Care Finder Program

Helping vulnerable older people access services they need

Support and connection for vulnerable older people

We know that aged care services can be difficult to navigate and understand, particularly for older people who are vulnerable and at risk of falling through the cracks.

The care finder program is a new initiative designed to provide additional support to connect and engage vulnerable older people so that they can access My Aged Care and other essential services.

The program is part of a national network of care finder services, with Flinders Shire Council’s care finder program servicing the Flinders and Richmond Shire Council areas.

The care finder program assists those who are eligible for government-funded aged care services and require intensive support to interact with My Aged Care, access aged care services and connect with other community supports. This includes people who already receive aged care services or other relevant supports.

To be eligible for aged care services, people must:

  • Need help with one or more everyday tasks
  • Be aged:
    • 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) or
    • 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and on low income and homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

Who is the program for?

The care finder program is not for everyone. It focuses on older people who face significant barriers navigating the aged care system due to:

  • communication barriers, including limited literacy skills
  • difficulty processing information to make decisions
  • reluctance to engage with aged care services for any reason
  • they are uncomfortable engaging with aged care, institutions or the government due to past discrimination and/or trauma
  • they are vulnerable or isolated with need for support

The care finder program supports people who don’t have family, friends, a carer or a representative they are comfortable receiving help from and who is willing and able to help them access aged care services and supports.

What help can the care finder program provide?

The care finder program can help people understand what aged care services are available and access other supports in the community.

The program will provide this support by meeting with the person – this can be at their home or another place they choose – and asking questions to understand their situation.

The care finder program can help with accessing services for the first time as well as changing or finding new services and supports by:

  • talking to My Aged Care and arranging an assessment
  • attending and providing support during the assessment
  • completing forms and helping to understand aged care service agreements
  • checking in once services have commenced to ensure everything is running smoothly
  • connecting to supports in the community such as health, mental health, housing and homelessness, drug and alcohol services, and community groups.

How to refer?

Individuals may self-refer or have a service provider refer to the program for them. A referral form will need to be completed.

For more information or to register for the program, please call 0437 943 284 or email communitycare@flinders.qld.gov.au. Business hours are 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. 

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This service is funded by