Programs, support and resources for older people

Social support groups at our community centres

Our community centres offer a range of programs, activities and services to support healthy and active ageing. Centre-based programs are offered to support individual independence and social connection with others. Ongoing programs are designed to build on existing strengths and abilities, while time-limited programs aim to increase function and reduce reliance on ongoing supports.

What’s On for older adults

We have a dedicated older adults page on the What’s On website to promote activities, events and programs for older people. You can list your own event, or find a wide range of social, cultural and fitness programs and events to suit different needs and interests.

We present a program of local events and activities to celebrate NSW Seniors Festival every year. The program is published on our What’s On Seniors Festival page about one month before the festival.

Volunteering

Volunteering helps improve quality of life, strengthen social networks and increase physical wellbeing among older people. It’s also a great way to connect with others and support your community.

Start your volunteering journey with these volunteer programs and opportunities. 

There are 2 main community transport providers operating in the local area. Both services provide accessible and affordable options for people who have difficulty using public transport.

The City of Sydney service help residents and visitors commute to and from our events and facilities. Access Sydney Community Transport, supported by the City of Sydney, offers an access bus, shopping bus and individual transport services.

Our Meals on Wheels service delivers a diverse menu of healthy and affordable meals to residents of our local area and parts of Sydney's inner west who need ongoing or short-term support.

To be eligible, you must be 65 and over (50 and over if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) or approved for funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Find out more and apply.

If you’re a resident in the City of Sydney area who experiences challenges accessing your nearest library, we can help by bringing the library to you.

We deliver library items free of charge to people in their homes who find it difficult to access their library due to poor health, disability, full-time carer obligations, chronic conditions or frailty.

Find out more and request the home library service.

We offer eligible pensioners rebates of up to 100% on their rates and charges.

Apply for a pensioner rebate on rates.

Our access card gives eligible older adults a reduced entry fee to our aquatic and fitness centres and tennis courts.

To be eligible you must hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, a Pensioner Concession Card or Seniors Health Card (not a Seniors Card) or assessed as suffering financial hardship.

Find out more and apply.

If you’re over 65, or over 50 and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person, you may be eligible for government-funded services. There are different types of services for different needs, including help at home, short-term care and residential aged care.

To check your eligibility or to arrange an assessment, visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 (free call).

Useful contacts: 

• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission – 1800 951 822
• Council on the Ageing – 02 6154 9740

The Australian Government's Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) funds services that support older people to live independently in their community.

To be eligible, you must be over 65, or over 50 and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. For more information, visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422 (free call).

A range of these services are available in the City of Sydney local area. These include transport for shopping and outings, food (such as meals delivered at home and hot lunches provided in the community), home repairs and modifications, community nursing, social support and more. You can read the online brochure (PDF 596KB) for more information or call 02 9698 7690 to request a hard copy. Uniting Home Maintenance and Modifications help with lawn mowing and gardening, plumbing, electrical repairs, installing handrails and ramps and fixing damaged paths.

Assistive technology

There are many different types of assistive technologies that could help make your daily activities easier. Personal emergency alarms provide a way to instantly alert the user or others to events in and around the home, even if you cannot reach the phone.

Explore Australia’s National Equipment Database or talk to your Commonwealth Home Support Programme or home care provider to find out what’s available.

Next of kin register

Older people who live alone can register personal information such as next of kin, doctor’s and dentist’s contact details, and medical alert information. In an emergency this helps ambulance officers or police get in touch with the nominated people more easily.

You can download a next of kin registration form from the NSW Police website, or contact your local police station and ask to speak with the crime prevention officer about this program.

Daily telephone call

If you’re aged over 65 years old and live alone, Red Cross can call you on the phone daily to check on your wellbeing through a free service known as Telecross.

If a call goes unanswered, Red Cross volunteers and staff will take action to make sure you’re OK. Call 1300 885 698 or visit the Red Cross website for more information about the service.

If the cost of installing or reconnecting a phone line is too high, several agencies can offer help and support, including Centrelink, The Salvation Army, The Smith Family, Anglicare and the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Aged care volunteer visitors scheme

If you’re socially isolated and receive the government-subsidised residential aged care or Home Care Packages, you may be eligible for the aged care volunteer visitors scheme. The scheme arranges volunteer visitors to provide older people with friendship and companionship.

You can contact the scheme’s network partner for more information or referrals.

Companionship and social support

Red Cross supports older people to connect with the community to improve their social connections and wellbeing.

An outing or a chat over a cup of coffee with a caring and friendly volunteer could become a highlight of your week and give you the confidence to meet new people.

If you’re not in regular social contact with other people, you may be eligible for this program.

Other social support services for older people can be found on the My Aged Care website:

1. Click ‘Find a provider’.
2. Enter your postcode.
3. Choose care type ‘Help at home’ then services ‘Social outings, groups and visitors’.

Or, contact your local neighbourhood centre.

Dementia

Dementia Australia has a range of information and support for people living with dementia and people involved in their care. Visit dementia.org.au or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

The Dementia Advisory Service for Sydney and Eastern Sydney can assist with information about local services and supports for people living with dementia. Call 02 8382 1450 (intake) or 0416 144 100.

Hoarding and squalor

People neglect their personal health and immediate surroundings for many reasons, sometimes to a point where their behaviour and living conditions can present a risk to themselves or others. This may include severe self-neglect, accumulating rubbish, hoarding, and a home infested with vermin.

Catholic Healthcare has a range of resources for people affected by hoarding and squalor.

The City of Sydney is part of a collaborative group of service providers aiming to raise awareness, respond to and prevent this issue. We developed our guide to understanding squalor and hoarding as part of this work.

Living on a limited retirement income can be challenging for many older people.

A number of government agencies offer discounts, concessions and financial supports to assist older people with the cost of living. Eligibility requirements vary.

Income support

The age pension is the main income support payment for people who have reached pension age, provided by the Australian Government. Visit Services Australia for more information or phone 132 300. These Services Australia offices are in the City of Sydney area.

• Darlinghurst: 137–153 Crown Street
• Redfern: 140 Redfern Street

Help paying energy and water bills

Rebates, counselling and other resources are available to help you with paying energy and water bills. Visit the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW or call 1800 246 545.

Public transport concessions

Transport for NSW offers a range of concessions for seniors and pensioners. Visit Transport for NSW Concessions or call 13 67 25.

If you’re eligible, the taxi transport subsidy scheme covers 50% of the total taxi fare with a maximum of $60 per journey.

Seniors card

Seniors Card holders can access discounts and deals at more than 7,500 businesses across NSW – from shops to tradies to travel and professional services, and lots more. For more information visit Seniors Card or call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Seniors Rights Service offers free legal advice on many legal issues to older people in NSW, as well as a comprehensive referral service.

They offer general legal advice and advice on retirement villages and strata living.

Phone 1800 424 079.

Everyone has the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity and respect in their own home and in the community. You have the right to make your own decisions and to live free from abuse.

If you’re in immediate danger, call triple zero (000).

How to get support or report abuse

You can raise concerns about your own wellbeing or of any older person or adult with disability. This includes reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

The NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Hotline is a free confidential helpline. It offers information, advice and referrals for people who experience, witness or suspect the abuse, neglect or exploitation of older people or adults with disability living in NSW.

You can contact the hotline by:

• Phone: 1800 628 221 – Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. You can choose to remain anonymous.
• Email: [email protected] 
• Submit a report online 

Useful contacts

• City of Sydney domestic and family violence support directory  – you can search for local services by selecting the support service you need or choose services specifically for older people. 
• Lifeline – the national charity for all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online
• Older Persons Advocacy Network – free and independent information to help older people understand their rights. Call 1800 700 600.
• Relationships Australia – confidential counselling and support for individuals and families. Call 1300 364 277.
• Seniors Rights Service – free legal advice, advocacy and support for older people experiencing abuse. Call 1800 424 079.
• Translating and interpreting service (TIS National) – free interpreting service for people who need language support. Call 131 450.
  
   

Resources

• NSW Ageing and Disability Commission – resources, training and Easy Read materials to help you understand the reporting and complaints process.
• Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability – findings and reports available online. 
• Council on the Ageing New South Wales – peak organisation for people over 50 providing information, events and resources to support older people.
• Australian Human Right Commission Age Discrimination Commissioner – resources to raise awareness about elder abuse and provide information about available supports.