A Government-funded ‘System Navigator’ to help older Australians to access aged care services more easily is unlikely to become operational this year with the end date for its trial pushed back until mid-year.
The Government’s web-based MyAgedCare portal has been the subject of complaints for being too difficult to use since it was launched in 2013.
As we reported here, the $7.4 million pilot program began in February 2019 in 62 locations with 31 organisations led by COTA and has been testing various models of helping people navigate the system including face-to-face, as well as additional online and telephone support.
Aged Care Services Minister Richard Colbeck told The Australian the trial had been extended to provide support while the Royal Commission was ongoing.
“The Department recognises the importance of aligning any future program design with t09he royal commission recommendations, due to be handed down in February 2021,” he said.
“The extension to the pilot will allow the outcomes of the Royal Commission to be taken into account when making decisions on how to best support people to navigate aged care and provide additional data and service delivery options that take into account the impact of COVID-19 in accessing face-to-face support.”
