Free Support to Navigate the Aged Care System

Since the government changed the way people can access funded aged care, enquiries to a free aged care information service, Resthaven Agedcare Alternatives, have soared by 18% compared with the same time last year.

Coordinator, Mark Trebilcock, says, ‘In February 2017, deregulation of Home Care packages commenced. We were prepared for an increase in enquiries – and we only expect demand to rise in the months ahead.’

Opening in 2010, Resthaven sponsors Agedcare Alternatives as a free service that supports people to understand and navigate the aged care system, either face to face at their office in Highgate, or on the phone via peer volunteer ‘Options Guides.’

Doreen Peake is just one of the many older people who has benefited from assistance offered by Agedcare Alternatives to access the aged care system.

‘Doreen was interested in moving into residential aged care from her retirement unit, but did not feel confident to call the government portal, My Aged Care,’ says Mark.

‘I assisted Doreen to make this initial first step.’

‘From her first contact with us, to her ACAT assessment and eventual move into Resthaven Bellevue Heights, we supported Doreen as she chose the options that were right for her.’

‘With all the new reforms and deregulation in the aged care sector, we expect that enquiries will increase.’

‘We are here to help if you need us.’

Resthaven sponsors Agedcare Alternatives to support the community.

To contact Resthaven Agedcare Alternatives, visit their office at 1/445 Fullarton Road, Highgate, phone 8271 3888, or visit the website: www.agedcarealternatives.net.