Care finder program caring for Western NSW’s vulnerable elderly residents
Elderly residents in Western NSW are receiving additional support to access the care they need through the Australian Government’s ‘care finder’ program.
Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) has been granted $3million under the program to commission service providers that will help people understand and navigate the complex aged care system. The ‘care finder’ program will support people accessing My Aged Care and connect with other relevant supports in their community.
WNSW PHN CEO, Andrew Coe, says the program is vital to ensure our vast region’s elderly residents are accessing the right care at the right place at the right time.
“Whether people are experiencing communication or language barriers, they may even be reluctant to seek support, or they may already be accessing services, our care finders assist people to access the aged care services and support they need.”
Mr Coe added, “We’re also extremely keen to hear from friends and neighbours who have concerns about any elderly individual in our region who could be accessing care and support.”
Care finders provide specialist and intensive assistance to help older people who cannot assist themselves, and do not have a carer who can support them. They assist the person to understand and access aged care, to interact with My Aged Care and access services or other supports in the community.
WNSW PHN has commissioned Kirinari Community Services Ltd in conjunction with Murdi Paaki Services Ltd, Social Futures and The Benevolent Society, to provide the ‘care finder’ program across specific Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Dubbo Regional, Gilgandra, Mid - Western Regional, Narromine and Warrumbungle Shire LGAs are serviced by Social Futures. The LGAs of Cabonne, Forbes, Orange and Parkes are serviced by The Benevolent Society.
Kirinari Community Services is servicing the LGAs of Balranald, Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Cobar, Coonamble, Lachlan, Walgett, Warren, Wentworth, Unincorporated Far West and the additional LGAs of Bathurst Regional, Blayney, Cowra, Oberon and Weddin.
Referrals into the program are being accepted now. The ‘care finder’ program is completely free to access.
More information regarding the ‘care finder’ program can be found by contacting:
Kirinari Community Services on 1300 547 462;
Social Futures on 1800 719 625;
or The Benevolent Society on 1800 236 762.