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Social Work Services: Elder Care and Support
Growing old is a privilege of life. But as people age, they may find it harder to live independently because of health issues, less confidence, poor mental health, or general weakness. Everyday tasks become more difficult due to pain and frailty, and family members are often busy with their own lives and may not be able to help enough.
Older people often do not ask for help because they want to stay independent, don't want to burden others, or worry about being placed into care. This is a common worry in our communities.
Thoughtful Connections offers help through practical assistance, emotional support and counselling. We can help you to adjust to change, loss, grief and bereavement. We can also help you to connect with My Aged Care for home help or, if staying at home is not possible, to moving into residential care.
Referrals can be made by elders themselves or their decision-makers, case managers, guardians, or enduring power of attorneys. Social Work services can be funded privately or through programs like Medicare, My Aged Care, DVA, or private health funds.
We can assist with:
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Accommodation and tenancy issues
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Adjustment counselling for life transitions
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Assessments and referrals to home service providers through My Aged Care
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Building interpersonal skills and enhancing relationships
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Developing strength and resilience after ill health or change
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Coordinating hospital admission or discharge
- Financial stress
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Navigating systems like My Aged Care, Department of Housing, Centrelink / Services Australia, QCAT for obtaining guardianship or administration orders
- Organising meetings or mediation with family, neighbours, or formal agencies
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Problem-solving and knowledge up-skilling
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Providing advocacy and support if a person feels powerless or overwhelmed
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Providing appropriate mental and emotional health support or referrals
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Reducing social isolation and promoting community connection
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Relationship counselling with family members or intimate partners
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Planning for future care, including help with creating a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA), Advance Health Directive (AHD), or Statement of Choices (SOC)
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Supporting retirement, transition into permanent residential care or respite care
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Therapeutic counselling, adjustment to change, loss, grief and bereavement
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We can also help if you have concerns about elderly people not getting proper care - this includes assessing risks and arranging safe community support.
Please contact us for assistance or more information on any of the above topics.
