A NETWORK of care finders to provide face-to-face support for people accessing aged care services will be established across Gippsland.
In response to a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the federal government has funded Gippsland Primary Health Network to commission the care finder program, complementing the existing ways of accessing My Aged Care.
Care finder in Gippsland will be delivered by three service providers – Latrobe Community Health Service, HAAG (Housing for the Aged Action Group), and MiCare.
Gippsland PHN acting chief executive, Angela Jacob, said some older people needed extra support to navigate the aged care system and access My Aged Care.
“This could be for a number of reasons,” Mrs Jacob said.
“Some people have communication and language barriers, difficulty processing information due to cognitive decline, or they may be reluctant to engage with support including government services.
“Care finder will help people understand and access aged care services and connect with other relevant supports in their community.”
Mrs Jacob said that the care finder program targets older Australians eligible for aged care services who had one or more reasons for requiring intensive support.
“This includes people who are, or are not yet, receiving aged care services.
“Care finder assists people who don’t have family, friends, a carer, or a representative they are comfortable receiving help from and who is willing and able to help them access aged care services.
“We know there are people who need this extra support and that’s what care finder can provide.”
The details for the care finder program in Gippsland are:
Latrobe Community Health Service – delivering throughout Gippsland. Phone 1800 242 696. Email carefinders@lchs.com.au
HAAG – Housing for the Aged Action Group – referral and intake line. Phone 1300 765 178. Email intake@oldertenants.org.au
MiCare – delivering in Baw Baw and East Gippsland. Phone 0499 885 495. Email Suzanne at coombs@micare.com.au
For more details to the Gippsland PHN website at https://gphn.org.au/what-wedo/programs/programs-aged-care/
