MEDIA RELEASE
Minister for Ageing, the Hon. Ken Wyatt today in Perth, launched the Aged Care System Navigator Trials in Perth to break downs barriers experienced by older Australians.
Ronda Held CEO of Council on Ageing Victoria (COTA Vic.) said, “The aged care system can be complex and difficult to navigate and a significant number of people are not gaining effective access through existing channels.”
“This can lead to considerable stress for people and their families as they try to navigate a complex web of information at what is usually an emotional and demanding time.“
Ms Held said, “the Aged Care System Navigator Trials will assist people who need additional support to understand, choose and access aged care services.
This may be through an information session, help with filling a form, or talking one to one with someone about your individual needs”
“These “Navigator Trials” will provide important touch point for many partners and families who are directly involved in assisting their elderly partners or parents access aged care services and provide a positive e current system.”
“The focus will be on people who face barriers to accessing aged care services and who are vulnerable and also on people needing to access aged care services for the first time.
A consortium of 31 consumer-focused organisations, led by COTA Australia will deliver the Aged Care System Navigators Trials nationally.
62 trials will be delivered across Australia (totalling 32 information hubs, 21 community hubs and 9 specialist support workers trials in specific locations).
The trials will be delivered in all states and territories, including a mix of regional, rural and metropolitan locations.
COTA Victoria will provide a state-wide telephone call-back service where trained and experienced volunteers can assist people to find the right aged care services for them and assist them to register with My Aged Care.
COTA Victoria will also support an Information Hub in the City of Greater Dandenong that will reach out to people whose first language is not English, to provide information about the services available and how to access them. Assistance will be provided by bi-lingual volunteers.
A Community Hub based at the Outlook Community House in Pakenham will reach out to people in the areas of Casey and Cardinia, including through the ten Older Men: New Ideas (OM:NI) discussion groups that run in those areas. The focus of the Community Hubs is on both information and also Healthy Ageing.
For information about these services you can contact COTA Victoria on 1300 13 50 90 or visit our website cotavic.org.au.
COTA Victoria is the leading not-for-profit organisation representing the interests and rights of people aged over 50 in Victoria. For nearly 70 years in Victoria, we have led government, corporate and community thinking about the positive aspects of ageing.
Today our focus is on promoting the opportunities and protecting the rights of people 50+.