Elder Rights Advocacy

🌟 Making Connections, Changing Lives 🌟 Meet Jane O'Brien, a passionate advocate for older Australians experiencing loneliness. As part of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, Jane works tirelessly to connect compassionate volunteers with older individuals in need of companionship and support. Through her efforts in the Hume region, Jane has seen firsthand the profound impact of regular social visits. Volunteers, often forming lasting bonds with their matched older person, provide much-needed emotional support and break down the barriers of isolation that many face. These connections help improve the quality of life for those who may feel forgotten or alone. Whether it’s sharing stories, enjoying a cup of tea, or simply offering a listening ear, the impact is undeniable. Volunteers like those Jane works with bring not just joy, but also a sense of purpose. It's a mutual relationship where both the volunteer and the older person gain something meaningful - whether it's companionship, a sense of community, or newfound friendships. Jane's work is about more than just reducing loneliness; it’s about nurturing human connection, ensuring every older person feels valued and supported. The Hume region is in urgent need of more volunteers to provide regular companionship to those in need. If you're looking to make a positive difference and help reduce loneliness in our community, consider becoming a volunteer today. Your support can truly transform lives. 💛 Contact us on 1800 022 887 to find out how you can make a lasting impact. Photo: Kurt Hickling, Wangaratta Chronicle, #AgedCareVolunteerVisitorsScheme #ElderRightsAdvocacy #EndLoneliness #MakingADifference #CommunitySupport #OlderAustralians #GiveBack

📢 Elder Rights Advocacy Collaborates with IHACPA on Support at Home Pricing for 2025–26 📢 We are honoured to be invited to contribute to the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority’s (IHACPA) pricing approach for the upcoming Support at Home program. Launching in July 2025, this program is set to make home care more affordable and responsive to the unique needs of older Australians. Our advocates’ grassroots experience positions ERA as a trusted voice in helping to establish a fair, impactful pricing structure. Here’s more about IHACPA’s expanded role and why our involvement matters: 🔹 IHACPA’s Evolving Role: Primarily recognised for its work in public hospital pricing, IHACPA is now taking on a vital advisory role in aged care pricing. With a commitment to transparency, IHACPA conducts annual consultations to shape its pricing frameworks. 🔹 Support at Home Program: Part of the new Aged Care Bill 2024 reforms, Support at Home will introduce unit-based services to assist older Australians at home. Initial pricing advice will be provided by IHACPA by February 2025, ahead of the program’s July launch. We look forward to supporting this significant step towards affordable, high-quality care at home. 📢 Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA) Collaborates with IHACPA on Support at Home Pricing for 2025–26.

🌟 Celebrating International Volunteer Day 🌟 Today, we celebrate and thank the amazing volunteers who contribute so much time, passion and energy to ERA. To our Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) volunteers: Your dedication brings comfort, connection and joy to older Victorians every day. You’re not just visitors—you’re lifelines, friends and champions of dignity and respect. Our heartfelt gratitude also extends to the Elder Rights Advocacy Board, whose invaluable volunteer leadership helps shape the direction of our organisation. Your vision and guidance are fundamental to the impact we achieve together. Thank you for being the heart of ERA and for your unwavering commitment to making a difference. We couldn’t do it without you! Let’s celebrate the power of volunteering and the transformative change it brings. 💙 If you would like to join our volunteer team register your interest at https://lnkd.in/gfjzzy93 #InternationalVolunteerDay #ThankYouVolunteers #ACVVS #ElderRightsAdvocacy #MakingADifference

📢 Reminder for Aged Care Workers: Plan Ahead for OPAN Diversity Training in 2025! Start the year strong by securing your spot in OPAN’s Diversity Training workshops! These sessions are designed to help aged care workers embrace inclusion, celebrate diversity, and provide exceptional support to all older Australians. Workshops are available across multiple locations, featuring two in-person sessions followed by a short online session for added flexibility: 🗓️ Dandenong: 19 - 20 February 2025 🗓️ Preston: 26 - 27 February 2025 🗓️ Wangaratta: 5 - 6 March 2025 🗓️ Frankston: 12 - 13 March 2025 Whether you're a manager, carer, or part of an aged care team, this training is a great opportunity to align with the Aged Care Quality Standards and foster meaningful inclusion. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Small Changes, Big Impact: Learn how even minor adjustments can bring about significant positive shifts. 🔹 Whole Organisation Engagement: From board members to volunteers, diversity is everyone’s responsibility. 🔹 Local, Evidence-Based Resources: Use tailored tools reflecting your community’s needs. 🔹 Overcoming Barriers: Identify challenges and demonstrate commitment to the Aged Care Quality Standards. ✅ Plan early to make the most of this valuable program! Find out more and secure your spot here: https://lnkd.in/g9uip7Bp For further details, reach out to Liam, our ERA Diversity Engagement Officer, at 1800 700 600. Let’s create more inclusive and supportive environments for all older Australians. #DiversityInAgedCare #PlanningForDiversity #DoncasterAgedCare #ERA #OPAN #InclusionMatters

🌍 Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, launching the United Nations UNiTE campaign which is 16 days of activism from Nov 25 - Dec 10. This global movement calls for action to end violence against women. In 2024, the campaign highlights a stark reality: Every 10 minutes, a woman (regardless of age) is killed. #NoExcuse. At ERA, we stand committed to breaking the silence that surrounds elder abuse, which often contributes to its persistence. By raising awareness, promoting strong reporting systems, and advocating for change, we are united in the fight to eliminate all forms of violence against women - especially older women who are too often overlooked. 🔴 Together, we can break the cycle of abuse and build a safer future for women of all ages. Let's continue to educate, advocate, and eliminate violence in all its forms. #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #NoExcuse #UNiTE #16DaysOfActivism #ElderAbuseAwareness #SupportAndProtect #ERA #StopTheAbuse #HumanRightsDay

Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA), as the Victorian member of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), congratulate OPAN CEO, Craig Gear, on his appointment to the newly formed Aged Care Transition Taskforce.   We are pleased to see that there will be network representation on the taskforce. The OPAN network promotes the human rights of all older Australians and advocates for their voice to be heard on aged care issues that affect the quality of their lives.   The Transition Taskforce will help providers manage implementation of the new Aged Care Act from 1 July 2025, pending parliamentary passage.   Read the full media release here:  https://lnkd.in/gBFYBrNb #AgedCare #HumanRights #OPAN #AdvocacyMatters

🌟 Need support ensuring your aged care rights are heard? 🌟 Elder Rights Advocacy is here to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are respected in aged care. Our professional advocates are ready to support you every step of the way, ensuring your care meets your needs. We can assist you in: ✔️ Addressing concerns or complaints about your care ✔️ Clarifying fees and charges ✔️ Resolving issues with service providers ✔️ Navigating the aged care system to access the right services and maintain your independence at home Our advocacy services are free, confidential, and completely independent of both the government and aged care providers. For support or more information, call our Aged Care Advocacy Line at 1800 700 600 or visit our website: https://lnkd.in/g2Tb_KeR #AgedCareSupport #AdvocacyMatters #ElderRights #IndependentSupport

🌟 Upcoming OPAN Diversity Training Events 🌟 Aged Care Providers in the Melbourne Metro and Gippsland regions – have you registered for the Planning for Diversity Workshops yet? These sessions are a must for services aiming to enhance diversity across all areas, not just cultural factors. 🗓️ Doncaster Workshop Dates: Wednesday 13th and 14th November 🗓️ Maribyrnong Workshop Dates: Wednesday 20th and 21st November 🗓️ Moe Workshop Dates: Wednesday 27th and 28th November Key Takeaways: 🔹 Small Changes, Big Impact: Learn how even minor adjustments can bring about significant positive shifts. 🔹 Whole Organisation Engagement: From board members to volunteers, diversity is everyone’s responsibility. 🔹 Local, Evidence-Based Resources: Use tailored tools reflecting your community’s needs. 🔹 Overcoming Barriers: Identify challenges and demonstrate commitment to the Aged Care Quality Standards. There’s still time to register! Find out more and secure your spot here: OPAN Diversity Education Dates For further details, reach out to Liam, our ERA Diversity Engagement Officer, at 1300 700 600. Let’s create more inclusive and supportive environments for all older Australians. #DiversityInAgedCare #PlanningForDiversity #DoncasterAgedCare #ERA #OPAN Link to register: https://lnkd.in/g9uip7Bp

💙 Standing Strong Against Elder Abuse 💙 Earlier this week, the Aged Care Safety Forum at Hume City Council, hosted by Elder Rights Advocacy and Victoria Police, focused on a critical goal: safeguarding older Victorians and empowering the community to recognise and report elder abuse. This initiative is part of a broader program aiming to address the 30% rise in elder abuse cases reported over the past five years. Through our Stronger Together partnership with Victoria Police, we’re holding events across Victoria to bring together community members, police, aged care providers, families, and advocates. Our mission is to raise awareness of the rights of older people, provide clear guidance on recognising abuse, and simplify the process of reporting to ensure everyone’s safety. Sadly, one in six older Australians experience some form of elder abuse in their lifetime. It can happen to anyone’s parent, grandparent, or neighbour. By recognising the signs and knowing where to turn, we can all play a role in stopping elder abuse and supporting those affected. 📞 Need support? Contact an ERA Advocate at 1800 700 600. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). For non-urgent concerns, reach out to your local station or Crime Stoppers: 👉 https://lnkd.in/dhmbQ9n Together, let’s ensure our elders are respected, safe, and empowered. #StrongerTogether #EndElderAbuse #ElderRights #VictoriaPolice

🌟 OPAN Diversity Training Events Coming back on in Melbourne! 🌟 Aged Care Providers in the Melbourne Metro region – have you registered for the Planning for Diversity Workshops yet? These sessions are a must for services aiming to enhance diversity across all areas, not just cultural factors. 🗓️ Doncaster Workshop Dates: Wednesday 13th and 14th November 🗓️ Maribyrnong Workshop Dates: Wednesday 20th and 21st November Key Takeaways: 🔹 Small Changes, Big Impact: Learn how even minor adjustments can bring about significant positive shifts. 🔹 Whole Organisation Engagement: From board members to volunteers, diversity is everyone’s responsibility. 🔹 Local, Evidence-Based Resources: Use tailored tools reflecting your community’s needs. 🔹 Overcoming Barriers: Identify challenges and demonstrate commitment to the Aged Care Quality Standards. There’s still time to register! Find out more and secure your spot here: https://lnkd.in/g9uip7Bp For further details, reach out to Liam, our ERA Diversity Engagement Officer, at 1300 700 600. Let’s create more inclusive and supportive environments for all older Australians. #DiversityInAgedCare #PlanningForDiversity #DoncasterAgedCare #ERA #OPAN