Let’s Talk Loneliness: Reconnecting Older Australians This Winter with Right at Home

Loneliness isn’t just a feeling — it’s a health risk, particularly for older Australians. As the winter months set in and the days grow shorter, many older adults experience increased social isolation, especially those living alone or managing health conditions.

At Right at Home, we believe that connection is care. That’s why we’re shining a light on loneliness during Loneliness Awareness Week (4–10 August 2025) — and sharing simple ways to help older Australians feel more connected, seen, and supported this winter.

Why Connection Matters

Loneliness has been linked to a number of serious health outcomes including:

• Depression and anxiety

• Cognitive decline and dementia

• High blood pressure and heart disease

• Increased risk of hospitalisation

For older people, especially those with mobility or sensory challenges, building and maintaining social networks can be difficult — but it’s not impossible.

Small Actions, Big Impact

Reconnection doesn’t have to be grand — sometimes, it’s the simplest gestures that mean the most. Here are just a few ways to help an older person feel valued, included, and uplifted this winter:

Join a Right at Home local group social
In some of our offices, we offer group events which are warm and welcoming, designed to spark joy, friendship, and connection — from trivia and crafts to winter walks and morning teas. If your local Right at Home office doesn't offer group events, they can certainly deliver one-on-one companion care and take clients out into the community or provide companionship at home.

Share a warm drink and a meaningful chat
Invite a neighbour or loved one over for tea and take the time to really listen.

Send a surprise letter or card
A handwritten note can turn an ordinary day into something special.

Bridge distance with digital connection
Phone calls, video chats, and virtual groups offer social support even from afar.

Show up, slow down, and simply be there
If you’re a carer, family member, or friend, your presence alone can be a powerful source of comfort.

Need more ideas? Read our blog 30 Things to Do with Older Australians During Winter for inclusive and joyful inspiration.

How Right at Home Can Help

At Right at Home, we believe that care is more than clinical — it’s about connection. Our social support services are designed to bring people together, foster friendships, and restore a sense of community.

Whether it’s a gentle winter walk, a group storytelling afternoon, or a local event full of laughter, we’re here to help older Australians feel warm, welcome, and woven into the life around them.

Get some companionship from a Right at Home office near you
Call 1300 363 802 to find out how Right at Home can keep you connected to your community. Right at Home offers home care for the elderly which includes social support and community connection including transport, shopping and in-home companion care. 

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve, ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability, including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7, so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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