Supporting Vulnerable Communities

At Catholic Healthcare, we’re committed to supporting individuals facing complex challenges to maintain their independence, safety and dignity. Through tailored programs and compassionate support, we work collaboratively with clients and other services to achieve meaningful outcomes across housing, aged care, and community inclusion.

Hoarding & Squalor Assistance

Our Hoarding and Squalor Assistance supports frail or prematurely aged people (50 years and over, or 45 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) who are:

Frail older or prematurely aged people who meet the following 3 criteria:

  • on a low income
  • living with hoarding behaviour and/or in a squalid living environment
  • at risk of homelessness or unable to receive the aged care services they need.

Prematurely aged people are those aged 50 years and over (or 45 years and over for Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people) whose life course such as active military service, homelessness or substance abuse, has seen them age prematurely.

Scope of services

Our Hoarding & Squalor Assistance team works closely with individuals to create personalised support plans. Assessments are done using:

  • Environmental Cleanliness and Clutter Scale

  • Clutter Image Rating Scale

  • Wheel of Life – a tool for capturing client satisfaction and informing their goals

Services may include:

  • Consent-based removal of items

  • Brokerage support for service delivery

  • Referrals to relevant external services

The model centres around building trust and working at the client's pace, always upholding dignity and respect.

Transitional accommodation and Bridge Housing partnership

Catholic Healthcare provides transitional accommodation for older people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This includes:

  • Male transitional housing delivered in partnership with Bridge Housing

Together, these programs offer up to 18 months of short-term accommodation with wraparound support. Clients receive coordinated care planning and help to transition into longer-term housing, while also building confidence and community engagement.

Eligibility includes:

  • Being eligible for priority social housing

  • Experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness

Support is also extended to co-habiting dependants, recognising that household stability is critical to successful outcomes.

Make an enquiry

Programs and partnerships making a difference

Catholic Healthcare collaborates with housing providers, local councils, and health organisations to reduce housing insecurity and improve wellbeing.

Care finders

Our Care Finders team provides assertive outreach and one-to-one guidance to help older people navigate aged care services, complete assessments, and connect with community supports to reduce isolation.

  • Understand and navigate aged care services
  • Complete applications and assessments
  • Stay connected with community supports

Buried in Treasure (BIT)

Soon to be delivered- register your interest

Buried in Treasures is a structured 15-week group program offering practical strategies, peer support and professional guidance to help people address hoarding behaviours and improve their living environment.

Register your interest

Housing relocation

We support older people in moving from unsafe or unsuitable homes into secure, accessible accommodation, coordinating with property managers, transport services and local councils to ensure a smooth transition.

Community Corner

An integrated community that supports individuals who are socially isolated and financially disadvantaged. By fostering social connections, mutual support, and a sense of community, we strive to improve the quality of life, health, and well-being of clients. Through various programs and initiatives, we will provide advocacy, skill-sharing opportunities, a sense of community, and improved health and well-being, amongst other things.

Support for tenancy rights

In partnership with DCJ, we deliver resources and advice on tenancy rights, offer fact sheets on safety and maintenance, and guide clients in engaging effectively with housing providers.

  • Fact sheets on mould, animals, cleanliness and safety
  • Guidance on engaging with housing providers
  • Support to maintain tenancy and safe living conditions

Specialised Support Services

Under this program we provide Advisory and support services. Advisory and support services target clients and their families who can proactively access aged care services without needing intensive one-on-one support.

The services include: continence advisory services, dementia advisory services, vision advisory services, hearing advisory services, client advocacy and other clinical advisory support. 

Make an enquiry

Acknowledgement of Country

Catholic Healthcare acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work, and care. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and honour the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.