Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) are pleased to announce that we are joining the Aged Care Systems Navigator trial, a 18 month national trial led by COTA Australia that will develop and test different models to support people to understand and engage with the aged care system. The project will consist of 62 trials delivered across the country to a range of different people, including vulnerable older Australians and those facing barriers accessing aged care.

HAAG is excited to be part of this trial as our knowledge and expertise gained over years of working directly with vulnerable older people make us well-placed to take on this role. As the only organisation focusing on homelessness in Victoria, we will be joining 31 organisations who are creating “information hubs” across Australia.

“We know that the aged care system is complex and difficult to navigate.  Many older people are falling through the gaps, especially if they are living in insecure housing or speak a language other than English, or have no access to the internet.  We are looking forward to working with COTA Victoria and Elder Rights Advocacy to assist older Victorians to get the help they need,” said HAAG’s Executive Officer Fiona York.

HAAG’s Aged Care Information Hub will provide information, advice, and support (both in English and languages other than English) to  people who have difficulty engaging with the  aged care system and need additional support to understand and access aged care services.  HAAG’s Information Hub will provide one-on-one assistance to register for My Aged Care by bilingual and English speaking volunteers in home or at the HAAG office.

“ We are hopeful that our role in the Aged Care Systems Navigator trial will begin to bridge the gap by ensuring older Victorians who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless are able to access aged care and receive the care they need,” concluded Ms York.