Support for seniors and people with disability
During the COVID-19 pandemic there are a range of support services and information available to seniors and people with disability.
Apply for essential services
The City of Swan is committed to supporting our community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We can offer help and advice for vulnerable members of the community regarding essential support services. Seniors can apply for support including grocery shopping, meals and transport to medical appointments. Please complete this form to start the process. City of Swan's Community Care Services team will then contact you to discuss what support options we can provide.
Alzheimer's WA
Alzheimer’s WA has developed a range of resources with advice and activities for families and carers of people living with dementia who may be self-isolating.
Australia Post Pharmacy Home Delivery
The Pharmacy Home Delivery Service assists vulnerable members of the community who may in isolation and unable to access essential medications due to COVID-19. Speak to your pharmacy to see if they are a part of this scheme or offer their own pharmacy delivery service.
Cahoots Connects
Cahoots has launched a new essentials shopping delivery service for people with disability and mental health conditions, older Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Customers only pay for the goods purchased. Orders placed before 12pm will be delivered to you next day. Visit Cahoots Connects or call 1300 103 880.
Carer Gateway Service
Carer Gateway are working closely with service providers to ensure they have business continuity plans in place to manage and respond appropriately to the impact of COVID-19. In some cases where in-person services are not possible, service providers will aim to find alternative supports for carers. Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 from Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm (AEDT).
Council of the Ageing (COTA)
COTA Australia has developed a website to make sure older people are getting clear and consistent information.
Department of Health
The Department of Health has developed an information sheet for older Australians, their family and friends on how to support seniors from the spread of COVID-19. This can be downloaded by visiting the Department of Health website.
Every Australian Counts
Every Australian Counts has collected as much information as possible for people with disability, their families and carers all in one place. The webpage will be updated daily to make sure everyone in the Every Australian Counts community has the info they need at their fingertips.
Healthdirect
The Federal Government’s Healthdirect is an essential resource for older Australians who have concerns or questions about COVID-19, including information on:
- Additional healthcare services and how to access them.
- Home Care Packages.
- How to remain in contact with friends, family and relatives.
My Aged Care
My Aged Care is the starting point to access Australian Government funded aged care services.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Service providers and participants can access information about the NDIS's response to COVID-19 via the NDIS website.
Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line - 1800 171 866
Older people are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, but may be less connected to the internet and needing another way to access information for their circumstances. The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line provides information and support. Older Australians, their families, friends and carers can call 1800 171 866 (freecall).
Retirees
There is a temporary reduction to minimum drawdown requirements for accounts-based pension. Find out more at Treasury.gov.au/coronavirus.
Red Cross
Red Cross' volunteer-run telecross service offers daily wellbeing check-ups to seniors.
Coles/Woolworths Community Hour
Woolworth and Coles stores are open from 7am-8am every day for seniors and people with a disability.
Woolworths Priority Assistance/Coles Online Priority Service
To ensure vulnerable customers in the community have access to home delivery services at this time, both Coles and Woolworths are providing a priority services with dedicated delivery windows. Eligible customers include seniors, people with a disability and those with compromised immunity or who are required to self isolate.
NDIS Priority Home Delivery Services
Available to all NDIS participants to have priority access to home delivery services from supermarkets. Visit www.ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110 to request a unique home delivery access code.
National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline
A free, independent and confidential service for reporting abuse and neglect of people with disability. Anyone can call including family members, friends, service providers or a person with disability. Call 1800 880 052 or email hotline@workfocus.com
Advocare
Supports and protects the rights of older people in Western Australia through information, advocacy and education. They assist older people to understand their rights, resolve any issues with aged and community care service provision, and access the right supports and protections available. Visit www.advocare.org.au or call 9479 7566 or on the WA Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 724 679.