We understand that people feel comfortable in their own home, maintaining their independence. We offer a range of services across metropolitan Adelaide and beyond so you can stay at home doing the things you love.
In our retirement living units you’ll have more time to enjoy doing the things you love without the maintenance of looking after a big home and garden.
Our care homes offer a comfortable, safe and homelike environment with activities and care individually tailored to suit the needs and wants of our residents.
Aged Care is so important. Some people forget that. You don’t and neither do we. Join our team and be part of something bigger. Together we’re there to care and here for good.
We understand that people feel comfortable in their own home, maintaining their independence. We offer a range of services across metropolitan Adelaide and beyond so you can stay at home doing the things you love.
In our retirement living units you’ll have more time to enjoy doing the things you love without the maintenance of looking after a big home and garden.
Our care homes offer a comfortable, safe and homelike environment with activities and care individually tailored to suit the needs and wants of our residents.
Aged Care is so important. Some people forget that. You don’t and neither do we. Join our team and be part of something bigger. Together we’re there to care and here for good.
We understand that people feel comfortable in their own home, maintaining their independence. We offer a range of services across metropolitan Adelaide and beyond so you can stay at home doing the things you love.
In our retirement living units you’ll have more time to enjoy doing the things you love without the maintenance of looking after a big home and garden.
Our care homes offer a comfortable, safe and homelike environment with activities and care individually tailored to suit the needs and wants of our residents.
Aged Care is so important. Some people forget that. You don’t and neither do we. Join our team and be part of something bigger. Together we’re there to care and here for good.
Home/Helping Hand Carinya hosts TAFE SA’s first rural oral health clinic
Helping Hand continues to strengthen its valued partnership with TAFE SA through our ongoing Student Placement Program. In 2025, we expanded opportunities for students studying the Advanced Diploma of Oral Health, with eight oral hygiene clinics planned across our residential care homes throughout October, November and December.
This year marked an exciting milestone: our first regional oral hygiene clinic was held at Helping Hand Carinya in Clare. For rural communities where access to dental care can be limited, the free pop-up clinic provided much-welcomed support to residents living at Carinya.
These placement experiences are mutually rewarding. Students build confidence working in residential aged care settings, gaining firsthand insight into how facilities operate and the unique challenges faced by residents and staff. For aged care residents, oral health can be a particular concern, especially when transport options are limited and local dental clinics are not easily accessible for those with complex mobility needs.
By bringing services directly to aged care homes, TAFE SA students help bridge this gap by conducting oral health checks, supporting daily hygiene routines and recommending referrals where needed.
Three dedicated students, Jordan, Kayla and Shankar, joined their lecturer, Dr Harry Perkins, for an early-morning drive from Adelaide to Clare. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by Helping Hand’s Learning Pathways team and introduced to the Carinya staff before beginning their clinic.
Reflecting on the day, the students shared their thoughts:
“I don’t know why I was so nervous — it was just what we do, but in a new setting.”
“I’d feel more confident doing this again. Why don’t more dentists come into residential aged care centres?”
“Driving through the country was beautiful — it’s nice to see a new part of South Australia while studying.”
In true country hospitality, the Carinya team made sure the visitors were well looked after, providing a delicious lunch before their return journey.
A big thank you to everyone involved in making this placement possible. We’re excited to continue this important initiative in 2026, expanding to other regional Helping Hand homes in Jamestown, Port Pirie and Whyalla, supporting students in their learning journey while improving access to oral health care for older South Australians.
The Spring-Summer 2025 edition of At Home with Helping Hand is here, celebrating the spirit of teamwork, compassion and community that shines through in every part of our organisation. From regional volunteers and dedicated staff to residents and families who inspire us every day, this issue is filled with stories that remind us what’s possible when people come together with purpose and kindness.
The cover story, Teamwork makes the dream work, takes us to Jamestown, where the Belalie Lodge Auxiliary has spent nearly fifty years raising funds to make life better for residents at Belalie Lodge. Their efforts, from new equipment to community events, show how teamwork and local pride can have a lasting impact.
Across the pages, you will find personal stories that celebrate courage and connection. Home Care client John shares how joining a walking group helped him rediscover his confidence and social connection. Dimitra’s story, Now I know… highlights how short-term respite care at Lightsview supported her recovery and restored her independence. And in Two worlds. One true love. Janet and Lyall reflect on a love that began with a letter during the Vietnam War and continues to this day.
This edition also shines a light on the people who make Helping Hand what it is. Senior Care Worker Francie shares her passion for providing genuine, person-centred care, while Nurse Practitioner Lima reflects on how her mother’s example shaped her career in nursing and palliative care.
From gentle exercise with Chair Yoga to new Wellbeing Centres in Golden Grove and Parafield Gardens, there’s inspiration for everyone to stay active and connected.
You can read the full magazine and explore previous editions by clicking here.
If you have a story to share for a future issue, we’d love to hear from you at [email protected]
Home/There to Care Awards – third quarter award recipients announced
The latest There To Care Awards recipients have been announced! The awards, which focus on celebrating our values of excellence, respect, compassion and community, help us to celebrate the amazing work our people do every day.
Kaye, Customer Service Officer
Helping Hand recognises Customer Service Officer, Kaye for consistently demonstrating
unwavering dedication to the needs of residents at Copperhouse Court in Whyalla.
Kaye joined Helping Hand almost three years ago, bringing with her a wealth of administrative experience from various industries. However, transitioning to aged care was truly a career highlight, inspired by her late grandparents.
Helping Hand honours Lifestyle Coordinator Rob for his dedicated mentorship of new staff,
his passion for enhancing residents’ lives, and his constant display of thoughtfulness and
generosity.
While the weekly bacon and eggs breakfast certainly brings smiles, Rob truly makes everyday fun and entertaining thanks to his background in the arts, performing, and running a clown business many years ago.
Upholding the values of Helping Hand every day, dedicated and compassionate Care Worker, Adriana, is recognised in the There to Care Awards for providing excellence in care.
Since joining Helping Hand 18 months ago, Adriana has poured her heart into the role which she says goes far beyond just caring for residents’ daily needs. It’s also the empathy and emotional support she provides and beautiful connections she builds that gives her job purpose.
The There to Care Awards honours Helping Hand Care Worker, Brenda, who demonstrates compassion in her daily work.
After years dedicated to raising children and working as a cook for a local footy club, Brenda finally focussed on pursuing a long-held passion that began in her teens – care work. In doing so, she has found her true calling.
Helping Hand congratulates Care Worker Jyoti for her genuine care, true kindness and the
constant comfort she displays in her role.
Jyoti joined Helping Hand four years ago, having moved from India in 2018. She has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to the organisation; first serving as a Hotel Services Assistant for almost three years, and now works as a Care Worker at Golden Grove and a Chef at Lightsview.
Helping Hand recognises Care Services Manager Cathy for her commitment and ability to lead by example every day.
As a Care Services Manager, Cathy oversees the day-to-day activities and quality of Copperhouse Court in Whyalla, as well as combining those key duties with her skills as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) and Registered Nurse (RN).
For the second time this year, Care Worker Bishal has been recognised in the There to Care Quarterly Awards, this time for his efficiency, compassion and gentle demeanour making residents, and their families, feel valued and respected.
This nomination was put forward by a resident’s family member, who has witnessed firsthand Bishal’s commitment to his work.
As a hardworking Enrolled Nurse who consistently puts residents’ needs first, Simardeep is recognised for her dedication to her role in the There to Care Awards.
Growing up in India, Simardeep held onto a childhood dream to be a nurse, however ended up studying accounting. When she moved to Australia in 2019, she was able to chase her ambition and is now proudly living her dream career, here at Helping Hand.
From 2020 to 2025, we achieved a great deal together. We’ve expanded our reach, strengthened our services, and made a real difference in the lives of many older South Australians.
These achievements have created a strong foundation for the next stage of our journey.
Our new Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030 builds on that foundation. It’s about taking what we’ve learned, building on our strengths, and setting our sights higher – moving from compliance to excellence, setting new benchmarks in aged care, and bringing our unique combination of local understanding and compassionate service to more people and communities.
At the heart of the plan is our mission: to create communities and experiences to enable older people to live their best lives.
We believe that later life should be rich with connection, purpose and joy. We want every person we support to have the opportunity to do the things that matter to them, to stay connected, active and valued. That’s the kind of aged care that changes lives, and it’s the standard we are setting for ourselves.
To give you a clearer picture of where we’re heading, we’ve created a short video introducing the Strategic Plan, which you can watch here.
Everyone at Helping Hand has an important role to play in our vision to be the most trusted and exceptional partner in aged care and wellbeing services in South Australia. Together, we’re building a thriving, diverse organisation that enables more people to access the care and support they need, and to live their lives to the fullest.
We’re excited about what lies ahead. This plan marks the beginning of our next five years, and it’s only the start.
When good people come together, amazing things happen.
On 7 August, we proudly join organisations across the country in celebrating Aged Care Employee Day – a special opportunity to recognise the people who make aged care possible every single day.
At Helping Hand, our staff are the heart of everything we do. From nurses and carers to cooks, cleaners, lifestyle coordinators, allied health professionals, administration teams, gardeners and maintenance crews – aged care is a diverse and dynamic sector that relies on many skilled and compassionate individuals. Together, they bring our values of Respect, Excellence, Community and Compassion to life, creating homes and services where older South Australians are supported with dignity, kindness and care.
Aged Care Employee Day reminds us that aged care is not just about a single role – it’s about the collective effort of many people, working side by side to ensure older people live well. Whether it’s delivering clinical care, sharing a meal, supporting mobility, or simply offering a listening ear, each contribution matters.
To mark the occasion, we’re holding small celebrations across all Helping Hand locations throughout the week, with coffee, cookies and conversation. These moments of connection gave us the chance to pause, reflect, and most importantly, say thank you to our teams.
To our employees: your work makes a profound difference in the lives of older people and their families. Your dedication, compassion and professionalism do not go unnoticed – and today, we celebrate you.
Aged Care Employee Day is a reminder that behind every story of care, there is a team of remarkable people. At Helping Hand, we are proud to stand beside them.
Home/There to Care Awards – second quarter award recipients announced
The latest There To Care Awards recipients have been announced! The awards, which focus on celebrating our values of excellence, respect, compassion and community, help us to celebrate the amazing work our people do every day.
Helen, Residential Care Worker
With unwavering professionalism and heartfelt compassion, Helen goes above and beyond every day to care for residents at Golden Grove, which makes her a very deserving quarter two There to Care Award recipient.
For the past 15 months that Helen has been part of the Helping Hand family, she has consistently supported colleagues and radiated positivity to everyone she meets, showing a genuine passion for her role.
Beyond providing excellent resident care, Debbie, who has been at Helping Hand for eight years, is deeply committed to guiding and empowering new carers and students on placement to fulfill their potential. She is also a worthy recipient of a There to Care Award.
“The students are our future; it is vital they are taught properly in these early stages. I learnt so many tricks of the trade throughout my career and now I can pass on that knowledge because one day they may be looking after me,” she says.
Helping Hand congratulates Amy, Graphic Designer and Social Media Coordinator in the Marketing team, on being recognised as a There to Care Award recipient.
For the past 19 years, Amy has brought creativity, dedication, and purpose to her work. Her role is a dynamic mix of designing materials for print and digital platforms, managing social media content, and contributing to a wide range of projects that tell the stories of residents, clients, and staff in a respectful and meaningful way.
Helping Hand congratulates enrolled nurse Jim on being a There to Care recipient for his
constant delivery of high-quality care.
For the past 19 years, Jim has dedicated himself to the residents of Helping Hand, especially the Memory Support Unit. He comes to work each day committed to ensuring they live their best lives and creates many cherished memories.
Helping Hand extends its congratulations to My Care Coordinator Team Leader Trish, who has been recognised as a There to Care award recipient. This accolade celebrates Trish’s consistent demonstration of the organisation’s values – Compassion, Respect, Excellence and Community.
Trish started at Helping Hand two and a half years ago as a coordinator, visiting clients in their homes to ensure they have the support needed to live independently for longer.
Home/Podcast sharing stories from the heart of aged care
Helping Hand’s podcast, Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, is giving voice to the people at the heart of aged care, our staff and clients. Through open and honest conversations, the podcast shares personal stories, professional insights and lived experiences from those who know best.
Whether it’s a volunteer talking about the relationships they build with residents, or a client reflecting on what it means to age with dignity and purpose, each episode offers a real and relatable glimpse into aged care. We are busting the myths and misconceptions surrounding accessing and benefiting from aged care services.
We’re proud that Australian Ageing Agenda has recognised the podcast’s unique approach to storytelling in a recent article, highlighting the power of these firsthand experiences to shed light on the challenges and rewards of the aged care journey.
You can read the article here and listen to the podcast here.
It’s a conversation worth hearing.
Home/There To Care Awards – first quarter award recipients announced
Our inaugural There To Care Awards recipients have been announced! The awards, which focus on celebrating our values of excellence, respect, compassion and community, help us to celebrate the amazing work our people do every day.
Matthew, Workforce Team Leader
Matthew has been awarded the Quarterly There to Care Award for the compassion he brings to every part of his role.
Since joining Helping Hand less than a year ago, Matthew has made a strong impression—not only for his professionalism, but for the care and respect he shows to both clients and colleagues.
Jocelyn has been recognised with the Quarterly There to Care Award for the outstanding
compassion and care she brings to her role every day.
Jocelyn’s journey into aged care wasn’t something she planned. Originally from the Philippines, she worked as a catering and wedding coordinator before moving to Adelaide in 2015. After starting a family, she made the decision to retrain, completing an 18-week online aged care course while caring for her young son.
Sonia has been recognised with the Quarterly There to Care Award for her everyday excellence and the compassionate way she supports and connects with residents.
Since joining Helping Hand in 2019, Sonia has brought warmth, kindness, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those she cares for. Whether she’s learning sign language to communicate with a resident who is hard of hearing or picking up Italian phrases to help others feel more at home, Sonia goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels seen and valued.
Miki has been awarded the Quarterly There to Care Award for the strength of community he brings to his role and the meaningful connections he builds with residents.
Originally from India, Miki moved to Australia in 2019 in search of new opportunities. Wanting a career that offered more purpose and the chance to give back, he found his calling in aged care.
Home/Helping Hand hosts learning sessions for Findon Technical College students
In February Helping Hand’s Ingle Farm residential care home welcomed Year 10 students from Findon Technical College for hands-on learning sessions. The sessions were designed to show students what it’s like to work in aged care and teach them skills for their future careers. The sessions were led by experts from Helping Hand’s Learning Pathway and Safety and Wellness teams. The students learned important skills including hazard identification and safety protocols, infection control practices, and safe manual handling techniques.
After each workshop, students had the chance to connect with residents over afternoon tea. It was a great opportunity for them to practice their people skills in a welcoming and supportive environment. Both the Helping Hand team and Findon Technical College teachers shared positive feedback about the program, highlighting how valuable the experience was in preparing students for careers in aged care. The students were really engaged and showed a great deal of interest throughout the sessions.
“The students were absolutely buzzing when they returned to school from their workshops. We are incredibly thankful to Helping Hand for their investment in the experience of our students.” — Tara Budarick, Health and Social Support Lead at Findon Technical College.
These workshops form part of an ongoing strategic partnership between Findon Technical College and leading aged care providers Helping Hand and Southern Cross Care SA. Contributing to the curriculum of Findon Technical College’s health and social support program, this initiative prepares students for in-demand careers in the healthcare sector through interactive, hands-on learning experiences.
While the remaining sessions currently scheduled for this year will be conducted by Southern Cross Care, the success and high engagement levels of the Helping Hand workshops have sparked exciting developments. Findon Technical College is now actively planning additional opportunities with Helping Hand throughout the year.
Interested in a Career in Aged Care? If you’re a student interested in exploring career opportunities in aged care after graduation, click here to learn about Helping Hand’s student placement programs.
Our latest Annual Review is now online, showcasing the milestones we’ve achieved over the past year. From heartwarming stories to exciting innovations in aged care, it’s been a year of strength, focus, and growth. Explore the highlights from 2023/24, meet the people behind the scenes, and discover the events and programs that have brought joy and connection to our community.
