A new $3 million federal ‘care finder’ program will help vulnerable elderly residents across Western and Far West NSW navigate the complex aged care system to access the care they need. 

Three service providers have been commissioned by the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) to implement the free-to-access program, which will help people access My Aged Care and connect with other support services in their communities. 

Social Futures, The Benevolent Society and Kirinari Community Services in conjunction with Murdi Paaki Services Ltd will provide the care finder program across specific Local Government Areas (LGAs). 

Social Futures will look after Dubbo Regional, Gilgandra, Mid-Western Regional, Narromine and Warrumbungle Shire LGAs while The Benevolent Society will implement the program in Cabonne, Forbes, Orange and Parkes LGAs. 

Kirinari Community Services will service the LGAs of Balranald, Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Cobar, Coonamble, Lachlan, Walgett, Warren, Wentworth, and the Unincorporated Far West. 

Under this program, which started in April, care finders provide specialist and intensive assistance to help older people who cannot assist themselves, and do not have a carer who can support them. They assist the person to understand and access aged care, to interact with My Aged Care, and access services or other supports in the community. 

Care finder is available for people aged 65 years and over, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older who require assistance to navigate the complex aged care system.

It may be available earlier if residents are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 45 years and over, and or people aged 50 years and over who are on a low income, homeless or at risk of being homeless. 

Linda Hayes, General Manager Service Delivery with Social Futures, told the Western Plains App that the program has already generated keen interest from seniors. 

“Our care finder team is already receiving referrals to the program from across the region and the interest so far is really encouraging. Our team is out and about speaking to GPs, hospitals, police, senior rights and advocacy agencies and community programs for seniors. 

“Our current customers are welcoming the help we can offer. Our most popular requests are assisting them to communicate with My Aged Care, connect or access local aged care services and other relevant supports in the community,” Ms Hayes said. 

A spokesperson for the WNSW PHN said care finder providers have been carefully selected to provide this service to vulnerable populations in the Western and Far West NSW region, following on from the Assistance with Care and Housing (ACH) program.  

“WNSW PHN are pleased to be working with these providers who are best placed to deliver this service,” the spokesperson said. 

“The Benevolent Society is well recognised for their range of aged care services to help older people live their best life and they are thrilled to offer the care finder service; a welcome initiative to help older people access the care support they need.  

“Our providers understand that age is no barrier to living an active and independent life, but sometimes support is needed to make the most of every opportunity,” the spokesperson said. 

Social Futures has also been very active in the community for a long period, and has delivered services and developed its community networks across Western NSW since 2017.  

“[We are a] community service organisation with 47 years' experience working to achieve positive social change in our communities. First as a Partner in Community for NDIS, and more recently through StandBy Support After Suicide, and now care finder services,” Ms Hayes said. 

“Our care finder team are centrally managed from our Dubbo office, however, are on the road daily to help our senior community members connect with their community. 

The importance of connecting with elderly residents in Western and Far Western NSW is a priority for the WNSW PHN, which encourages older Australians to reach out to the care finder service provider in their town to get direct assistance to access aged care.  

“We believe people in our communities are in need of this service now and our providers are ready to assist. Older Australians can ask for help from a friend, neighbour, hairdresser, or anyone close to make the call on their behalf,” the spokesperson said. 

WNSW PHN CEO, Andrew Coe, said the program is vital to ensure the vast region’s elderly residents are accessing the right care at the right place at the right time. 

“Whether people are experiencing communication or language barriers, they may even be reluctant to seek support, or they may already be accessing services, our care finders assist people to access the aged care services and support they need.” 

Mr Coe added, “We’re also extremely keen to hear from friends and neighbours who have concerns about any elderly individual in our region who could be accessing care and support.” 

Referrals into the program are being accepted now by the three commissioned service providers, and the program is completely free to access.