Services Technology assistance
Technology assistance
Feel confident with your phone or tablet, and stay close to the people you love.
- A care coordinator calls within 2 business days
- Matched by interests, language and personality
- Police-checked and vetted companions
- No ongoing contract for everyday support
Sound familiar?
If any of these sound like you, or someone you love, we'd love to help.
I'd love to video call the grandkids, but I don't know where to start.
I'm worried I'll press the wrong thing.
I want to feel in charge of my own phone.
How it goes
Every visit is different, so think of this as an example.
It starts with a conversation
A coordinator meets you, in your home where we can, before any care starts, to learn what a good day looks like for you.
Your companion arrives
Your companion arrives and you start with your own phone or tablet and whatever you'd like to do on it.
Time together
Step by step, you set things up, try them and try them again until they feel easy. Nobody rushes, and no question is too small.
After every visit
Your companion writes a short summary before they leave: what was done, how you seemed and anything worth passing on. It appears in your account straight away.
What it can look like
Who it suits. Anyone who'd like to feel confident with their devices and stay in touch with family.
- Setting up a phone, tablet or video calls
- Showing you how to message family and share photos
- Walking through updates and settings, step by step
- Practising until it feels easy
Matched to you, not just your task
We choose companions for who they are as well as what they do: shared interests, language and personality. Your care coordinator talks it through with you and explains why they suggested each person.
For example
If technology makes you nervous, your coordinator looks for someone patient, who explains things in your language and at your pace.
- Shared interests
- Same language
- Personality fit
- Shared hobbies
- Chatty or calm
- Right days & times
Good to have in your corner
Carefully checked companions
Every companion completes a National Police Check, identity verification and two reference checks. Where a State or Territory operates a Working With Vulnerable People scheme covering this work, our companions hold that clearance as well.
Someone to call
Your care coordinator is a phone call away for any questions. We're here Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm your local time.
Plans can change
Need to change or cancel a visit? That's okay, plans change. Give us two business days' notice and we'll reschedule, or you won't be charged.
Wondering about the cost? It's from $120 an hour, including GST, and you'll always see the full price before you book. What it costs →
What our companions don't do
- Companions only provide support they're trained, qualified and insured to provide, and will decline anything outside that.
- No clinical or nursing care, such as injections, wound care, or catheter and stoma management, unless we've told you in writing that it's available to you.
- Companions can remind you that medication is due, but they don't administer it.
- Everyday companion visits don't include heavy cleaning, work at height or home repairs. Gardening, handyman, painting, electrical and plumbing work are their own services, booked separately.
- Electrical and plumbing work is only ever done by a licensed electrician or plumber.
- If you need support we don't provide, tell us and we'll help you find a suitable provider.
Birchmere is not an emergency service. In an emergency, call 000.
Do I need my own device?
It helps, because the practice happens on the phone or tablet you'll actually use. Your companion can help you get the most out of what you have.
I'm a complete beginner. Is that okay?
Of course. Your companion goes step by step, and you practise until it feels easy.
Can you help me video call my family?
Yes. Setting up video calls, and practising them until they feel natural, is part of the service.
Will I meet my companion before the first visit?
Your care coordinator introduces your companion and tells you a little about them, so you know who is coming before they arrive.
Are your companions checked?
Every companion completes a National Police Check, identity verification and two reference checks. Where a State or Territory operates a Working With Vulnerable People scheme covering this work, our companions hold that clearance as well.
Trust & safety →What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Need to change or cancel a visit? That's okay, plans change. Give us two business days' notice and we'll reschedule, or you won't be charged. Inside two business days we charge 60% of the visit, capped at 4 hours. We waive it for hospital admission, illness, death or serious illness in the family, or emergencies.
Cancellation details →What does it cost?
From $120 per hour including GST. The price of each visit depends on the support you choose, the day and time, and where you live. You will always see the full price before you book.
What it costs →Other ways we can help
Would you like to deliver this kind of care? See carer roles
Guides that might help
Free to read online or download.
Guide2 min read
Caring from a distance
Practical ways to look after a parent who lives in another suburb, city or state.
Read online: Caring from a distance↓ PDF: Caring from a distance
Guide2 min read
Staying in touch by video call
How to set up a phone or tablet so a video call with family feels easy, and what to do when it doesn't.
Want to talk it through?
A care coordinator will call you within 2 business days. Real human, no scripts, no obligation.
Get started