Social Support & Community Engagement

Staying Connected to Community, Confidence & Joy

Arthur
Reconnecting with Community After Losing Confidence

As driving, crowded places, or new technology become harder to manage, many older adults slowly withdraw from the activities they once loved. But staying social and engaged is just as important as physical health. With the right support, your loved one can keep enjoying outings, appointments and everyday life—without feeling like a burden.

Meet Arthur:
 After giving up his licence, Arthur started cancelling medical appointments and skipping his weekly bowls games. Online bills and telehealth felt confusing, so he left letters unopened and avoided his computer. His daughter Lisa noticed he was spending more and more time alone at home.

Lisa reached out to Summit Health Solutions. Together, we organised regular Social Support visits: transport and companionship to his medical appointments and bowls club, plus patient, one-to-one help to join telehealth calls and pay bills online. Over time, Arthur regained confidence, reconnected with friends and felt in control again.

Find Out How Social Support Helped Arthur Reconnect
When to Arrange Social Support & Community Engagement

Social Support is ideal for older adults who want to stay living at home, but are at risk of becoming isolated, overwhelmed or unable to attend important appointments on their own.

Our Social Support and Community Engagement services align with the Aged Care Quality Standards and the Australian Government’s Support at Home program (which has replaced the previous Home Care Packages system), providing safe, respectful and tailored support.

Staying Connected with Friends, Family & Community
Staying Connected with Friends, Family & Community

Has your parent stopped going to clubs, church, or catching up with friends because it’s “too hard”?

We can provide:

  1. Transport and companionship to social activities and events

  2. Support while out and about, at a pace that suits them

  3. Encouragement to keep up with the people and routines that matter
Getting to Medical Appointments & Shopping Safely
Getting to Medical Appointments & Shopping Safely

Are medical appointments or shopping days getting missed or rushed?

Our workers can:

  1. Provide door-to-door transport and companionship to medical and health appointments

  2. Support with getting around the clinic or hospital

  3. Accompany your loved one on shopping trips and help organise purchases so they’re easier to manage at home

Activity costs such as parking, entry fees or purchases remain the client’s responsibility.

Everyday Outings and Community Access
Everyday Outings and Community Access

Is your loved one anxious about leaving home or navigating busy places?

We can:

  1. Accompany them to the bank, post office, pharmacy or local community centres

  2. Offer reassurance, conversation and practical support along the way

  3. Help make outings enjoyable, not overwhelming
Digital Support & Telehealth
Digital Support & Telehealth

Is technology becoming a barrier instead of a help?

Our Social Support can include:

  1. Simple, patient support for digital learning

  2. Help to pay bills online or access key websites and portals

  3. Assistance getting ready for telehealth appointments, including logging in, checking sound and video, and staying nearby if reassurance is needed

We work at your loved one’s pace—no jargon, no pressure.

Social Support and the Support at Home Program

If your loved one has been approved for the Australian Government’s Support at Home program, Social Support and community access can often be built into their individual Support at Home budget. This program is designed to make it easier to combine services like transport, personal care and allied health into one coordinated plan.

Through Support at Home, funding may be available for:

Transport and companionship to medical appointments
Accompanied shopping trips and errands
Support to attend social, cultural or community activities
Basic digital support related to health and independence (for example, paying bills online or accessing telehealth)
Under the new funding model, your loved one receives a budget matched to their assessed needs. The government contribution covers much of the cost of approved services, and depending on income and circumstances, there may be co-payments for some day-to-day non-clinical supports like transport, shopping and social support.
Why Families and Care Managers Choose
Summit Health Solutions
Streamlined Processes
Streamlined Processes
We reduce wait times while providing thorough, effective assessments, so you get the support you need sooner.
Compliance with Regulations
Compliance with Regulations
Our person-centred reports meet government funding requirements, making Home Care Package access seamless.
Tailored Solutions for Comfort and Safety
Tailored Solutions for Comfort and Safety
We design home modifications and recommendations that enhance safety, accessibility, and peace of mind.
Commitment to Independence and Dignity
Commitment to Independence and Dignity
We empower clients to live confidently at home while maintaining their independence and dignity.
Accessible Telehealth Services
Accessible Telehealth Services
Our telehealth options support clients in rural and remote areas with timely assessments and expert guidance.
Peace of Mind for Families
Peace of Mind for Families
Every solution is tailored to individual needs, providing reassurance and support for families.

If you’re a care manager looking to refer a client or need more information, click here to visit our Care Manager Referral Page. If you're a family member wanting to explore services for your loved one, you can check out our guide to accessing support.

Visit Our Care Manager Page
Identifying Your Parent’s Social Support Needs
Social withdrawal can be gradual and easy to miss. You might notice cancelled plans, unopened mail, or hesitation around anything involving technology or leaving home. To work out whether your loved one might benefit from Social Support and Community Engagement, start by noticing what’s changed.
Quick Steps You Can Take Today:
I’m going to notice whether my parent is avoiding showers, baths, or changing clothes.
I’m going to look for signs of slips, near-falls, or difficulties getting on and off the toilet or in and out of bed.
I’m going to check for changes in grooming—unbrushed hair, unshaven face, or poor oral hygiene.
I’m going to speak with a professional and arrange a Personal Care visit to discuss what kind of support would help my loved one feel safe and comfortable.
Stop Isolation Early – Get Your 4-Week Loneliness-to-Laughter Social Calendar
When outings stop and phone calls slow down, loneliness creeps in fast. Our 4-Week Social Calendar gives you a simple, realistic plan to rebuild connection at home and in the community – one small action a day.
Has your loved one gone from “out and about” to barely leaving the house?
Are you the only person they really see or talk to each week?
Do you worry isolation is affecting their mood, confidence or memory?
Community Stories & Resources

Read real stories from our community and explore helpful resources. From personal experiences to expert insights, find content that informs, inspires, and supports better care.

"Mum used to say her legs felt too weak to get out of bed in the morning. She’d sit there for ages, nervous about standing up. Since starting physio, she’s moving so much better and doesn’t think twice about getting up."
Mina, Daughter of a Client
"After Dad’s hip surgery, he barely left his chair. He kept saying he didn’t trust his legs anymore. Physio helped him get stronger, and now he’s back to his morning walks. It’s such a relief to see him up and about again."
Mark, Son of a Client
"We didn’t realise how much strength Dad had lost over time. Even simple things, like standing up from his chair, had become a struggle. A few weeks of physio made a huge difference—he’s steadier on his feet and doesn’t need as much help."
Faye, Daughter of a Client
"Mum started avoiding the shops because she felt stiff and slow. She didn’t want to hold people up. After some physio sessions and a few easy exercises at home, she’s back to doing her own errands. She’s so much happier now."
Sammy, Son of a Client
"Grandpa used to joke that he was ‘too old’ to get stronger. But after a few weeks of physio, he’s walking with more confidence and even talking about getting back into gardening. It’s amazing to see the change in him."
Cathy, Granddaughter of a Client
From Unsteady to Independent: How Physio Rebuilt My Mum’s Confidence
From Unsteady to Independent: How Physio Rebuilt My Mum’s Confidence
Read this blog
Big Changes Are Coming to Home Care Funding in Australia
Big Changes Are Coming to Home Care Funding in Australia
Read this blog
Find the best care option for your needs
For Families For Care Managers
A single point of coordination for in-home support and allied health services
Care Providers - Let's work together

Speak with our Care Team

1300 315 315