New supports for older Victorians in summer’s heat

More than 7,000 older Victorian public housing tenants living alone will be eligible for well-being checks to help them cope with this summer’s heat, Minister for Housing, Richard Wynne, has announced.

Mr Wynne said the new Keeping in Touch – public housing contact service was developed by the Brumby Labor Government for tenants aged 75 and older as part of its commitment to supporting Victoria’s most vulnerable residents.

“This service is a practical way to keep in contact with our older residents, many who live alone and are aged 75 years and older. This is particularly important during the hotter summer months.”

The Office of Housing will contact eligible tenants to ask if they would like to be a part of the program, which includes weekly phone calls from a Department of Human Services support worker.

Mr Wynne said residents could also sign up to the service at any time by phoning an information line to register.

“Then, during the weekly calls, support workers will ask about the tenant’s health and well-being. If a resident does not answer the phone after a number of attempts, their next of kin, or their local housing office will be notified to make an urgent visit,” Mr Wynne said.

He said the Keeping in Touch program had been running as a pilot across public housing in Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs since April this year, with positive results.

This program is in addition to the government-funded network of 11 Older Person Support Workers who are engaged to support and actively monitor the health of residents in high rise public housing.

Mr Wynne said that on top of the well-being checks, a program to keep public housing tenants informed about how they can beat the heat would start next month.

“All public housing residents will receive a leaflet and fridge magnet, providing practical advice about how to keep cool and the warning signs of heat exhaustion. Posters will also be displayed on major housing areas,” Mr Wynne said.

Public housing residents who are aged 75 years and over and living alone who are interested in registering for the Keeping in Touch program can call 1800 269 250 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.