Services Exercise or walking support
Exercise or walking support
Fresh air at your own pace, with a friend to keep you going.
- 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 want to keep moving, but I don't always get started.
A walk is nicer with someone beside me.
I'd like a friendly nudge on the harder days.
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 decide how far you feel like going today. Some days that's around the block; some days it's further.
Time together
You walk, you chat, you notice what's flowering. They encourage you rather than take over, because your plan says what you can do yourself.
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. People who'd like to keep moving, with a bit of company and encouragement.
- A gentle walk at your pace
- Fresh air and a change of scenery
- Company that makes it easier to keep a routine
- A friendly nudge on the days it's hard to get going
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 you like a brisk walk and a chat, or a slow stroll among the flowers, your coordinator matches your pace as well as your interests.
- 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.
Is this physiotherapy?
No. It's gentle, social activity at your own pace, such as walks and light movement you already enjoy.
What if I can only manage a short walk?
Then that's the walk. It's at your pace, and your plan says what you can do yourself, so your companion encourages you rather than taking over.
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.
Checklist2 min read
Home safety checklist
A room-by-room walk-through to help someone you love stay safe and steady at home.
Read online: Home safety checklist↓ PDF: Home safety checklist
Guide1 min read
Gentle outings and walks close to home
Easy ideas for getting out of the house, and how to plan an outing that's enjoyable at their pace.
Want to talk it through?
A care coordinator will call you within 2 business days. Real human, no scripts, no obligation.
Get started