Navigating the complex Aged Care system made simpler through a dedicated phone service
Unraveling the Aged Care Maze with COTA's Helpline
Welcome to Australia's Aged Care labyrinth, a confusing maze of policies and procedures that could leave even the most seasoned navigator lost! Fear not, the Council on the Ageing NSW (COTA) recently unveiled a lifeline to help ease you through this complex system.
This new telephone service endeavors to:
- Clarify the workings of the Aged Care system
- Guide you in arranging home or residential care
- Explain your contributions to the costs associated with your chosen service
The service can also lend a hand in:
- Finding local services near you
- Mastering the My Aged Care website
- Completing essential forms
COTA's service is part of the Aged Care Navigators Trial, a project testing various approaches to assist people in accessing aged care services. COTA Australia leads this trio, with backing from the Australian Government.
Dial 8268 9601, 0438 431 817, or shoot them a text if you need assistance between 9 am and 4:30 pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays. If you don't happen to catch them, simply leave a message, and they'll call you back. You can also send an email to [email protected] for assistance, or if you prefer video calls, COTA can connect you with their 'Navigating the Aged Care System' presentation via Zoom. For Cantonese and Mandarin speakers, assistance is available upon request.
Recently, COTA and Parkinson's NSW teamed up to offer a free video presenting the secrets to navigating the Aged Care System to individuals living with Parkinson's and their care partners.
Navigators, as part of various support services, play an essential role in guiding you through aged care labyrinths. Providing advice on needs, options, and service connections, these services are lifesavers for those new to the system or struggling with understanding their choices. COTA, as an organization advocating for older Australians, is an ideal candidate to lead initiatives like the Aged Care Navigators Trial, striving to make aged care services more accessible and easier to understand.
This new COTA helpline, part of the Aged Care Navigators Trial, can help you navigate the complexities of the Aged Care system, explaining your options for home or residential care and the costs associated with them. Additionally, the service can guide you in finding local health-and-wellness services, Mastering the My Aged Care website, and completing essential forms, while also offering resources for mental-health issues prevalent in aging individuals.
