New phone number for Aged Care
Improving Information, Intake and Assessment for Aged Care
The Australian Federal Government is making it easier for older Australians, their families and carers to access the Aged Care System.
On 1 July 2011, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, announced the introduction of single, national information line to make it easier for older Australians, their families and carers to access information about aged care. The new number
1800 200 422
along with improvements being made to the national aged care website http://www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au/ are the first steps in the implementation of a new ‘front end’ for aged care.
The reform is supported by investment of $36.8 million to improve information, intake and assessment and make it easier, not harder, to access the aged care system. It is part of the Australian Government’s national health reform efforts to build a nationally consistent and integrated aged care system.
The new national phone number will initially be answered by the experienced aged care workforce of the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres. The Government is working with Centres and other key stakeholders on continuous improvement to the quality and consistency of aged care information available, both over the phone and online. These improvements will provide information that is more comprehensive, up-to-date and relevant to people’s needs.
By implementing the new front end in stages, it allows time for service providers, care recipients and carers to adjust to the changes and be involved in the development of later stages. It means having sensible steps towards reform and continued opportunities to talk with people about how to roll out the later stages. The Australian Federal Government will continue to talk with state and territory governments, service providers and the aged care workforce. They will also be talking with older people, their families and carers.
The continuing development of the new front end will need to take into account existing regional infrastructure, partnership arrangements, and resources while considering opportunities to build on elements that are currently working well. The system will also be closely aligned with Medicare Locals and Local Hospital Networks to help ensure people’s health needs are detected and addressed, with services coordinated across the health and aged care systems.
As Government continue to work towards improving access and navigation of the aged care system, we urge you to stay informed and up to date by visiting http://www.yourhealth.gov.au/ and to participate in the opportunities to have your say in the future of aged care in Australia.
Where to from here?
If you would like to discuss the topics raised or if you would like more information, speak to your financial adviser or contact Dan Smith of Plan 2 Prosper on 07 49265 570.
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Dan Smith is self employed and is for many families their trusted Financial Planner based in Rockhampton. He has clients in various locations throughout Australia but predominately in Central Queensland and specifically the geographic area encompassed by the Rockhampton Regional Council.
This information is intended to only provide you with general information and, while the sources for the material are considered reliable, no responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. Before making a decision based on this information, you must consider its appropriateness having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.
Dan Smith and Dancin Pty Ltd ABN 71 531 338 371 trading as Plan 2 Prosper are Authorised Representatives of GWM Adviser Services Limited ABN 96 002 071 749 trading as MLC Financial Planning, an Australian Financial Services Licensee, with its Registered Office at 105 – 153 Miller St, North Sydney NSW 2060