{"id":12375,"date":"2021-08-04T18:37:32","date_gmt":"2021-08-04T18:37:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/?p=12375"},"modified":"2021-08-04T18:37:32","modified_gmt":"2021-08-04T18:37:32","slug":"support-for-senior-australians-as-covid-19-restrictions-continue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/2021\/08\/04\/support-for-senior-australians-as-covid-19-restrictions-continue\/","title":{"rendered":"Support for senior Australians as COVID-19 restrictions continue"},"content":{"rendered":"

Senior Australians affected by ongoing lockdowns can access vital support services to ensure they stay socially connected and maintain their health.
\nMinister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said it was important older Australians and their families – particularly those living across hardest-hit local government areas in New South Wales and South East Queensland – understood what was available.
\n\u201cChallenges remain for senior and vulnerable Australians as we continue to navigate the impact of the pandemic, particularly the effect of the Delta strain,\u201d Minister Colbeck said.
\n\u201cStaying connected and healthy has never been more important.
\n\u201cAged care services remain open and available to those who need them, especially for isolated Australians.\u201d
\nThe Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line (1800 171 866) is an important first step for any older Australians who need support or assistance.
\nAdditionally, Australian Government has provided the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) with $4.3 million to help deliver education, information and advocacy services for senior Australians and their families.
\nThis extends to making information accessible for residential aged care residents and their families in areas most affected by lockdowns.
\nOPAN also offers a Wellbeing Check service to ensure the provision of emotional or social support, particularly for those people who have reduced or cancelled home care services due to pandemic concerns.
\nIt is available to both Home Care Package or Commonwealth Home Support program recipients.
\n\u201cWe know due to concerns about COVID-19, some senior Australians have reduced or cancelled their in-home aged care services,\u201d Minister Colbeck said.
\n\u201cWe want to ensure people have the best information when making these decisions, as reduction of services may negatively impact health and wellbeing.\u201d
\nMinister Colbeck said vaccination remained the key defence against COVID-19.
\nAlmost 80 per cent of senior Australians aged 70 years and over have received a first dose COVID-19 vaccine, which demonstrates strong demand.
\nIn addition, more than 86 per cent of people of any age in residential aged care have received their first dose and 83 per cent are fully vaccinated.
\n\u201cVaccination is the best protection against hospitalisation and death due to COVID-19,\u201d Minister Colbeck said.\u00a0 \u201cJabs can now be arranged through your GP, Commonwealth vaccination clinic or state and territory run vaccination clinics.\u201d
\nFor senior Australians with mobility issues, it is encouraged that you contact your GP to discuss the possibility of a home visit to receive your vaccination.
\nThe Government continues to strongly encourage all in\u2011home and community aged care workers to get vaccinated.
\nSenior Australian COVID-19 support numbers and advocacy supports<\/strong><\/p>\n