Support Services
Aged Care Services
If you are 65 years and over (or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) and need some help around the house or think it’s time to look into aged care homes, contact My Aged Care to access government funded aged care services - Phone: 1800 200 422.
Financial Supports and Discounts
Living on a limited retirement income can be challenging for many older people. A number of government agencies offer discounts, concessions and financial supports to assist older people with the cost of living. Eligibility requirements will vary.
Services Australia
Contact Services Australia for information on payments and services for people retiring or accessing aged care and help for people who care for older Australians - Phone: 132 468. Services Australia near us is located: Shop 110C Stockland Shellharbour 211 Lake Entrance Road, Shellharbour NSW 2529.
Service NSW
Service NSW Savings Finder program is helping reduce the cost of living with more than 70 rebates and vouchers. Click on the link to find out more about the Savings Finder program. Phone: 137 788. Service NSW offices near us are located at: 64 Shoalhaven St, Kiama NSW 2533 131-137 King St, Warrawong NSW 2502.
Abuse of Older People
Everyone has the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity and respect in their own home and in the community. Contact the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 22 if you have any concerns about your own wellbeing or of any older person or adult with a disability who you suspect is being abused or mistreated by someone they know in their home or in the community.
More Places to get Help
The Ageing and Disability Commission will take every effort to help you. These other agencies may also help if you need to raise issues about the NDIS, an aged care plan, a health care provider, there are concerns about family and domestic violence or someone is being discriminated against because of their age or disability.
These include:
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission | Responds to complaints aboutthe conduct of an NDIS service provider. | 1800 035 544 |
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission | Responds to complaints about aged care facilities, respite, daycare and support services delivered in the home. | 1800 951 822 |
NSW Health Care Complaints Commission | Responds to complaints about health service providers in NSW. | 1800 043 159 |
NSW Domestic Violence Line | 24/7 support for domestic. Family or intimate violence in NSW. | 1800 656 463 |
Anti-Discrimination NSW | Responds to enquiries and complaints about discrimination in NSW | 1800 670 812 |
Older Person Advocacy Network (OPAN) | Helps older people to understand and exercise their rights, access age care services and solve aged care problems | 1800 700 600 |
Prevention of Older Person Abuse (POPA) Network Illawarra/Shoalhaven
Council supports the Prevention of Older Person Abuse (POPA) Network Illawarra/Shoalhaven.
The Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra provides 'Listen and Download' resources about elder abuse and can viewed via their resources webpage.
End of life
Contact details to plan for end-of-life care:
Services NSW | These guides provide a checklist of the various tasks and documents involved in planning for end of life, including where you can get professional help. | Planning for end of life | NSW Government 137 788 |
Services Australia | Provides information on what to prepare for end of life and what you need to do when someone dies. Payments, information and help for grieving family members |