National aged care info line reform
Older Australians, their families, and carers will find it easier to access valuable information about aged care with the introduction of a single, national information line. The new Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre number is 1800 200 422.
Older Australians, their families, and carers will find it easier to access valuable information about aged care with the introduction of a single, national information line.
The new Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre number is 1800 200 422.
The new ‘1800’ number replaces the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres’ old phone number; however people are still able to use the old digits until its deactivation at a later date.
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, said the national phone number would “consolidate” the range of existing 1800 numbers, and “act as the new, single point of entry for people seeking information and access to aged care services”.
“This is about simplifying the system and making it easier for older Australians, their carers and families, to find and access the aged care services they need,” Mr Butler said.
More than 1.2 million older Australians rely on aged care, with the number set to grow as the population ages.
“It’s important we make practical improvements that take the confusion out of navigating a system that so many Australians rely upon,” Mr Butler said.
Improvements have also been made to the government’s aged care website to ensure better, more comprehensive and up-to-date information.
Mr Butler said the introduction of the single national information line and the improvements to the national aged care website are part of the Federal government’s health reform effort to build a “nationally consistent” and integrated aged care system to meet the needs of older Australians and their families.
DPS eNews readers seeking more information on aged care can call the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 200 422.
