A range of support is available for older Australians during the pandemic.
A new COVID-19 hotline helps older Australians to get the critical information they need to stay healthy and safe during the pandemic, providing an accessible one-stop source for personal support, questions and up-to-date guidelines. Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia, National Seniors Australia, Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and Dementia Australia have banded together, supported by the Commonwealth Government, to create the National COVID Older Persons Information Line. Older people and carers are encouraged to call 1800 171 866 to speak to friendly, specially trained staff from a senior’s advocacy organisation.
The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line provides information, support and connection to older Australians, their families, friends and carers if they:
- would like to talk with someone about the COVID-19 restrictions and its impact on them;
- are feeling lonely or are worried about a loved one;
- are caring for someone and need some information or a listening ear;
- need help or advice about changing the aged care services they are receiving;
- need help to access new care services or essential supplies such as shopping;
- are concerned about themselves, a friend or family member living with dementia; and
- would like to arrange a one-off regular wellbeing check for themselves, or someone else.
The support line is open 8.30am – 6.00pm weekdays on 1800 171 866. Health professionals can also refer people (with consent) for a call back if they are worried about the person’s decision to stop or alter their normal home care services.
The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is a free service coordinating volunteer visits to provide ongoing friendship and companionship to eligible older people who are lonely or socially isolated. With increased isolation during the pandemic, the CVS is supporting phone and virtual friendships. For anyone who would like to register to receive a visitor; refer someone to receive a visitor; or for any volunteers who would like to make a connection, visit the CVS website.
Since the beginning of the pandemic Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) providers have reported changes in the number of people accessing their usual in-home social and care-related services due to infection fears. While waiting for centre and group-based aged care programs to resume as restrictions ease, members of the healthy@home CHSP consortium on Brisbane’s Southside have responded in ways such as using online technology and providing support and follow up for clients in a range of ways. Read more at healthyathome.org.au/supporting-community-care-clients-through-the-pandemic/
