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/North Adelaide Wing Renamed in Honour of Gladys Elphick MBE
Helping Hand’s commitment to Reconciliation and creating culturally safe spaces for all who visit, work and live within our community has been strengthened through the recent renaming of a wing at our North Adelaide Residential Care Home.
On Wednesday 27 May 2026, coinciding with the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, the Frome Wing was officially renamed the Gladys Elphick MBE Wing.
The renaming followed information confirming that the name Frome is linked to actions that caused harm to Aboriginal people, a history that does not align with who we are as an organisation or the environment we are committed to creating across our communities.
Concerns were first raised by frontline staff and a dedicated project team, supported by many across and beyond the organisation, worked together through the many considerations involved in renaming the wing.
Throughout the process, cultural guidance was provided by Kaurna Elder Uncle Lewis O’Brien and Senior Kaurna man Uncle Mickey O’Brien, helping to ensure the new name was chosen with care, meaning and cultural respect.
A special event was held to mark the renaming, bringing together residents, families and many of the staff involved in the project. Uncle Lewis O’Brien officially unveiled the new wing name and ceremonial signage, recognising the important role he and Uncle Mickey O’Brien played in supporting the organisation throughout the journey.
The wing has been renamed to honour the extraordinary life and legacy of Gladys Elphick (1904-1988), known to many in her community as Aunty Glad. A proud Kaurna, Narungga and Ngadjuri woman, she dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of South Australia’s Aboriginal community. As an infant, she was taken to the Point Pearce Aboriginal Mission, where she lived for the first 35 years of her life. We respectfully acknowledge her experience as a Stolen Generations survivor.
Despite receiving formal schooling only to Year 3, Aunty Glad went on to make a profound impact. She worked tirelessly to improve the health, wellbeing and rights of Aboriginal women, children and families, and played a key role in establishing important community programs, services and organisations.
In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1971 and named South Australian Aboriginal of the Year in 1984.
Renaming the wing is an important step in Helping Hand’s Reconciliation journey, reflecting the collective efforts of many staff across the organisation and our ongoing commitment to truth‑telling, cultural safety and inclusion.
It also acknowledges that every person’s life journey is unique and shapes their needs and expectations as they age, while reinforcing our focus on trauma-aware, healing-informed care, particularly for Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers.
Photo (L-R): Uncle Lewis O’Brien – Kaurna Elder, Chris Stewart – Helping Hand Chief Executive and Uncle Mickey O’Brien – Senior Kaurna man.
The award recognises our intergenerational program with neighbouring Gleeson College, launched in 2024, which brings together residents and students to build meaningful, genuine connections.
For residents the program provides the opportunity to share their life experiences and common interests. For students, it fosters empathy, confidence and a deeper understanding of older people.
We are incredibly proud of the Golden Grove team for creating a program that goes beyond clinical care, to further support the overall wellbeing of residents.
What began as a pilot has now evolved into an ongoing program, welcoming a third student intake in 2026. It has seen many students continue to visit Golden Grove residents in their own time to maintain the connections formed, reflecting the program’s lasting impact.
Image above, (back, left to right): Sarah McLoughlin, Gleeson College Teacher; Rachel Carson, Lifestyle Coordinator – Helping Hand Golden Grove and Melinda Richardson, Executive Manager Residential Services – Helping Hand. Front (left to right): Madeline Cooke, Gleeson College Teacher; Tanya McIver, Group Manager Residential Services – Helping Hand; Upasana Singh, Residential Services Manager – Helping Hand Golden Grove and Madeleine Laylock, Gleeson College Teacher.
Watch the full nomination video featuring residents, students and Helping Hand staff here:
Home/There to Care Awards – 2026 Q1 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.
Harry, Exercise Physiology Manager
Harry made the transition into aged care in late 2023 after working in a private practice and hospital setting. He has not looked back, particularly enjoying providing personalised care within client’s homes.
His career growth has gone from strength to strength, in particular stepping into a leadership role and undertaking out of hours training to familiarise himself with new systems.
The There to Care Awards recognises Hotel Services Assistant and café worker Carmel for creating a warm, welcoming environment and consistently providing excellent customer service that goes above and beyond at Mawson Lakes.
While her role involves providing hotel services and serving meals, Carmel believes the most vital part of her work is building genuine connections with residents.
Caring for others isn’t just a job for Jyoti, it’s at the heart of who she is. Ensuring residents are happy and comfortable has become her lifelong mission.
Providing such personalised care gives families peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are in safe hands.
Over the past seven and a half years, Lisa has shown remarkable versatility starting in servery and house services before becoming a skilled cook and transitioning into utilities.
While her current role was only supposed to be as a temporary support, it has turned into a full-time permanent position at Golden Grove and she couldn’t be happier.
Enes has been part of Helping Hand for 24 years, beginning her journey as a placement student.
“I never intended to stay but I loved it so much. It’s really rewarding and I‘ve met some amazing people,” she says. “The whole team is amazing and it’s always a real team effort.”
Jackie has been recognised for her attention to detail and her ability to add that extra touch of love into all she does.
Through her work, it’s the genuine warmth she pours into every dish, in particular her desserts and sweets, that serves as her way of showing kindness towards residents.
With six years of experience in aged care, Linna has spent over four of those years dedicated to the Memory Support Unit. Recently, she has stepped into the role of team leader always guiding staff in a respectful way and greeting residents with a smile.
“I feel honoured to be part of the family and care for residents in their final chapters along their life’s journey,” she says.
Caring is embedded in Leema, having previously worked as a nurse in India before moving to Australia in 2011.
Since joining Helping Hand in 2016, she has demonstrated impressive versatility, most recently stepping into a four-month contract as a Business Systems Analyst to support staff and oversee the implementation of new systems, all while continuing to pick up shifts to care for residents.
Only two years out of university, Dermott splits his time between home-based client visits and Helping Hand’s Golden Grove Wellbeing Centre. His path to aged care started from his love of helping others.
“I’ve always loved sport and when I was younger I really wanted to work in sports rehabilitation,” he says.
Dedication to making therapy fun is the reason Therapy Assistant, Aleks, has been recognised in Helping Hand’s There to Care Awards.
Aleks stepped into this role six years ago after beginning her career as a care worker at Helping Hand. “I’m such a people person. I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and in aged care you can make a real difference in residents’ everyday lives.”
To mark the start of our $22M redevelopment of Yeltana and Copperhouse Court Residential Care Homes, Helping Hand held a milestone event at Yeltana on Thursday 5 March 2026. Respected local Barngarla elder Yvonne Abdulla opened the event with a traditional Welcome to Country, with residents, families and community members attending.
Whyalla is experiencing a high demand for aged care, and this development will ensure that more residents have access to quality care locally. The project includes the addition of eight new residential care rooms, six at Copperhouse Court and two at Yeltana.
Beyond the new rooms the development also includes upgraded resident rooms and amenities, new flexible spaces for dining and activities as well as enhanced outdoor areas. The long-term benefits of this upgrade are immense as Helping Hand remains the only residential care provider in Whyalla and one of the biggest employers.
Mr Chris Stewart, Helping Hand’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “After much consideration and careful planning, we are delighted to see this redevelopment get underway. Thanks to the support of the Australian government, we are expanding our services and ensuring that more Whyalla residents can age in place, close to their family and community.”
Helping Hand has appointed Kennett Builders to deliver the project, having worked successfully with them on previous regional developments in Jamestown and Port Pirie. Kennett Builders has appointed a local site manager, Ben Butler.
General Manager of Kennett Builders, Anthony Carbone said, “We’re committed to maximising local trade involvement on this project, creating genuine opportunities for businesses in Whyalla and across the Eyre Peninsula. Strong local partnerships are critical to the success of this development. To date, 25 per cent of engaged trades are registered in Whyalla, rising to almost 40 per cent when including the broader Eyre Peninsula region.”
Given the scale of these improvements, works at Yeltana and Copperhouse Court will run consecutively to allow project completion as efficiently as possible. Copperhouse Court is expected to be completed by August 2026, with the Yeltana redevelopment continuing for approximately two years.
Photo (L-R): Phill Stone – Mayor of Whyalla City Council, Chris Stewart – Helping Hand Chief Executive Officer, Samantha Giorgatzis – Helping Hand Executive Manager People, Strategy & Engagement, James Kennett – Director Kennett Builders, Eddie Hughes – MP State Member for Giles
Home/Celebrating International Mother Language Day
21 February is International Mother Language Day, a reminder that language is more than words. It carries culture, identity, history and belonging.
At Helping Hand, our residents and clients speak more than 20 languages, and our staff speak nearly 60. Every language represents a lifetime of stories, traditions and memories. That richness shapes the way we deliver care every day. When someone can express themselves in their first language, especially in later life, it builds trust, dignity and connection.
International Mother Language Day highlights the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and promoting inclusion. In aged care, this matters deeply. Communication is central to person-centred care. Understanding someone’s language helps us understand their story. For many older people, their first language is the language of comfort. It’s the language of childhood, family and home. Being able to speak and be understood in that language helps people feel safe, respected and truly known.
International Mother Language Day reminds us that diversity is something to value and protect. We’re proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer by Diversity Council Australia, reflecting our commitment to inclusion for our residents, clients, families and staff.
We celebrate every language spoken across our community, and the connections they create. To our team members who bring their languages, cultures and lived experiences to work each day: thank you. You strengthen our organisation and enrich the lives of the people we support.
Home/Expression of interest: Café for Lealholme, Port Pirie
Helping Hand is seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced and community driven café operators to manage a purpose-built new café at Lealholme Residential Care Home, located at 15 Halliday Street, Port Pirie.
Building work for the café is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
The café will serve approximately 90 residents, along with family members, visitors and staff.
Indoor and outdoor seating for up to 20 people.
An outdoor servery window offering takeaway service to the wider community.
Open Mondays to Fridays and weekends (hours to be agreed).
The successful operator will enter into a formal agreement with Helping Hand Aged Care to manage and operate the café independently.
Pricing, rental and operational costs, along with opening hours and other arrangements will be negotiated with the preferred operator as part of the agreement with Helping Hand
Applicants with local knowledge and connections are encouraged to apply.
The operator will be responsible for managing all aspects of the day-to-day running of the café, including:
Staffing and rostering
Inventory and waste management
Supplier strategy
Complying with Food Safety Standards and relevant licences and permits
Cash handling and point of sale
Waste management
Operating professionally and respectfully within an aged care environment
Providing an exceptional café experience for residents, staff, and community visitors.
Helping Hand will help you set up for success by designing and constructing the café, including all development and building approvals.
Illustrations only
Expression of Interest
New café for Lealholme Residential Care Home, Port Pirie
Home/Helping Hand Recognised as an Inclusive Employer for Second Year in a Row
We are proud to announce that Helping Hand has once again been recognised by Diversity Council Australia as an Inclusive Employer for 2025-2026. This marks our second consecutive year receiving this recognition and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where everyone is valued, respected and supported to thrive.
At Helping Hand, we believe diversity and inclusion are two of our greatest strengths. Our workforce represents team members from 74 cultural backgrounds, who speak 57 different languages, and come from 46 countries. This rich diversity enables us to provide culturally sensitive care and foster a respectful, supportive environment for residents, clients, staff and volunteers.
This achievement is based on insights from more than 700 team members who participated in the DCA survey, sharing their experiences of inclusion, respect, and belonging. Their voices help us understand what we’re doing well and where we can continue to improve.
Chris Stewart, Chief Executive Officer at Helping Hand said,
“Helping Hand is proud to be recognised by the Diversity Council Australia as an Inclusive Employer for 2025–2026, for the second consecutive year. This recognition reflects the culture our people shape every day, grounded in our values of excellence, respect, compassion and community. The survey insights will directly inform our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategy, guiding how we strengthen inclusion across our organisation.”
Below, you’ll find a detailed infographic highlighting our key survey findings. They provide a visual snapshot of what the data tells us about diversity and inclusion at Helping Hand, both of which remain core strengths and priorities of our workplace culture.
Home/There to Care Awards – fourth 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.
Andrea, Clinical Nurse
Helping Hand recognises the impactful care and dedicated support Clinical Nurse Andrea consistently exemplifies, which has led to her There to Care Award. Not only is Andrea respected for her exceptional care but her mission to form meaningful connections with residents and their families.
“The most important job is to foster connections and build a trusting relationship, that is what truly underpins everything that I do. It helps me to liaise with staff, families and residents.”
Upholding the values of compassion, respect and excellence, as well as providing unwavering support to residents and the team has led to Thivorn being recognised in our There to Care Awards.
Though Thivorn is new to aged care, having previously worked as an optician in Cambodia, a fruit picker, and at a plant nursery, he says this is his most cherished role.
“Out of all the jobs I’ve done, being a carer is my favourite. I am so happy where I am right now,” he says.
As a passionate Care Worker who consistently upholds dignity and respect for residents, Angela has been recognised in the recent round of There to Care Awards.
While Angela loves her daily duties as a Care Worker in the Memory Support Unit, it’s the beautiful connections she has nurtured over the past 16 years at Helping Hand that truly warm her heart.
Connections and care mean the most to Zahra. Leading with compassion, respect and excellence, Clinical Nurse Zahra has been deservedly recognised in the recent There to Care Awards.
Whether is it supporting staff during challenging shifts, overseeing students, offering guidance or ensuring residents receive the highest standard of care, Zahra does it all with a positive attitude and genuine kindness.
Warm smiles and heartfelt welcomes from Jodie. Helping Hand commends Learning and Capability Consultant Jodie in the There to Care Awards, for her dedication to learning and development, and welcoming the newest members of staff to the organisation.
Jodie consistently demonstrates a passion for teaching the history, mission and strategy of Helping Hand.
The There to Care Awards recognises Hotel Services Site Manager, Rita, for compassionately managing the department, assisting families and organising events with warmth, care, and professionalism.
Rita has been a longstanding cornerstone of the organisation for 28 years, working in the kitchen, catering, housekeeping, supervising and also working in hotel services, throughout her career.
A dynamic duo and their dedicated work. Testament to their consistent demonstration of care, kindness and support, Helping Hand congratulates Golden Grove Residential Care Home administrative duo Cindy and Kira on being recognised in the There to Care Awards.
As the first point of call at Helping Hand Golden Grove, Administrative Services Coordinator and Admin Team Leader, Cindy, and Customer Services Officer, Kira, always go above and beyond to foster a sense of care and belonging.
Registered Nurse Aries has been recognised in the There to Care Awards for consistently going above and beyond in her role, as she embraces any task with a smile and a positive attitude.
While her career in nursing has been extensive and varied over 30 years, including working in obstetrics in Auckland Hospital in New Zealand, it was a passion for aged care that was ignited while working in the dementia care unit. A move that was further cemented when starting at Helping Hand in 2022.
Helping Hand extends its congratulations to Enrolled Nurse Dianne for being recognised in the There to Care Awards, celebrating her exceptional dedication, compassion and professionalism.
Caring comes naturally for Dianne, who became a carer at the age of 23. She then pursued nursing in a rehabilitation hospital before starting at Helping Hand Ingle Farm 11 years ago.
Kate is the heart of home care. Living the mission to provide person-centred care every day, Care Partner Kate has deservedly been recognised in the There to Care Awards.
As a vital member of the Customer Journey Team, Kate, who has been with Helping Hand for four years, spends her days engaging with clients for in-home support and onboarding.
Kiwi, Administrative Assistant, Care Worker and Lifestyle Assistant
Three hats, one heart for Kiwi. With an enthusiasm and dedication that shines through no matter her role, Administrative Assistant, Care Worker and Lifestyle Assistant, Kiwi has been recognised in the There to Care Awards.
Kiwi demonstrates remarkable versatility; one day she is providing essential support in her admin duties, the next she is working in the Memory Support Unit, and on others, she is helping residents stay motivated and engaged through social activities.
Congratulations to Clinical Nurse, Resident Assessment and Documentation (CN-RAD) Sapana for demonstrating the values of compassion, respect and excellence in everything she does, which has led to her recognition in the There to Care Awards.
Sapana consistently goes above and beyond, playing a vital part in ensuring that new admissions are handled smoothly and with empathy. Her ability to communicate compassionately with families during what can often be an emotional and stressful time is truly commendable.
Laughter is the best medicine for Melissa. Congratulations to compassionate Care Worker Melissa for being recognised in the There to Care Awards.
Melissa, who has been working in aged care for seven years, says the most rewarding aspect of her role is giving residents purpose, sprinkled with a few laughs along the way.
The There to Care Awards honours Helping Hand Food Service Team Leader, Harjeet, for her impactful and outstanding leadership.
Harjeet wears many hats as part of her role – from training and mentoring new staff as well as assisting other sites to ensure they complete necessary audits. That is just the beginning, as she can also be found in the Golden Grove kitchen cooking up the lunch service for 110 residents.
Helping Hand commends in-house hairdresser Justine in our There to Care Awards for ensuring residents not only look their best but feel truly cared for.
A hairdresser for 36 years, Justine’s attention to detail and gentle approach makes every hair appointment something residents look forward to. Gentlemen also appreciate the regular beard trims or hair wash too.
“My joy is to see them happy. By making them feel good about themselves with a cut or blow-dry, makes me happy,” she says.
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 home@helpinghand.org.au
