Hi all, please find below a list of resources to support older people during the COVID-19 period. If you need or don't need to access any of these services, you might know someone who does.

While Polio Australia doesn't provide individual support/advocacy, we are happy to continue this conversation - if you know of other organisations or support services, we'd love to hear about them so we can share them with others.

National COVID-19 Older Persons Information Line:

• According to the My Aged Care website, this line is for people who are feeling lonely or worried and looking for support and advice

• 1800 171 866 – Monday to Friday, 8.30am-6.00pm

Help with groceries and meals:

• This is a short-term service for the COVID-19 period.

• If you’re already on a home care package and this service isn’t part of your usual care, you can call your provider to enquire, or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

• If you’re registered with My Aged Care (even if you don’t use any services), you can use your ID number for priority online shopping. If you don’t know how to do this, or need more than just online shopping, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

• If you’re not registered with My Aged Care, it’s best to give My Aged Care a call on 1800 200 422.

• My Aged Care's website is www.myagedcare.gov.au

Friend Line:

• www.friendline.org.au

• If people are looking for connection and just someone to chat to, they can call Friend Line on 1800 424 287. Please note it’s not a crisis support line – just a chat for company.

• 6pm – 8pm, Tuesday to Thursday or 2pm – 5pm, Saturday & Sunday.

Be Connected:

• beconnected.esafety.gov.au/bookings#connecting-to-others

• Be Connected is for help with connecting with others online, and using the internet safely.

• Ironically, they share information via webinars – but people can call them on 1300 795 897 to get started.

Older Persons Advocacy Network:

• opan.com.au

• If people don’t feel that they’re being fairly treated, they can contact the Older Persons Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600.

Counselling and Crisis Support:

• Finally, there are phone counselling services such as Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for those who need to speak to someone about their experiences.

• Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.au/

• Beyond Blue: www.lifeline.org.au

Also, don't forget to reach out to your state network for polio-related issues - see www.polioaustralia.org.au/support-and-services for contact details.

contact: poliosa.office@gmail.com or 0466 893 402 for South Australia