Community & Business
14 April, 2026
Support transforms life at home for Phillip
For older people who may not have family or close friends nearby to help, Social Futures care finder is available across Dubbo and the surrounding regions of western NSW.
Sixty-four-year-old Phillip is a proud Gilgandra local, born and bred. He has faced his fair share of challenges over the years, but since meeting Carissa, from Social Futures care finder services, his life has taken a turn for the better.
“I’ve had a lot of health stuff going on, a lot of mental health problems, mate,” Phil shared. “And Carissa really, really looked after me. She’s just done so much for me. Makes me so proud to know her.”
Social Futures’ care coordinator, Carissa, identified that Phillip needed significant, coordinated support to live safely and independently, and she worked to help him access the services he was entitled to.
“We got him onto a Level Four Home Care Package, which is the highest level,” Carissa explained.
“He’s got a lot of wrap-around support now. Support with shopping, meal preparation, cleaning, and lots of special equipment. It’s been a life changing thing for him.”
One of the most significant benefits of the care package has been the ability to bring essential health services directly to Phillip’s doorstep. Simple appointments that many take for granted can be a major hurdle for those with mobility or health issues.
Through the care package, Phil has also been able to access services like podiatry and hearing tests, from the comfort of his home.
“I can get it done in the house now,” Phil said. “I’m deaf as a beetle, mate. I used to be a kangaroo shooter years ago, and yeah, I got industrial deafness.”
A safe home environment is key to independent living. Through his Home Care Package, Phillip has been able to make critical modifications to his house, reducing risks and enhancing his mobility.
“They’ve done me a back ramp, a safety ramp, through the Aged Care Package,” Phil shared.
“We’re about to get the bathroom done up too, so the floor’s not slippery.”
For Phillip, staying in his home is more than just a preference, it is fundamental to his wellbeing. Leaving home represents not just a loss of independence, but disconnection from country, identity and community.
“If it weren’t for care finder services, I’d be in a aged care village. And that’s one place I don’t want to go to,” he said.
“I am Aboriginal, and just, yeah, that wouldn’t work for me. I just don’t want to go there because I’ll lose my independence."
Navigating complex support systems can be slow and frustrating. Phillip experienced this firsthand before Carissa stepped in.
“Everything’s happening now, where it was real slow without Carissa advocating for me,” Phil said.
“They were taking their time, but now it’s getting pushed through. I could honestly say I’ve never been looked after better, mate, really.”
Social Futures care finder service offers free, personalised support for older people to access the aged care system, find health and wellbeing programs, and connect with social supports that make everyday life easier and more fulfilling.
This service has been made possible by funding from Western NSW Primary Health Network.
