Older Persons Advocacy Network

Do you need support with your aged care services? The Aged Care Advocacy Line (1800 700 600) will be closed on all national public holidays, with limited services offered between Christmas and New Year. The network will resume full operating services from 2 January 2024.

Have you read News for You? Our regular print newsletter addresses the residential aged care experience from the point of view of those who live there. It includes practical information and helpful tips as well as fun puzzles. In Issue 11, we explore why it’s important for older people to have a say in the decisions that affect them. We also offer some tips on how to help older people with dementia or other cognitive conditions better express their needs and wishes. Check out your state/territory electronic version on our website https://lnkd.in/gmQzetuX

Graeme didn’t know where the money in his Home Care Package was being spent. 'I was paying all this money and wasn’t getting anything for it.' Heidri, one of our specialist financial advocacy officers, was able to help Graeme untangle issues about how his package was being managed. Call the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600 for information or support in relation to your aged care costs.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) can assist you with free and confidential support and advocacy for government-funded aged care services.  Chat with us by calling the Aged Care Advocacy Line 1800 700 600 or visit opan.org.au  

Australian government-funded aged care is available to people aged 65 or older. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people become eligible at 50. Aged care is not always residential care. Services range from basic supports to help people stay at home, through to full-time residential care. To access any government-funded aged care service, you need to contact My Aged Care. Whether you need short-term help to manage an unexpected health issue or round-the-clock care, there is an option to suit your needs. For more information, visit our website https://lnkd.in/gTqEGaEn. If you would like additional support, call the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600.

If you are having issues around visiting an older person in residential aged care this festive season, our advocates can support you. Information on visitation rights can also be found on OPAN’s visitor access website. https://lnkd.in/gqHA3ENp Our Aged Care Advocacy Line will be closed on all national public holidays, with limited services offered between Christmas and New Year. The network will resume full operating services from 2 January 2024.

The December issue of OPAN's monthly newsletter, The National Advocate, is out now! Read it on our website and subscribe now to: 📨Hear directly from our CEO, Craig Gear OAM 📣Find out about OPAN's latest projects 🧑🏽🏫Enrol in OPAN's education/training programs 📋 Access resources to help you get the most out of your aged care. https://lnkd.in/gmQzetuX

OPAN will continue to work through the new Aged Care Act's subordinate legislation, or rules, to ensure aged care is fair and equitable for all older people. Our submission on funding for the Support at Home program contains 26 recommendations, many of which address such issues. Read the submission on our website: https://lnkd.in/gCyUn28A

Talk to Us First is a short, self-paced training module that covers the rights of older people seeking or receiving government-funded aged care services and the role advocates play in resolving issues and concerns. To enrol, visit: https://lnkd.in/gdEPw9Zj

Feelings of loneliness and isolation can be exacerbated during the festive season when regular activities are put on hold. We asked 3 members of OPAN’s National Older Persons Reference Group for their tips on staying connected and enjoying periods of solitude. Read the story on our website:  https://lnkd.in/g9DxTnVJ