Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Richard Colbeck (pictured above) has announced a $2.5 million funding boost to expand the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line and keep it running until 30 June 2021.
“Many vulnerable senior Australians may not have easy access to the internet or be able to readily access information about COVID-19,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Being able to pick up the phone and call someone, or receive calls from expert service providers, is proving to be very effective.”
The line received more than 5,000 inbound calls – around 27 a day – and provided more than 29,000 outbound calls – about 161 a day – between 22 April and 23 October, with the top five reasons for calls including:
- wellbeing checks
- information about COVID-19
- advice to vulnerable people
- travel restrictions
- access to new, or queries about existing, home care services
The extra funding will see the line expanded to include outbound calls to carers of people living with dementia, as well as more specific community supports for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) seniors.
The support line is a joint initiative of COTA Australia, Dementia Australia, National Seniors Australia and the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) with Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) Alliance to now join the alliance.
The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line is available on 1800 171 866, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm, except public holidays.
