Minister launches new ‘Carebus’ service – getting information into the community

Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot has officially launched a new Carebus service for the South Brisbane Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre. It will act as a mobile one-stop shop for providing information on home and community care.

The Carebus will go where people live and assist by providing information on government and community services to older Australians within South Brisbane.

“This is providing information so that people can remain independent and in their homes as long as they wish and increasing support for their carers,” Mrs Elliot said.

“Australians now have the second longest life expectancy in the world; that is why we need to support and foster services like Carebus,” she said.

Last year, Commonwealth provided more than $1.45 million in support to the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre. Over that period, the Centre helped 5,154 people as well as 1,800 carers with substantial respite and other support.

Of that $1.45 million, more than $64,000 will go towards the bus, which includes the vehicle and modifications.

The Carebus has become a familiar and welcome sight outside hospitals, libraries, shopping centres and community events around the South Brisbane region since it began in March 2007.

“Carebus offers a more accessible, approachable and friendly face for many people. It offers information about government and community services in a professional and confidential manner,” Mrs Elliot said.

This includes free information relating to respite care, health and wellbeing issues, disabilities, mental health, medical conditions, falls prevention, dementia, home assistance and support, seniors and veteran’s information, as well as federal, state and local government services.

The Carebus offers local service provider information to assist older Australians to stay living independently within the community; or to let older people and their carers know what other health and support services are available to them.

The Rudd Government will provide approximately $194.92 million this year for community based respite and other carer support services around Australia, including the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres.