What is the Social Support Individual?
Social Support Individual program (Commonwealth Home Support Programme, CHSP) is assistance provided by a companion (paid worker or volunteer) to an individual – people aged 65+, either within the home environment or while accessing community services.
SSI services include:
- Visiting services
- Telephone and web-based monitoring services (help connect people 65+ to their community)
- Accompanied activities (such as assisting the person through accompanied shopping, bill-paying, attendance at appointments)
Objective of SSI:
To assist frail people 65+ to participate in community life and feel socially included through meeting their need for social contact and company.
The number of service hours can vary depending on clients’ needs. The eligible client can receive at least 2 hours of SSI service every two week.
There are a variety of services providing in the SSI program:
Telelink
Telelink, which was set up in response to the PCCV’s concerns for the needs of lonely older people and their carers, is a form of teleconferencing where up to ten people chat together as a group.
Telelink provides valuable social support, interaction and “phone friendship” for isolated or lonely people 65+. Two groups link once a week (Tuesday and Friday) for one hour.
How can I join the programs?
To be able to join SSI Program, eligible clients should be registered in the My Aged Care Ph: 1800 200 422 and receive a special referral code for this type of services.
Who do I contact?
Mrs Ewa Kiżewski – SSI Coordinator
Polish Community Care Services Inc. “Polcare”
Mobile: 0404 440 624
Email: ewa.kizewski@polcare.org.au