Patient Populations Support

Aged care

The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line

Older Australians, their relatives, carers, friends or supporters can call 1800 171 866 between 8.30am and 6pm weekdays for any information or services they may need.

Health professionals can also refer people (with consent) for a call back if they are worried about the person’s decision to stop or alter their normal home care services. To do this phone 1800 171 866 and select option 1.

Other aged care resources

• Western Victoria HealthPathways
• Department of Health – Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for the health and aged care sector
• Department of Health – Resources for health professionals and aged care providers
• DHHS – Aged care sector – coronavirus disease
• Flu Vaccination Poster for Aged Care Facilities
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) wearing personal protective equipment in aged care video
• National Aged Care Advocacy Program – a free, independent and confidential service supporting older people who receive or are applying for government-subsidised aged care
• Personal Monitoring Technology for Senior Australians – service providers can use unspent 2019-20 funding to purchase up to $1000 worth of personal monitoring technology for their vulnerable clients in need of this support during COVID-19.
• ICEG guidelines on the use of face shields and other protective eyewear in health and residential care facilities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

• Department of Health- Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and remote communities
• DHHS – Coronavirus information for Aboriginal communities
• Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet – COVID-19 updates and information
• Tips from Dr Ngaire Brown to Keep Our Mob Safe During Coronavirus

Alcohol and other drugs

• DHHS Fact Sheet – COVID-19 – Alcohol and Drug Services

CALD

• DHHS – Translated Patient Resources for COVID-19 (52 languages)

People with a disability

• Supporting People with Intellectual or Developmental Disability during the COVID-19 Pandemic – Information for Primary Health Care Staff
• Supporting People with Intellectual or Developmental Disability during the COVID-19 Pandemic – Information for Health and Mental Health Workers
• DHHS – Easy Read English Patient Information on COVID-19