Individual Support for Seniors

Connections are so important at every age. Gateways Individual Support Services help maintain valuable social support for people aged over 65 years who are frail aged or have dementia.

‘I look forward to it every week and make sure to let people know they can’t come over on a day when Heather is coming. She makes such a difference.’ – Gateways Commonwealth Home Support Program participant, Muriel. Read more about the impact of CHSP in Muriel’s life. 

As people age, their social networks outside of immediate family can often weaken and become more infrequent. Feelings of isolation and loneliness can affect mental health and wellbeing.

Through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Gateways Support Services matches experienced support workers with people aged over 65 who are frail aged or have dementia.

View the Frail Aged and Dementia services brochure.

Our highly trained staff provide social support for eligible CHSP participants in their home or community. We also assist the primary carer, providing respite so they can continue to care for their loved one who is frail aged or has dementia.

How to access Gateways Individual Support services

Families caring for a person aged 65 years or more, (50 years or more for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) who is frail aged are eligible for referral to CHSP through MY Aged Care.

An allocation of hours will be provided to eligible families each year. Five hours a week is allocated with families given the flexibility to choose when these hours are used during the week. A standard fee of $3.90 per hour is charged for this type of service.

Gateways Support Services then works in consultation with each family to develop a personalised individual support plan that ensures the services the participant receives addresses their needs.

‘Our older clients often don’t think that they have much to offer. But some have led incredible lives and have rich stories to tell. I feel a fraud some days getting a wage because it can be so enjoyable.’ – Gateways CHSP Individual Support Worker, Heather.

This service is supported by the Australian Government Department of Health.

Over-65s Recreation Programs 

Gateways also runs a range of recreation and social programs in Geelong and Western Melbourne for people who are frail aged or have dementia.

Prime Movers Activities – Barwon – Term 4 2023

Prime Movers Activities – Brimbank – Term 4 2023

Prime Movers Activities – Wyndham – Term 4 2023

Find out more

Contact the Gateways Individual Support & Recreation Manager for more details via Contact Us or by phoning 5221 2984 (Geelong) or 9396 111 (Western Melbourne)