Elder Care Support Program

The Elder Care Support Program at Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Services (PAMS) is here to provide support and assistance to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients aged 50 and over with the application and assessment process for the My Aged Care system. The team in the Elder Care Support program are here to advocate on your behalf to make sure your assessment and support needs are tailored to your individual needs.

 

The friendly team in the Elder Care Support Program are here to help you at every step of your aged care assessment. Whether it’s providing assistance with compiling medical information, applying for identity documents, writing Medicare applications or assisting with housing applications, the team is here to help you navigate all parts of the process.

 

Once your assessment has been successful the team will help you understand what supports you are entitled to and help you access local and regional aged care services. The team will also do frequent check-ins with clients to understand any changes in support needs. The aim of the Elder Care Support Program is to support older people to live well, stay independent, and access the care they deserve on their own terms.

 

What we offer

The Elder Care Support Program provides:

  • Support to access My Aged Care funding
  • Assistance with My Aged Care registrations and assessments
  • Help navigate referrals to local and regional aged care providers
  • Individualised support based on each client’s needs

 

Who can access this service?

To access the Elder Care Support Program, clients need to meet the following requirements:

  • Be aged 50 and over and Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
  • Be 60 and over for our non-Indigenous clients
  • A Chronic Disease Management Plan (GPMG) completed at any of our clinics

 

We accept self-referrals and referrals from outside organisations – just call 0491 244 067 or pop into our Newman Clinic to speak with one of our Elder Care Support Connectors that will be able to do the referral over the phone or face-to-face and get the My Aged Care assessment process started. Please note: My Aged Care assessments can take anywhere between 6-8 weeks to be processed; our Elder Care Support team will be there with you every step of the way.

 

Where services are provided

Our team can do in-person (Newman Only) or telehealth consultations with clients across all of our clinics:

  • Newman
  • Jigalong
  • Punmu
  • Parnngurr
  • Kunawarritji

 

Service hours

Services are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.

 

Funding partner

This program is funded by NACCHO.

 

How to access the Elder Care Support Program

To find out more or request support, please contact the Elder Care Support Team on 0491 224 067 or call the Newman Clinic on 08 9111 1777.