Good Shepherd Aged Services was developed as an extension of the commitment of the Sisters to support and care for Sisters and other women who have lived as part of the Good Shepherd network for many years. As the girls became of age they were assisted into the community. A number of women elected to stay within the Good Shepherd community and have been cared for by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd since they were infants. A significant majority of the orphaned girls had some form of intellectual disability. For this group of women the combination of early life disabilities and/or other disadvantages with more recent ageing related issues create extensive and complex care needs which are unique and generally not well understood or addressed by mainstream aged or disability fields.

• Sisters of the Good Shepherd Website

Abbotsford convent infirmary - circa 1965

Good Shepherd Aged Services continues to provide for and support residential care for women who have lived within the Good Shepherd network for many years. As these women have become older, some have developed other care needs related to ageing, including increased physical frailty, dementia, sensory losses and palliative care. Community houses were initially established, and as the women and Sisters became elderly a number of residential aged care facilities were established in the 1970’s; which is now Good Shepherd Aged Services. In-conjunction an outreach program continues to provide support for a small number of women who have been part of the Good Shepherd network for many years. Over the past 15 years these women moved from Good Shepherd community hostels to independent living situations supported by staff at the former Virginia Court program.

Related to Philosophy and Mission, Good Shepherd Aged Services focuses on providing care for people with demonstrated greatest need. Admission policies ensure that preference is given to those who are socially/financially disadvantaged, marginalised or have the greatest difficulty accessing appropriate care.

The residential aged care facilities are located at Abbotsford (Nursing Home: 49 beds, Abbotsford Hostel 35 beds), and Boronia (Maryville Hostel 58 beds) and employs approximately 100 staff members.

Good Shepherd Aged Services operates within legislated acts of parliament pertaining to residential aged care services; primarily Aged Act and Aged Care Principles 1997.

All Good Shepherd Aged Services are required to be Accredited with the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency to maintain quality of care and ongoing Federal Government funding.