A service that advises thousands of older South Australians about their care and support options has been given renewed funding of $3.2 million to continue its information role over the next three years, the Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, announced today.
Ms Bishop announced the Australian Government’s continued support for Commonwealth Carelink Consortium SA at a launch at the Seniors Information Service in Adelaide.
"There is a growing demand for information about services available to help older people," Ms Bishop said.
"Carelink helped more than 17,000 older South Australians in 2004-05 - an increase of more than 3,000 queries received in the previous year.
"The Australian Government’s new investment will allow Carelink’s information services to be provided through four shopfronts in South Australia and from several electronic access points that help people connect to the Carelink web site. A Carelink telephone service operating five days a week will also assist people with queries about aged care and other services.
"The Australian Government is delighted to ensure an extension of the Carelink service through its service provider, Seniors Information Service, which has a long history of operations in South Australia.
"There are almost 170,000 people in South Australia aged over 70 years - as well as over 223,000 carers. They are entitled to easily accessible information on aged care issues. These information services are vital to the state’s carers, who need support to assist older people and younger people with disabilities," Ms Bishop said.
The consortium also assists South Australia’s aged care service providers, GPs, practice staff and other health professionals to obtain reliable information for their clients and patients.
Further information: contact a Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222.
