21 July 2020
There are a number of Australian Government-funded services available to support senior Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the support available includes:
- Telehealth appointments with their GP rather than face-to-face appointments.
- Delivery of prescriptions through their pharmacy.
- The new Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line provides information, support and connection Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm on 1800 171 866.
- People over the age of 65 can access prepared meals or priority online and telephone grocery shopping. They can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 from Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm.
- The Community Visitors Scheme is available for people feeling isolated and would benefit from friendship and companionship. Visit www.health.gov.au/cvs for more information.
- The FriendLine is for anyone who needs to reconnect or just wants a chat on 1800 424 287. All conversations with FriendLine are casual and anonymous and friendly volunteers are ready to talk about anything and everything.
If you would like further information about support services available or about COVID-19, visit the Department of Health website.