July 31, 2023
The launch of a free service to link vulnerable seniors with essential services like aged care, health and social services has received strong support.
Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia (ADA Australia) chief executive Geoff Rowe said ADA Link had already signed up 70 clients in the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network area during its first weeks of operation.
Fifteen of these are in the South Burnett.
“If anything, we’ve been a little bit overwhelmed with the number of people who have already started knocking on our door and seeking access to the service,’’ Mr Rowe said.
“It shows there is a latent demand there.’’
ADA Link is part of the government’s national care finder scheme.
The free service connects vulnerable seniors to essential support to break down the complexity that confronts many people as they seek to navigate the aged care system.
ADA Link operates on a referral basis where members of the community, or organisations can refer a senior who they believe could benefit from support.
The organisation then works with the person through face-to-face contact to connect them to local services in aged care, health, or the social sector.
Mr Rowe said ADA Australia had someone in Kingaroy who knew the community and could provide assistance.
“We know for many older people that face-to-face conversation is their preference. It is the most effective way to connect with older people,’’ he said.
The national care finder program was developed in response to the Aged Care Royal Commission’s findings that many older people found navigating Australia’s aged care system complex and
confusing.
- Related article: Free Service To Support Seniors
