Ambulance Wish SA launches 6-Month aged care pilot partnership with Eldercare
The Ambulance Wish SA program is proud to announce the commencement of a six-month pilot partnership with Eldercare, beginning this week.
Ambulance Wish SA fulfills special wishes and creates lasting memories for South Australians living with a life-limiting condition. Launched in May 2024 and led by Palliative Care SA in collaboration with St John Ambulance SA and Flinders University, the program has quickly garnered strong interest—particularly from the aged care sector—leading to the development of this aged care-focused pilot model.
The pilot launch beautifully aligned with Mother’s Day. In a heartfelt collective wish, three residents expressed their desire to celebrate and share stories with their loved ones. The Ambulance Wish SA volunteer team visited the aged care facility the Monday before Mother’s Day, accompanied by a photographer, videographer, and a volunteer wish storyteller. Together, they captured special moments filled with laughter, memories, and love. Each Wish Recipient received a bespoke Mother’s Day gift: a photo book featuring family stories and a personalised short video.
Ambulance Wish SA fulfills wishes in several ways—by transporting recipients to their dream locations in a specially equipped Wish Ambulance, bringing experiences to them, or hosting collective onsite wishes, as was the case for this pilot launch.
“The joy shared by the residents, staff, and volunteers during the Mother’s Day memory wish was palpable,” said Adjunct Associate Professor Shyla Mills, CEO of Palliative Care SA. “We’ve already received positive feedback and are excited to fulfil many more wishes throughout this pilot with Eldercare. We hope the community and corporates show their support by donating, fundraising and sponsoring wishes to help us grow our Ambulance Wish SA charity program into the aged care space”
Ms Jane Pickering, CE of Eldercare shared “We are incredibly grateful for the partnership with Ambulance Wish SA. This program has brought so much joy, and meaningful experiences to our residents, their families, and our staff. The opportunity to fulfill these wishes and create lasting memories is truly invaluable.”
Each Ambulance Wish is provided free of charge to recipients and their families. However, the average cost of delivering a wish—including planning, transport, clinical support, and professional photography—is approximately $2,000. Donations, fundraisers, and corporate sponsorships are welcomed to help make more wishes come true.
Watch the launch video HERE
To learn more or support the program, visit: https://ambulancewishsa.org.au
