Helping Hand is a not-for-profit offering help at home, allied health, retirement living & residential care homes to over 7,000 South Australians.
Our mission is to create communities and experiences to enable older people to live their best lives. Helping Hand is a not-for-profit organisation offering home care services, retirement living and residential care homes to over 7,000 South Australians.
08/03/2026
Just a reminder that our admin offices and residential receptions are closed on public holidays. Direct numbers are on our website: https://www.helpinghand.org.au/contact-us/
The Retirement Living team is available in business hours except public holidays. For urgent maintenance outside hours, use your location’s emergency maintenance service.
Our Home Care team provides essential services only on public holidays. To change your services, call 1300 444 663.
07/03/2026
Happy International Women’s Day to all the women making a difference in their workplaces, communities and in aged care. Today we celebrate the achievements and impact of women everywhere.
At Helping Hand, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Rachael Sharp, an inspiring Project Manager and leader in our Property and Development team.
In her working life, Rachael supports the development, refurbishment and maintenance of resident and corporate environments. Outside of work, she’s energised by learning and creativity.
“I paint, take photos, listen to podcasts and read non‑fiction,” she says.
Her favourite way to unwind is spending time with her dogs, Atlas and Remy, both husky mixes.
“They’re big dogs with big energy and I love them,” she laughs.
Rachael’s passion for construction began during work experience and a part‑time role while at university.
“I was always good at maths and science and earned two degrees: Civil and Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Geophysics.”
She thought she’d work in mining, but a part‑time project management role changed her path.
“That’s where I discovered project management and how it aligned with my passions and skills.”
What drew her in was seeing the outcomes of her work.
“In construction, the impact is real. You can walk through a building and know you helped create something that improves people’s lives.”
She joined Helping Hand in June 2025, after years of consulting experience.
“Coming into aged care I quickly saw the pride people take in their work, directly supporting older Australians.”
Rachael is committed to advancing the construction industry to be fair, respectful, and inclusive, and was recently elected SA Chapter President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).
“NAWIC SA has about 45 volunteers who support, connect and advocate for women across the industry.”
Last Friday, she represented the NAWIC SA Chapter at their International Women’s Day Leadership Lunch, her first as president. She shared her priorities for the year, including “adding weight to the scales” to address industry imbalances and support the greater representation of women.
Rachael also hosts and produces NAWIC’s podcast, ‘NAWIC Couch’.
“Women in construction are already the minority. The podcast shares the stories of the minorities within this group, whose voices are often under-represented.”
To mark International Women’s Day, Rachael reflected on the women who inspire her.
“I am inspired by all the women I volunteer with at NAWIC, every guest on the podcast and the women across Helping Hand. All working for positive change without seeking recognition, which is truly admirable.”
Her advice to younger women or those starting out:
“Take time to know yourself, your values and strengths, and how you want to show up in the world. When you are grounded in self‑understanding, it is easier to find your voice and speak with confidence.”
05/03/2026
Delivering high‑quality care takes strong, compassionate leadership. Today, we’re recognising five exceptional women who lead across our organisation. They share how they’ve shaped their own paths, and the advice they offer to women striving for equality, balance and opportunity.
05/03/2026
It was a special day in Whyalla as Helping Hand marked the start of its $22 million redevelopment of Yeltana and Copperhouse Court.
With demand for aged care growing locally, this project will help ensure more people can continue living close to their family, friends and community.
Helping Hand has appointed Kennett Builders to deliver the project, which includes eight new residential care rooms, refreshed and upgraded spaces for residents, beautiful outdoor improvements, and more flexible areas for dining and activities.
As Whyalla's only residential aged care provider, this investment is all about supporting the community now and into the future.
We were honoured to have respected Barngarla elder Yvonne Abdulla open the event with a Welcome to Country, joined by residents, families, and community members including Eddie Hughes MP, who came together to celebrate this exciting next chapter.
Works at Copperhouse Court are expected to be completed by August 2026, with Yeltana continuing over the following two years — creating long-term benefits for our Whyalla community.
Photo (L-R): Phill Stone – Mayor of Whyalla City Council, Chris Stewart – Helping Hand Chief Executive Officer, Samantha Giorgatzis – Helping Hand Executive Manager People, Strategy & Engagement, James Kennett – Director Kennett Builders, Eddie Hughes – MP State Member for Giles
03/03/2026
In the lead‑up to International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March 2026, we’re sharing a series of reflections from women across Helping Hand who are helping to “Balance the Scales” for future generations.
Wisdom comes in many shapes and forms, from formal leadership roles to lived experience. Today, we’re highlighting the voices of three women from our 2026 Consumer Advisory Board, whose insights and experiences help shape the way we deliver care and support.
02/03/2026
Tuesday Tips to live your best 60+ life!
Tip of the week: Make every walk an adventure
Same steps, new sights. Even if you walk daily, change your route now and then. You’ll notice new scenery, meet different people, and keep your brain engaged.
01/03/2026
International Women’s Day is coming up this Sunday on 8 March 2026. It’s a global celebration recognising the achievements of females everywhere, at home, at work and in our communities, which aims to continue driving meaningful change.
This year’s theme, “Balance the Scales,” highlights the importance of ensuring every female is safe, heard and empowered to shape her own life.
Throughout this week, we’ll be sharing reflections from women across Helping Hand. We’re starting with three inspiring leaders from our Executive Team and Board, who offer their advice for the next generation.
23/02/2026
Tuesday Tips to live your best 60+ life!
Tip of the week: 5-Minute Mindful Breathing
Pause. Breathe. Reset. Close your eyes, take slow breaths in and out, and focus only on the rhythm. It’s a quick, anywhere-anytime reset for your nervous system.
22/02/2026
Pam’s story is a lovely reminder of how much connection matters. After joining Helping Hand’s Social Connections program, she found her place with the Golden Girls, a group filled with friendship, laughter and support. Pam says being part of the group has helped her feel more confident and outgoing, and given her something to look forward to each week. Her story shows how the right connections can make everyday life brighter.
Meet Pam and read more stories from across Helping Hand in the latest At Home: helpinghand.org.au/about-us/resources/our-publications
20/02/2026
Today is International Mother Language Day, a day to celebrate the beauty and importance of language around the world.
Across Helping Hand, our residents and clients speak more than 20 different languages, and our staff speak nearly 60. Every language represents a lifetime of stories, traditions and memories.
For many older people, their first language is the language of comfort. It’s the language of childhood, family and home. Being able to speak and be understood in that language helps people feel safe, respected and truly known.
International Mother Language Day reminds us that diversity is something to value and protect. We’re proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer by Diversity Council Australia, reflecting our commitment to inclusion for our residents, clients, families and staff.
Today, we celebrate every language spoken across our community, and the connections they create.
20/02/2026
Have you listened to this podcast episode yet?
Our podcast episode, Supporting the Loved Ones of those with Dementia, takes an honest look at what it means to care for someone you love as their memory and abilities change.
It’s a conversation about:
• The emotional toll on families
• The day-to-day challenges carers manage
• Finding support and connection along the way
If you’re walking this journey with someone, or supporting families who are, this episode is well worth a listen.
Meet Julie, a 72‑year‑old retiree, mother of two, and former CommBank Officer. She is also the daughter of Dorothy, who has called Helping Hand Golden Grove home for the past five years, and has lived in the Memory Support Unit (MSU) for the past year.
She can still clearly recall the moment she realised her mum needed extra support.
“My dad had recently passed away, and I’d gone to pick mum up for Christmas Day,” Julie said.
“When I arrived, her door was locked, which was unusual. I found her inside, lying against the wall after a fall. She wasn’t wearing her call bell, and I frantically had to call an ambulance.”
That day made it clear that living independently was no longer safe for Dorothy and as an only child, Julie knew she needed to make the right decision for her mum.
“I was so lucky that Modbury Hospital could care for her while I organised next steps,” she said.
As she explored her options, one place stood out to Julie.
“I came across Helping Hand by chance. There was just something about the look of the home and the staff. It felt right. Golden Grove was also close to me, which was an added bonus,” she said.
Before long, Julie was speaking with the Helping Hand admissions team.
“They made the whole process seamless. They really went above and beyond for us,” Julie said.
The transition wasn’t easy at first.
“Initially, mum wasn’t too happy that she wasn’t coming home with me. Yet from the moment we walked into Helping Hand Golden Grove, the staff made us feel welcome and really helped mum settle in,” she said.
“Now they’re like family to me. I stop and chat with everyone and the admin team are so friendly, they always make the time to give me a hug hello.”
Julie cannot speak highly enough of the Golden Grove team.
“I feel so reassured knowing mum is well cared for. When I visit, I see how much they genuinely care for her and treat her with kindness and patience. For example, if she isn’t ready for medication, they are so gentle with her and simply come back later,” she said.
She has deep respect for the staff in the MSU and a strong appreciation for the unit itself, a specialised unit within the home designed to support residents living with dementia in a calm and safe environment.
“All of the staff seem so well suited to this work and are genuinely caring. Especially Bishal, a care worker in the MSU. I actually nominated him for an internal staff There to Care award last year,” she recalls.
“He brings such calm. Nothing is ever too hard for him. He’ll pick up dishes as he walks past, gently reposition residents like John with pillows so they’re comfortable. It’s all the little things.”
For Julie, the support shown extends far beyond Dorothy.
“They look after me as well as Mum. I’m always greeted warmly and kept updated on how she’s doing. They share photos and make sure I know what’s happening. They care for both of us, so I can relax knowing mum is in good hands,” she said.
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Helping Hand is one of South Australia’s most trusted aged care organisations.
From humble beginnings over six decades ago, Helping Hand has grown through dedication and design, and due to some generous donations. There are now three Helping Hand aged care homes in regional South Australia and five care homes in metropolitan Adelaide. A new home at Golden Grove will open in 2019.
The not for profit organisation has expanded its services to include home care, retirement living and respite and employs more than 1400 people across the state. Every year, more than 7000 people access services through Helping Hand.
Notably, the organisation’s leadership has been involved in several significant service delivery and policy achievements such as building and piloting the first “ageing-in-place” care facility in Australia and being part of the national Advisory Group reviewing and rewriting Aged Care Standards.
Recently, a Helping Hand resident was motivated to write a Letter to the Editor. Win says: ‘I am 95 years old and live in the Helping Hand Carinya home in Clare and can’t speak too highly of the care we receive here. There are many homes in South Australia that are well run and deserve a word of praise. Our staff have constant training sessions and from management down are always cheerful, professional and compassionate. The staff teamwork here is exceptional and we appreciate your love and care. You deserve a gold medal.’
