General information
The Department of Health Australia has been closely coordinating with various bodies to maintain providing daily updates regarding COVID-19. The updates cover advisories, news, frequently asked questions, and up-to-date facts and figures. Please visit the website of the Department of Health for such updates.
NSW Health providers also provide up-to-date information about the pandemic. Together with the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health already gathered the information of senior citizens as well as people with disabilities. The information can be accessed through their website.
Health information lines are active to cater to queries. Please contact 1800 020 080 1300 555 727 for National Relay Service.
The latest information as of 23 April 2020
The Government received calls demanding a $550 increase on Carer Payment per fortnight and another increase for Disability Support Payment.
As of the date, a close collaboration between Caring Fairly and Mind Australia has been set to ensure that the Government would be able to respond to such demands. The two organisations put up a national survey to gather information about the carers’ situation during the pandemic. Also, the said survey tackles the possible problems caused by the pandemic to the carers’ welfare.
The survey file can be accessed from 21 April to 5 May through Mind Australia’s website.
Service NSW provides support for NSW in dealing with COVID-19. People can contact the hotline 13 77 88 for services and support. Besides, Time2Talk telephone services are also on the line to cater to troubles regarding families, households, and personal situations during the pandemic. Please contact 1300 022 966.
Workers who are over 45 in age could seek help and support through the Career Transition Assistance (CTA) program. The said program assists job seekers within the given age range to develop and improve their digital literacy, allowing them to take job opportunities online.
The National Debt helpline hands resources for financial matters associated with the COVID-19. Access the connection through their website.
BusinessConnect assists small businesses that are challenged by the COVID-19. Check their website for additional information.
Energy regulators from federal and state levels issued a directive through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission that would govern any issues regarding energy supply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Energy businesses are monitored to ensure that operations would be catering to the priorities of the customers.
For Carers of older people
The National Cabinet reiterated its memo regarding visitations to residential aged care facilities. They highlighted that it would be unjust to ban such activities. Hence, careful regulation must be done. Limiting the visit to a maximum of two visitors per day and strict social distancing measures could do the thing. This could halt the spread of the virus in aged care facilities.
The federal and state governments are working closely with aged care providers to ensure that the sector would not be put at risk by the infection. Meanwhile, it is pointed out as well that the measures should be in line with the interests of the residents. The discretion is handed to the aged care providers since they can make assessments directly.
The National Cabinet puts emphasis on the regulation that permits visitors to aged care facilities. The following are the people or group of people who are not permitted to do visitations:
· With travel history from overseas countries in the past 14 days
· People who had been in close contact with any COVID-19 patient
· People displaying any symptoms of COVID-19
· People with no influenza vaccination
For families who are concerned with the situation of their loved ones in residential aged care facilities can contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission through 1800 951 822 or visit their website.
The Department of Health advised aged care providers to maintain relaxed access if possible especially for clients who need support. The process must follow strict social distancing measures.
Considering the demands for health care of aged care residents, the Safe Visitor Access campaign has been launched. This would give health workers and access to aged care facilities to provide necessary health services. Visiting nurses and staff should be tested to ensure that they pose no threat to the facilities and their residents.
The National COVID Older Persons Information Line was created through the coordination of various government bureaus and advocacy groups to support the elderly age group. Dementia Australia, Council on Ageing Australia, Older Persons Advocacy Network, and National Seniors Australia coordinated with the Commonwealth Government to materialise the said plan. Call 1800 171 866 for professional assistance.
Flu vaccination for people aged 65 years old and above would be given free. Contact a GP and inquire about it.
NSW Government also encourages its aged citizens to partake in the Biggest Online Seniors Workout.
For Carers of people with disability
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) will be conducting 3 sessions of webinar for people with disabilities. The webinars will commence by 5th, 7th, and 12th of May. Please check their website for additional information.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Disability Insurance Scheme will not stop its services. For any issues concerning the program, please contact 1800 951 822 or visit the Aged Care Quality website.
Also, the National Cabinet confirms that people with disabilities are included within the plans of the government in responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
Entitled as “Management and Operational Plan for COVID-19 for People with Disabilityâ€, the National government pointed out that the plan would cater to the support system to people with disabilities throughout the health crisis.
Here are some of the important points within the scheme:
· Supplementing the Australian Health Sector Emergency Responses for Novel Coronavirus with a program for people with disability
· Identification of risk factors concerning the sector in regard to the COVID-19
· Health protection of people with disability during the crisis
· Department of Health will be implementing the plan
Carers are given due roles within the plan through:
· Carer Recognition Act of 2010
· Providing adequate information for carers
· Carers’ access to infection control guidelines
· Contingency planning
· Prioritizing the carers and people disability workforce for COVID testing
· Exemptions to social isolation for necessary support provision
· Preparing a surge workforce to support health care needs in case a carer is COVI-19 positive
