The Palaszczuk Government has boosted specialist support for seniors by enlisting Uniting Care Queensland (UCQ) to the Care Army.
COVID-19 Seniors Taskforce co-chair and Minister for Innovation Kate Jones said UCQ was playing a key role in providing social and emotional support to seniors impacted by home quarantine.
“UCQ are working closely with us by operating the Community Recovery Hotline telephone service for our seniors,” Ms Jones said.
“That means that seniors in distress can get on the phone and talk to a specialist seven days a week.
“We understand that having to stay in isolation for long periods of time can be distressing and add to people’s loneliness.
“We’ve boosted funding to Uniting Care to put on more staff to answer these calls for help.”
COVID-19 seniors taskforce co-chair and Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke said UCQ was assisting Queenslanders in quarantine who are over the age of 70, over the age of 65 and have an underlying health condition or are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50.
“If you are in this age range, and require assistance, please phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349,” she said.
“The hotline will be able to link you with staff from UCQ, who can assist you with your immediate needs such as emotional support and essential food and household items and essential medication.
“Throughout this process UCQ will provide social and emotional support to seniors until they have been connected with a local service provider.
“UCQ will also encourage their partner organisations to contact Volunteering Queensland to get the support of volunteers in the recently established Care Army.
“By working together across government and non-government sectors, we can achieve the best outcomes and provide support for seniors during this challenging time.”
UCQ will work closely with local service providers including Meals on Wheels, neighbourhood centres and social isolation services to ensure that the needs of Queensland seniors who are quarantined at home are met.
Ms O’Rourke said the Seniors Enquiry Line had already helped hundreds of Queensland seniors seeking assistance and support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“For example, the line recently provided support to Deidre who needed assistance getting her groceries,” she said.
“After talking to Deidre, the operator was able connect her to community transport to safely visit her local supermarket, along with her doctor for a flu shot and pharmacy to have her medication prescriptions filled.
“Additionally, John was helped by the SEL as he felt isolated from a lack of contact with the outside world as he did not have his own computer.
“He had not been able to find a computer with many of his local shops closed.
“The operator was able to find an organisation that refurbished obsolete ICT equipment from the government to sell to the community for a discounted cost.
“John purchased a laptop and advised in a follow up call that he was feeling less isolated from his family and friends.”
Queenslanders who require health advice or information should call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit www.covid19.qld.gov.au.
Queensland seniors who need assistance and don’t have support from family, friends or neighbours are encouraged to phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
