Support lines and support groups for older people

Key points:

• Getting older can be a challenging and confusing time but you don’t have to go it alone
• Support lines and groups can provide helpful guidance and information for older people who need it
• Contact your local Council or community centre to find more community based support groups

There are a lot of support lines and groups available to give guidance and assistance to older people on their ageing journey.

These services are there to make sure older people feel supported and protected in their decisions in later life and can continue to live their life to the fullest.

Here is a collection of helpful support lines and support groups that can assist you as an older person:

Support lines

Easy to call and in most cases free, support lines or helplines are a fast way to get information when you need it.

Advocacy

• CarerHelp 1800 242 636 – Information and resources for those in the carer role
• Carers Australia 1800 242 636 – Advocacy group for carers and provides resources, information and support
• Older Persons Advocacy Network 1800 700 600 – Direct access to speak to an advocate for advice, support and resources
• Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line 1800 171 866 – For older Australians and their families and carers who require information and support
• 1800 ELDERHelp – 1800 353 374 – For free advice and information about elder abuse

Cultural

• Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing 03 8823 7979 – To access language appropriate health and aged care information
• Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) – PICAC assists in the delivery of culturally appropriate care to people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
• Translating and Interpreting Service 13 14 50 – a Government interpreting service available for non-English speakers

Government

• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission 1800 951 822 – For making a complaint about a provider or researching into potential aged care services
• Centrelink 13 24 68 – For accessing Government financial income support and older Australian entitlements
  • Aged Care Line 1800 227 475
  • Disability, Sickness and Carers Line 132 717
• Department of Health 02 6289 1555 – For health and COVID-19 related resources and assistance
• Medicare 13 20 11 – For assistance with Medicare-related enquiries
  • Australian Immunisation Register 1800 653 809
  • Continence Aids Payment Line 1800 239 309
  • Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Service 13 22 90
• My Aged Care 1800 200 422 – The online portal to accessing Government funded aged care services
• MyGov 13 23 07 – Your personal portal to online Government services
• Services Australia 13 24 68 – For assistance with Government payments or services
• Seniors Health Card 13 23 00 – Financial assistance card to access cheaper health care and other discounts

Health

• Arthritis Australia Infoline 1800 011 041 – For information about arthritis, support, and resources
• Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 – For mental health assistance, suicide prevention, and direction to mental health supports
• Bowel Cancer Australia Helpline 1800 555 494 – Speak to a Bowel Cancer Australia bowel care nurse for any advice
• Cancer Council Support Line 13 11 20 – For free information and support about cancer, as well as support services for those with cancer
• Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia 02 6154 9740 – Older Australians can access support and information
• Healthdirect Australia 1800 022 222 – Access to 24/7 healthcare advice from a registered nurse
• National Continence Helpline 1800 330 066 – Information, advice, support and resources for people who live with incontinence
• National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 – A free service for people with dementia or friends and family who require information, advice, or direction to supports
• Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling 1800 011 046 – Mental health support for former veterans and their families
• Relationships Australia 1300 364 277 – Assistance for older Australians who are experiencing family conflict, future planning, elder abuse, and more

Other

• Carer Gateway 1800 422 737 – Provides a range of services and support for carers, including respite, counselling, coaching, peer support groups
• Independent Living Centres 1300 885 886 – For information about assistive technology and products to help remain independent
• National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 – Free financial counsellor assistance to get your finances in order
• National Relay Service (NRS) – This service is for people who are deaf, can’t hear well, have difficulty using their voice or prefer to use Auslan on a call
  • Voice Relay number 1300 555 727
  • TTY number 133 677
  • SMS relay number 0423 677 767

Support groups

Places that can be good to contact to access different support groups can include local councils, community centres, senior centres, and hospitals or doctors clinics. Some aged care providers also facilitate support groups for residents, clients, and older people.

Additionally, if you know someone with a similar issue or condition, ask if they know of any support groups that you may be able to join.

• Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement 1800 642 066 – Support groups that provide information, experiences, and support to those who are experiencing bereavement
• Australian Red Cross social connection programs 1800 733 276 – Part of the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) it links older people with community and peer support.
• BeyondBlue 1300 224 636 – You can access mental health support groups or engage with others on informative online forums
• Cancer Council support services 13 11 20 – Support groups available in each State/Territory for people whose lives have been affected by cancer
• Carer Gateway peer support groups and forums 1800 422 737 – Online support groups, in person support groups, and information forums for carers
• Community Visitors Scheme, find your State or Territory provider – A social support initiative for isolated older people
• Dementia Alliance International, fill in the contact form to get started – Provide weekly peer-to-peer support groups for people with dementia via online video conferencing
• Dementia Australia 1800 100 500 – A range of different support groups are available for people with dementia, and their families and carers, including online forums
• Dementia Downunder – A free community-driven support group for people with dementia or their family, friends and carers
• Head to Health – A Government initiative providing people access to mental health resources, including online forums and support groups

These numbers and websites are just scratching the surface of services and groups that are available in Australia that are able to provide you with help, guidance and support.

If you don’t know where to start, contact your doctor for advice or get help from My Aged Care.

What support groups have you found beneficial to your health and wellbeing? Tell us in the comments below.

Related content:

Social support in your community
Allied health to assist with the ageing experience
How to get involved in your community