Aged care advocacy services are being expanded into Brisbane to raise the voices of older Australians and protect their rights in aged care. The aim is for Brisbane-ites to be able to step up to advocate on behalf of older people in their community.
The local advocate will provide free and independent information, education and support to older Australians receiving aged care services across the region. “Support from an experienced aged care advocate can make a real difference to the lives of older people receiving aged care in their own home in the community or aged care homes,” ADA Australia Advocacy Manager Rebecca Kok said.
ADA Australia is recruiting new advocates in the Brisbane, Ipswich and Townsville regions. “We’re looking for candidates across regional Queensland who are eager to support older people in their community to be heard when they raise issues about their aged care,” Ms Kok said.
“If you want to be part of the change in your local community by helping protect the rights and raise the voices of older people, we want to hear from you.
OPAN CEO Craig Gear said the initiative recognises the importance of advocacy for older Australians accessing aged care services in their local community or residential care.
“These local advocates will help older people access advocacy support and find timely solutions to issues they may be experiencing in their own home or residential care,” Mr Gear said. “For too long, too many older Australians in some parts of the country were not able to access an advocate – this will ensure more older Australians are heard. “We look forward to delivering these new services to Brisbane as quickly as possible.”
ADA Australia is recruiting now, and new advocacy services are expected to commence in Brisbane by the end of the year.
For information or support regarding aged care, please call the Older Persons Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600 or visit opan.org.au
