Support for older people living alone

Services for people living alone, and information for people concerned about the welfare of a friend, neighbour or relative living alone.

Published 18 February 2021

Mary Liang

Policy and Program Development Officer

: 02 9265 9333
: [email protected]

NSW Police Force

For all emergencies please dial 000 (triple zero). If your matter is not an emergency, call 131 444 or contact your local police station.

: Local police stations

Why this is important

Nearly one-third of people in the City of Sydney local area live alone. Many of these residents live healthy, active lives and are in touch with their neighbours and local communities. However, some may be at risk of becoming cut off from society due to advanced age, ill-health or fears for their own safety.

People who are socially isolated can easily become invisible to the rest of the community, which can affect their individual health and wellbeing. They may have an accident or a fall at home, and have no way of alerting someone that they need help.

If you are someone living alone who might need help for peace of mind, this page gives information on a number of services available. Or if you're concerned about the welfare of a friend, neighbour or relative living alone, please contact your local police station to conduct a welfare check.

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 below, or contact your local police station and ask to speak with the Crime Prevention Officer about this program.
If you are aged over 65 years old and living alone, Red Cross can provide you with a daily telephone call 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 are 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, a number of agencies can offer help and support, including Centrelink, The Salvation Army, The Smith Family, Anglicare and the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Red Cross support 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 are 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’.
Here are results for the postcode 2000.

Or, contact your local Neighbourhood Centre.