An unbroken chain of care

Recognising the vastness of Australia together with the unique challenges faced in remote areas, in the 1920s we expanded the provision of care to regional areas.

As the 20th Century progressed, Silverchain began providing aged care services, and by 1944, the Bush Trained Nursing Society merged with Silverchain, expanding our remote nursing services to 11 outposts across Western Australia, providing vital health care to people living in isolated country areas.  

In South Australia, by 1937 the District Trained Nursing Society had also expanded to the District and Bush Trained Nursing Society providing care to more country areas, including running country hospitals in Moonta, Meningie, Tailem Bend and Maree. Our service was honored by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1965 with the addition of the word ‘Royal’ to its new title, and from then on, we became known as the Royal District Nursing Society in South Australia.

Adapting to society's needs

As society changed over the years, so did the need for in home support, and as a result in 1961 Silverchain began providing in home domestic assistance. We have always been at the forefront of research and innovation, developing new models of care, and in 1982 Silverchain became one of the first organisations in Australia to offer specialised end of life care at home. Today we have proudly been providing in home palliative care for more than 40 years.

Leading the next generation of home care

In 2011, RDNS became part of Silverchain, now known as RDNS Silverchain. The joining of two entities with the same values has built the mission driven organisation we are today. 

Building on the strength of this merger, we have expanded the provision of our care to Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, supporting more than 125,000 Australians each year. In 2024, Silverchain acquired KinCare, expanding our in home aged care services to every state in Australia.

Learn more here about our ambition to provide the best home care for all Australians.