Do Care

Do Care is a befriending program that provides companionship for isolated older people. The service co-ordinates caring volunteers who visit older people at home and assist them to integrate into the social networks within their local community.

Do Care was set up in response to UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide's concerns for the needs of lonely and isolated older people. Wesley Central Mission had been operating a Do Care program in Melbourne since 1977 and in 1981 a pilot program was established in the Adelaide suburb of Unley.

In 1984 UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide undertook a new initiative and encouraged local communities to run the program in their own area, but with the exception of Do Care in Murray Bridge, this was unsuccessful. In Community Care took up a share in funding this program and a full-time manager was appointed to oversee the Do Care program.

Clients

The services of Do Care are available to older people/younger people with disabilities and carers in the community who may have limited opportunities for social interaction.

Do Care operates throughout South Australia. Referrals are received from doctors, local councils, physiotherapists, RDNS, Lifeline and other health professionals or the older person refers themself.

Do Care's program assists over 300 people in the community. Over 200 volunteers are currently involved.

Volunteers

Do Care is always in need of caring volunteers to work in a variety of interesting roles. It also requires additional funds in order to extend the program to more regional centres.
Volunteers are trained and matched with older persons requesting a visitor.

Do Care is supported by over 200 volunteers who spend at least two hours each week visiting older persons in their own homes.
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Further Information

Contact Us

UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide
Adelaide Metropolitan area
5 Maturin Road
Glenelg, 5045
Phone 8375 1421
Email: sharon.beech@ucwesleyadelaide.org.au

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