A critical support service designed to help vulnerable older people navigate the notoriously complex aged care system has been extended for another four years across the NSW North Coast, backed by nearly $14 million in federal funding.
The care finder program was established in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care, which highlighted that the system was often too challenging for individuals to access on their own. The free service provides one-on-one support, helping people navigate My Aged Care, find local providers and complete overwhelming paperwork.
With wide-sweeping aged care reforms set to commence on 1 November, the program has been identified as an essential element of the new system. Following a competitive tender process, Healthy North Coast has commissioned Footprints Community and Each to deliver the service until 2029.
The providers, who have been operating the service for the past two years, say they have seen the program’s impact firsthand.
“We see the difference it makes when someone has a care finder by their side – when forms become less overwhelming, when connections to housing or health services are finally made, and when dignity and independence are restored,” said Each CEO Natalie Sullivan.
Tanya Bell, CEO of Footprints Community, added that their team will continue to assist older people “to connect and navigate often complex support systems and services during what tends to be times of high stress in their lives.”
Local MP for Richmond, Justine Elliot, called the program “vitally important” for the community. “For so many in our community, accessing aged care services can be challenging,” Elliot said.
Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler confirmed the importance of the providers’ local expertise. “The ageing population in our region means it’s essential that all older people can access care and services,” Wheeler said. “Part of Healthy North Coast’s ageing strategy is to ensure no one gets left behind.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
