Eumundi Voice Issue 115, 17 April 2025

SENIORS

Need help with aged care?

The Aged Care Act 2025 comes into force across Australia on 1 July 2025. It sets out a new framework for the delivery of government–funded aged care assistance at home and in residential aged care that includes quite a few changes to the administration and shape of support packages. Co–contribution payments will be assessed based on income for anyone other than full pensioners. Finding your way through the complexities and paperwork can be daunting.

If you don’t have anyone to help you navigate the system, there are organisations that can help. The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has a national team of advocates who provide free, independent and confidential support to older people receiving government–funded aged care. That support could include help with filling out application forms, advice about the different kinds of help available to you at home or talking to you about a concern you have about your aged care services. OPAN has an Aged Care Advocacy Line that will connect you with the aged care advocacy organisation in your state or territory. It runs Monday–Friday from 8am–8pm and Saturday from 10am–4pm. Call 1800 700 600. OPAN’s website has a raft of helpful information about aged care, including a self–advocacy toolkit. Visit: opan.org.au.

A useful site that aims to demystify how the aged care system works ishome.villagelocal. com.au. Founder and CEO Jim Moraitis has 20 years experience in the health care sector and offers practical advice and guidance on navigating aged care services. Visitors to the site can participate in active Q&A community conversations and learn from the experiences of others. Membership is free. Rhonda Piggott