At Calvary’s Respite Cottage based in Port Augusta, the home care team is playing its vital part in helping older locals combat loneliness through a range of group activities driving connection and encouraging new, and sometimes rekindled, companionship.

The Cottage, as it is more commonly referred to, is best known for providing social support group program activities as well as respite for carers and overnight programs.

The day program supports carers of older people through client driven activities or overnight stays for her beloved carers to get a break, or it can accommodate those who may be transitioning home after day surgery or longer hospital stay and still needing round-the-clock support to remain safe during their recovery, before travelling or transitioning back home.

However, in Port Augusta and nearby towns the Cottage it is becoming a popular choice of older people to join in the social programs that are supported through either CHSP services or their approved Home Care packages.

Home Care in action in Port Augusta

Cottage service manager, Julie Grantham, says Calvary case managers and support care workers get to know their home clients well, and can identify if someone may benefit from a social program to improve their overall health and wellbeing outcomes and reduce the risks of loneliness.

“Some of our clients are fairly isolated, whether it’s because their family has moved away, or because of their age their friendship circle has become limited, so coming here to the cottage they can meet up with new people and participate in activities that interest them,” Ms Grantham said.

This includes attending a monthly luncheon or the morning coffee club or joining a social outing to places like nearby Whyalla and Port Pirie for shopping, or Clare to visit the gardens.

“We have about 15 regulars at the monthly Friday lunch, and now we are introducing a new walking group and a gardening group to bring together those with similar interests,” she said.

Audrey Kittel and Graeme Barton

Born and raised Port Augusta local Audrey Kittel has attended the Cottage for respite care a few times and gives the care a rating of “fabulous”, but the 82-year-old said the social programs had made a huge difference to her life in the past nine months.

“The social programs are good for your mind, talking about old Port Augusta and your family tree. I even did a question and answer with the group last week, and I’ve caught up with a lot of friends that I haven’t seen for many years,” Ms Kittel said.

Graeme Barton is a 74-year-old widow living in Port Augusta, who has daily meals and a cleaner once a fortnight and through Calvary home care, and he too was encouraged by Ms Grantham to join the social program at the Cottage.

“When you end up by yourself, it’s good to be able to get out and meet other people,” he said.