space to rest, recharge, and return with more energy.
A: Loneliness isn’t just a feeling—it affects your health. Older adults who stay socially connected:
Have better physical and mental health
Recover faster from illness
Experience less depression and anxiety
Are more likely to stay independent
Social support is more than a nice-to-have. It's a vital part of ageing well.
For carers, social support offers a breather. It creates opportunities for a chance to, even briefly, recharge and recover. This balance can make the difference between burning out and carrying on.
A: Here are just a few of the things you might do with social support:
Join a weekly seniors' lunch group at the local community centre
Get transport and company for medical appointments or errands
Visit local gardens, museums, or libraries with a companion
Attend a gentle movement or yoga class with other older adults
Enjoy board games, puzzles, or knitting in a group setting
Learn new skills like phone photography or basic tech tips
Be part of book clubs, choirs, or local history groups
Receive help writing emails or reading letters from family
Get assistance with online grocery shopping or forms
Go to cultural festivals, movie matinees or markets
