Australian Government Directory of Services for Older People 2012-2013
Managing conditions
Table of contents
Accessible cinema—helping older Australians enjoy the movies
The Accessible Cinema project has improved access to the cinema for people with hearing and vision impairments. Digital Theatre System subtitling and audio description equipment is available in a range of cinema locations across Australia. Further information and locations of accessible cinemas and scheduled screenings are available online.Website: Media Access Australia at www.yourlocalcinema.com.au
Allied health—mental health
People diagnosed with a mental disorder can access mental health services under the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) program.Under ATAPS, the Department of Health and Ageing engages Divisions of General Practice to allow GPs to refer patients with a diagnosed mental disorder to an allied health professional to provide short-term, focused psychological strategies. Fund holding arrangements are being transitioned from Divisions of General Practice to Medicare Locals as these are established and demonstrate capacity to provide mental health services.
ATAPS primarily treats common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression and complements Medicare-subsidised primary care mental health services.
People who wish to access services under ATAPS should speak to their GP or medical practice.
Website: Department of Health and Ageing at www.health.gov.au
Arthritis
Arthritis is a group of conditions characterised by inflammation of the joints, causing chronic pain, stiffness, disability and deformity. Arthritis can be caused by injury, infection, accumulated wear or auto-immunity. There are more than 100 known types of arthritis. The two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.Arthritis Australia is the peak arthritis organisation in Australia. It is a registered charity and receives some Australian Government funding. It is supported by Affiliate offices in every state and territory.
Services include:
- support and information for people with arthritis, their families and friends
- state-run Arthritis Self-Management courses and community education seminars.
You can obtain copies of these information sheets by calling the Arthritis Info Line or visiting the Arthritis Australia website.
Phone: 1800 111 101 (Arthritis Australia)
Email: Arthritis Australia
Website: Arthritis Australia at www.arthritisaustralia.com.au
Postal: Arthritis Australia
PO Box 550
Broadway NSW 2007
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Asthma Community Support Program
Asthma is a condition of the airways. One in ten people in Australia have asthma. People with asthma can experience a range of symptoms, including breathlessness (shortness of breath), wheezing, tight chest and persistent coughing. These symptoms can occur at any time, though particularly at night, or in the morning. Being breathless is not a normal part of getting older.The Community Support Program provides services including information and education for older Australians with asthma and related conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The program also provides information for the families and carers of asthma sufferers.
The Community Support Program is funded through the Australian Government’s Asthma Management Program, and delivered by Asthma Australia and state and territory Asthma Foundations. Asthma Foundations around Australia work with organisations that support older Australians to provide information about asthma.
Ask your local community group to arrange an asthma session today. Education sessions provided through the Community Support Program are free.
To arrange an education session, or to find out more about asthma, contact your local Asthma Foundation.
Phone: 1800 645 130 (your local Asthma Foundation)
Website: Asthma Australia at www.asthmaaustralia.org.au
Cancer Council
This year it is estimated that over 100,000 Australians will be told they have cancer. Cancer Councils around Australia provide support for cancer patients, people living with cancer, and their families and carers.Cancer Council Helpline provides a confidential telephone support and counselling service for the cost of a local call. When you call, you will automatically be directed to a Helpline operator in your state or territory.
Most Cancer Council support services are provided at a local level. Each state and territory Cancer Council offers a range of patient support facilities which often include:
- counselling services
- support groups and networks
- education groups, programs and information
- practical assistance
- help with accommodation.
Phone: 13 11 20 (Cancer Council Helpline)
Website: Cancer Council Australia Patient Support at www.cancer.org.au/aboutcancer/patientsupport.htm
Cancer—regional and remote areas
It is well documented that the further away Australians live from a city where they can receive multi-disciplinary cancer care, the poorer their treatment outcomes. A key priority of the Cancer Council is to improve travel and accommodation schemes for cancer patients living in rural and regional Australia. Top of page
Cancer—Indigenous Australians
Cancer is a significant cause of death in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. According to a recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report, cancer is the second leading cause of death amongst Indigenous Australians.The Cancer Council provides a range of culturally appropriate resources and support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, families and carers.
Cancer Council Helpline provides a confidential telephone support and counselling service for the cost of a local call. Health professionals can provide a guide to further information regarding prevention, treatment and the range of patient support facilities available in your local area.
Phone: 13 11 20 (Cancer Council Helpline)
Website: Cancer Council Australia at www.cancer.org.au
Cancer – non-English speaking
Information on cancer prevention, treatment and support resources is available online for patients, families and carers from non-English speaking backgrounds. Cancer Council’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Cancer Resource Directory is a new searchable directory that provides direct links to online resources.
Cancer Council Helpline provides a confidential telephone support and counselling service for the cost of a local call. When you call, you will automatically be directed to a Helpline operator in your state or territory.
In most states, the Cancer Council Helpline is available in 120 languages and dialects, through the national Translating and Interpreting Service. You can access resources such as information booklets for patients and carers in a wide range of languages.
Phone: 13 11 20 (Cancer Council Helpline)
13 14 50 (Translating and Interpreting Service)
Website: CALD Directory at www.cald.cancer.org.au
Continence Aids Payment Scheme
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) assists eligible people who have permanent and severe incontinence to meet some of the cost of continence products.To be eligible for the CAPS people must be aged five years and over and:
- have permanent and severe incontinence due directly to an eligible neurological condition; or
- have permanent and severe incontinence due to another eligible condition and have a Pensioner Concession Card, (or if they are under 16, their parent or guardian will need to have a Pensioner Concession Card).
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To apply for assistance under CAPS, you will need to complete a CAPS Application Form. This includes a health report completed by an appropriate health professional such as a GP or continence nurse.
You can obtain an application form from the National Continence Helpline, or download one from the website below.
(Refer also to Incontinence further on in this section).
Phone: 13 20 11 Select General Enquiries (Medicare services)
1800 330 066 (National Continence Helpline)
Email: Department of Health and Ageing
continenceaids.paymentscheme@humanservices.gov.au
Website: Bladder Bowel at www.bladderbowel.gov.au
Dementia services
Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which affect a person’s ability to remember, to think and to learn. Dementia is one of the major reasons why older people enter residential aged care or seek assistance from community care programs.The Australian Government funds a range of services that help Australians living with dementia and their carers.
National Dementia Support Program
The Australian Government funds Alzheimer’s Australia to deliver the National Dementia Support Program which provides a range of services and programs including:- the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 and referral services
- Dementia and Memory Community Centres
- early intervention programs such as the Living with Memory Loss Program
- advice, counselling and support services including special needs groups
- information and awareness-raising
- education and training.
Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services
These have been established in each state and territory. Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services (DBMAS) aim to improve the quality of life of people with dementia and their carers where the behaviour of the person with dementia affects their care. DBMAS provides residential and community care staff and family carers with clinical support, mentoring and behaviour management advice.The Australian Government also funds programs that focus on research, improved care initiatives, prevention strategies, early intervention programs and training for aged care and community workers.
Phone: 1800 100 500 (National Dementia Helpline)
1800 699 799 (DBMAS Helpline)
Website: Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service at www.dbmas.org.au
Alzheimer's Australia at www.alzheimers.org.au
Fight Alzheimer's Save Australia at www.fightdementia.org.au
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Dementia—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Dementia is increasingly acknowledged as an issue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. The Dementia Resource Guide identifies a range of resources that target dementia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.Phone: 1800 100 500 (National Dementia Helpline)
Website: Department of Health and Ageing at www.health.gov.au/dementia
Dementia—multicultural services and resources
Alzheimer’s Australia is also developing a series of Dementia Help Sheets, which are available in a broad range of languages. Help Sheets can be ordered through the National Dementia Helpline. Further resources to assist someone with dementia from a culturally and linguistically diverse background can be accessed through the Dementia Resource Guide.
Phone: 1800 100 500 (National Dementia Helpline)
Website: Department of Health and Ageing at www.health.gov.au/dementia (Dementia Resource Guide)
Younger Onset Dementia
Younger onset dementia describes any form of dementia diagnosed in people under the age of 65.The Dementia Resource Guide identifies resources that assist younger people living with dementia, as well as their carers and families. It is recognised that younger people with dementia may have physical, social and/or emotional needs that differ from older people with dementia.
The National Dementia Support Program (see separate entry earlier in this section) includes a range of services specifically aimed at enhancing quality of life for people living with dementia, including younger people, their carers and families.
Phone: 1800 100 500 (National Dementia Helpline)
Website: Department of Health and Ageing at www.health.gov.au/dementia (Dementia Resource Guide)
Alzheimer's Australia at www.alzheimers.org.au
Fight Alzheimer's Save Australia at www.fightdementia.org.au
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Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis (‘gastro’) is often a highly infectious disease causing nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea and vomiting; although there can be non-infectious causes too. Outbreaks of gastro are common in the general community and in settings where people live closely together, such as aged care homes, where they can be difficult to control. Older people and children can be particularly vulnerable to gastro and complications from the illness.There are many causes of infectious gastro, including certain viruses that spread from person to person, and bacteria from contaminated food or water. The symptoms of gastro are similar regardless of the cause.
Illness usually lasts one to two days, but may last longer in older people. The elderly are also at higher risk of becoming dehydrated when they are ill with gastro. Dehydration can be dangerous, particularly for people with other health problems or weakened systems.
Protecting yourself and others from gastroenteritis
Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of illness caused by highly infectious forms of gastro. This includes:
- washing your hands regularly with soap and water, particularly before and after any contact with ill people
- washing surfaces, bedding and clothing that may have come into contact with body fluids
- (where possible) avoiding contact with people ill with gastroenteritis
- reducing contact and social gatherings if you are sick yourself.
- washing your hands with soap and water before handling food
- washing fruit and vegetables
- cooking foods well
- storing foods at the correct temperature
- avoiding cross contamination of raw and cooked food
- checking food labels for ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.
If you are sick with gastro, it is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids (but not alcohol). Alert your family, friends and carers; and see your doctor if you are not getting better or if you have health problems that may place you at particular risk. It is also important to avoid taking gastro into settings such as aged care homes, as the disease can be spread easily to elderly residents. It is strongly recommended that you do not visit an aged care facility if you have been in contact with people who have symptoms of gastro.
The Department of Health and Ageing has prepared the Gastro-Info Gastroenteritis Kit for Aged Care to help aged care homes recognise and respond to outbreaks of gastroenteritis. The Kit has been distributed to all Australian Government-funded aged care homes, and is available on the Department’s website.
Phone: 1800 200 422 (National number for information on aged care)
Email: Department of Health and Ageing
Websites: Department of Health and Ageing at www.health.gov.au
Food Standards Australia New Zealand at www.foodstandards.gov.au
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Hearing services
Australian Government Hearing Services Program
The Australian Government Hearing Services Program enables eligible people to receive a Hearing Services Voucher for services from private hearing services providers or the Government provider, Australian Hearing. Australian citizens or permanent residents aged 21 or older who meet one of the following eligibility criteria:- a Pensioner Concession Cardholder
- a person receiving Sickness Allowance from the Department of Human Services
- a holder of a Gold Repatriation Health Card
- a holder of a White Repatriation Health Card issued for conditions which include hearing loss
- a dependant of a person in one of the above categories
- a member of the Australian Defence Force
- a person who is undergoing a vocational rehabilitation program with an Australian Government Rehabilitation provider, and who is referred by his or her provider.
Phone: 1800 500 726 (Office of Hearing Services)
1800 500 496 (TTY)
Email: Department of Health and Ageing
Website: Department of Health and Ageing at www.health.gov.au/hear
Postal: Department of Health and Ageing
MDP 113
GPO Box 9848
Canberra ACT 2601
Australian Hearing services—Community Services Obligations
The Government hearing services provider, Australian Hearing, provides hearing services across Australia under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program Community Services Obligations. Under this Program, Australian Hearing is the sole provider of hearing services to:- Australians aged under 26
- adults with complex hearing rehabilitation needs
- eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders including those over 50 years of age
- participants of Community Development Employment Projects
- eligible clients living in remote areas.
Phone: 13 17 97 (Australian Hearing)
Website: Australian Hearing at www.hearing.com.au
Postal: Australian Hearing Head Office
126 Greville St
Chatswood NSW 2067
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Australian Government Hearing Services Program—veterans
A Hearing Services Voucher is available for eligible veterans to obtain (free of charge) a hearing assessment, hearing rehabilitation and selection and, if appropriate, a hearing aid fitting. In addition, veterans may enter into a maintenance agreement, paid for by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), which provides maintenance, repairs and batteries. This voucher can be used at any accredited hearing services provider.To be eligible for the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and hold a DVA Concession Card, Gold Card or White Card covering hearing loss; or be a dependant of someone who does.
Phone: 1800 500 726 (Office of Hearing Services)
1800 500 496 (TTY)
Email: Department of Health and Ageing
Website: Department of Health and Ageing at www.health.gov.au/hear
Postal: Department of Health and Ageing
MDP 113
GPO Box 9848
Canberra ACT 2601
Hearing services for Indigenous Australians
Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders may also choose to receive hearing services through the Australian Hearing Services Program for Indigenous Australians (AHSPIA). AHSPIA services are delivered by the Government services provider Australian Hearing, and offer Indigenous specific hearing services at around 220 locations.Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders include:
- those aged 50 years and over
- participants of Community Development Employment Projects
- all young adults up to age 26
- all pensioner concession card holders and their dependants
- most veterans and their dependants
- referred clients of an Australian Government funded vocational rehabilitation service
- members of the Australian Defence Forces.
Website: Australian Hearing at www.hearing.com.au
Postal: Australian Hearing Head Office
126 Greville St
Chatswood NSW 2067
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Home Medicines Reviews
Home Medicines Reviews (also known as Domiciliary Medication Management Reviews) assist people of any age to manage their medicines more effectively. If you are using multiple medications, have difficulty managing your medication, or have been recently discharged from hospital or other care facility, you may benefit from a Home Medicines Review. This involves your medical practitioner and pharmacist working together to review all the medicines you are taking, including prescription medicine, over-the-counter and complementary medicines. Your doctor will use the results of this review to develop a medication management plan for you.Phone: 13 20 11 (Medicare services)
Websites: Department of Health and Ageing at www.health.gov.au
Incontinence
Incontinence is a common health problem that affects around 4 million Australians from all walks of life. Assessment, treatment and good management can bring significant improvement in the quality of life for people with incontinence. The condition can be prevented, treated, managed and sometimes cured.The National Continence Helpline is a free information and referral telephone service for people with incontinence, their carers and health professionals. The helpline is staffed by experienced Continence Nurse Advisors who provide a confidential, professional service for people with incontinence. The helpline operates from 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday, except on public holidays.
(Refer also to Continence Aids Payment Scheme earlier in this section).
Phone: 1800 330 066 (National Continence Helpline)
Website: Bladder Bowel at www.bladderbowel.gov.au
National Public Toilet Map
The National Public Toilet Map identifies the location of more than 14,000 toilet facilities in Australian towns and cities, including rural areas and along major travel routes. The Map provides useful information such as opening hours, parking and access for people with a disability.The National Public Toilet Map is also available via an iPhone app or from a mobile phone with an internet browser at m.toiletmap.gov.au
Phone: 1800 330 066 (National Continence Helpline)
Websites: The National Public Toilet Map at www.toiletmap.gov.au
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National External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program
This national program provides reimbursement of up to $400 for new and replacement external breast prostheses for all women who are permanent residents of Australia, are eligible for Medicare and have had a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer.For more information about the Program, call the Department of Human Services.
Phone: 13 20 11 (Medicare services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/medicare
Postal: Department of Human Services
GPO Box 9822
Perth WA 6848
National Palliative Care Program (for all ages)
Palliative care is the specialised care of people who are dying. A person receiving palliative care will have an active, progressive and far-advanced disease, with little or no prospect of cure. The central aim of palliative care is to achieve the best possible quality of life—for the person who is dying, and for their family and carers.The Australian Government is supporting better access to, and quality of, palliative care through the National Palliative Care Program.
Website: The Department of Health and Ageing www.health.gov.au/palliativecare
Access to palliative care medicines
If you or family members are receiving palliative care at home, you may need access to palliative care medicines. The National Palliative Care Program is supporting better access to affordable medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This means that you or your family member may be able to obtain more medicines at less cost than before. Palliative medicines are included in a special section of the PBS Schedule. To find out more about these medicines, talk to your GP or visit the PBS website.Website: Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme at www.pbs.gov.au
Australian Palliative Care Knowledge Network (CareSearch)
CareSearch makes access to information on palliative care easy by providing a one-stop web based information shop. The website provides up-to-date evidence-based information on palliative care for clinicians, researchers, health professionals, patients, carers and families. CareSearch has information on specific diseases, finding support and help, and self-care for caregivers.Website: Care Search at www.caresearch.com.au
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Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the progressive loss of bone density, with thinning of bone tissue and skeletal fragility. It is not a form of arthritis. It develops when calcium dissolves from the bones, leaving them porous and weak. Osteoporosis is more common in older people. It is a major cause of disability, deformity and poor quality of life among the elderly – particularly women, due mostly to fractures and related complications.Osteoporosis Australia aims to improve community awareness about the disease and reduce fractures. Osteoporosis Australia is a fully registered charity and receives some Australian Government funding.
Services include:
- state run Osteoporosis Self-Management courses and community education seminars
- Osteoporosis and Fractures pamphlet (introductory booklet with general information)
- Stop the next fracture booklet (for people who have suffered a fracture)
- Calcium, Vitamin D and Osteoporosis booklet (explains the role of calcium and vitamin D in building and maintaining strong bones)
- Bone Density Testing pamphlet (explains diagnosing osteoporosis)
- Exercise and Fracture Prevention booklet (outlines how exercise can improve bone health and help prevent fractures)
- Fact sheets on osteoporosis (many of which are available in Chinese, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic and Italian).
Phone: 1800 242 141 (Osteoporosis Australia)
(02) 9518 8140
Email: Osteoporosis Australia
Website: Osteoporosis Australia at www.osteoporosis.org.au
Postal: Osteoporosis Australia
PO Box 550
Broadway NSW 2007
Rehabilitation Appliances Program
This program provides equipment to help entitled veterans, war widow(er)s achieve and maintain functional independence and/or minimise disability. The program provides safe and appropriate equipment according to assessed clinical need as part of the overall management of an individual’s health care. The program provides a broad range of products to eligible people, ranging from consumable items such as continence pads, to mobility appliances.To access this program your medical practitioner will refer you to a recognised Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) prescriber who will assess your clinical needs and make recommendations to DVA. You will then be advised whether the recommended aids, appliances or modifications meet DVA guidelines.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans—capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans—regional callers)
Email: Department of Veterans' Affairs
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Postal: Department of Veterans’ Affairs
GPO Box 9998
Canberra ACT 2601
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