National Seniors Australia has welcomed the Minister for Aged Care’s announcement today that the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line will be extended until June 30 next year.
National Seniors Chief Executive, Professor John McCallum said the investment of $2.5 million from the Federal Government would enable National Seniors Australia – and other advocacy and support groups for seniors – to continue their vital work in assisting Australia’s most vulnerable people through the ongoing pandemic.
Professor McCallum said the support line had proven to be effective in reaching out to older Australians at a time of need.
“As the Minister has pointed out, the support line has received more than 5,000 inbound calls between April and October and made more than 29,000 outbound calls over the same period,” Professor McCallum said.
“We’re also proud of the government’s announcement the service will be extended to carers of people with dementia and older Australians from Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.”
Professor McCallum said this see the engagement of the Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) Alliance.
“On behalf of National Seniors Australia, I want to publicly thank Aged Care Minister, Senator Richard Colbeck and the federal government for the support National Seniors and other organisations have received since this initiative began,” he said.
The Older Persons COVID 19 Support Line is a joint initiative of National Seniors Australia, Council on the Ageing (COTA), Dementia Australia and the Older Persons Advocacy Network and is funded by the federal government.
Older Australians who need more information or are concerned about the pandemic and need to talk to someone should call 1800 171 866.
