Health and age profile

At Domiciliary Care SA, 86% of our clients are over the age of 65. This percentage is expected to increase in the future, as the population continues to age. South Australia currently has the oldest age profile of any State or Territory in Australia.

People under the age of 65 can, in some instances, qualify for support from Domiciliary Care SA in some instances. Eligible individuals wll be referred by to APN Service Coordination.

More than 50% of Domiciliary Care SA clients have a chronic illness. The most common conditions are arthritis, diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). Each of these conditions has significant implications for the broader system of health, community care and aged care. The surveillance and management of client diseases enables more people to stay living at home, rather than entering hospital care.

Geographical profile

Domiciliary Care SA has commenced the consultation and scoping phase of our plans to expand our client base - from metropolitan Adelaide to the whole of South Australia.

Previously, Domiciliary Care SA existed as Metropolitan Domiciliary Care (MDC), and serviced clients throughout Adelaide. In 2005-06, MDC provided service to 13,869 clients; 37% of those clients received home help services and 49% received allied health services.

Domiciliary Care SA currently has eight Client Service Areas: Onkaparinga, Marion, Charles Sturt, Burnside, Enfield, Port Adelaide, Salisbury and Playford. Client numbers are roughly similar across all areas, except for Onkaparinga and Playford, in which there are slightly fewer clients.

 View map of current client service areas.

Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander services

During 2005, MDC doubled its number of clients of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander decent. In our new existence as Domiciliary Care SA, we aim to continue this trend. Clients of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander decent now constitute 1.14% of our total client population, and each of our Client Services teams now has an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services Coordinator. For more information, see our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services page.

Testimonials from our clients

At Domiciliary Care SA, we are always ready to listen and respond to feedback from our clients.

The following are some comments from clients and carers about why our services are of benefit to them:

I found the support I received was fantastic. You couldn’t fault the service. I have since told lots of my family and friends about Dom Care; I can’t speak highly enough. Nothing was too much trouble.
- Judy

The care, compassion and general attitude towards my mum was outstanding. Even though the circumstances are unfortunate, we as a family feel comfortable and confident with Dom Care. Thank you.
- Veronica

The initial house inspection to determine my needs and safety issues was carefully thought out and thorough. The installation of the equipment I needed was prompt and executed perfectly.
- Margot

If it were not for the support and services that MDC provide, I would have to place my father in a nursing home, which is something that we trialled but did not like. I am happy with the quality and quantity of services being provided.
- Client’s daughter

I would just like to comment on how polite and culturally appropriate MDC staff were when they visited my uncle.
- Jennifer

Both staff members that came to see us were very informative, knowledgeable and helpful. We were impressed with both of them – very kind and considerate.
- David and Francis

I would like to offer my sincere gratitude for all the wonderful help my husband received from you, making a very stressful time for me so much easier to cope with.
- Diana

Through the courteous, efficient and thorough attentive care of your staff, including the structural adjustments made to my bathroom, bed and the supply of a high chair for me to sit on, I have almost regained the independence I enjoyed before the accident… Thank you from a grateful customer.
- Val

Thank you so much for your support and patience, and especially your understanding. The difference these last two weeks have made has been enormous. I wouldn’t have believed I could feel so much better again.
- Jan