Free counselling offered to Seniors via the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line

Good news for seniors seeking support during the pandemic and recovery.

National Seniors will continue to offer free counselling through the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line until 30 June 2021 after a federal government commitment to fund the vital service.

The Support Line enables seniors to pick up the phone and talk to qualified people and obtain important information. The service will now include outbound calls to carers of people living with dementia, as well as more specific community supports for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) seniors.

The $2.5 Million extension ensures National Seniors and partnering advocacy organisations can continue to service older Australians who face risks because of COVID-19, including social isolation and loneliness.

Call the Support Line: 1800  171  866 to get free help

As detailed by National Seniors article, between 22 April and 23 October 2020 the support line received more than 5,000 inbound calls and provided more than 29,000 outbound calls.

The top five reasons for calls included:

wellbeing checks
information about COVID-19
advice to vulnerable people
travel restrictions
access to new, or queries about existing, home care services

Senior Australians who would like information and support are encouraged to contact the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line on 1800 171 866, Monday to Friday between 8:30am to 6pm (except public holidays).

The support service is a joint initiative of National Seniors Australia, COTA Australia, Dementia Australia and the Older Persons Advocacy Network. The expansion of the service will also include support from the Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) Alliance.

Article first published by National Seniors Australia, COVID-19 Support Line gets booster on 17 December 2020. Read article here