HAAG COVID response update 21 April 2020

Due to the vulnerability of our cohort, HAAG is taking steps to limit the potential spread of the coronavirus and practicing social distancing. We are cancelling face-to-face services and have moved to work from home until further notice.

Drop ins

Our drop in service has been closed. Ross House, our office building, is also closed until further notice.

Home at Last Intake and Referral service

Our intake workers are working remotely from home.  We are receiving calls and providing over the phone assessments and referral. You can call 1300 765 765 or email intake@oldertenants.org.au

Home at Last Outreach service

Our outreach workers are no longer making face-to-face contact with clients. They are conducting over the phone assessments as much as possible and not entering peoples homes.

The Office of Housing has changed the way they conduct pre-offer interviews, property viewings and sign ups to avoid face-to-face contact. This means we are still able to house people when they receive a public housing offer. We are also able to support clients to access material aid.

Retirement housing service

Our retirement housing workers are providing over the phone advice and advocacy. We have cancelled all visits and meetings to retirement villages. Please call 9654 7389 menu option 2 or email retirement@oldertenants.org.au for retirement housing advice and our workers advice line.

Aged Care System Navigator

Our Aged Care System Navigator volunteers are providing over the phone support to connect older people with My Aged Care.  We can assist with clients who may want to receive information about the Aged Care System via the Department of Health’s telehealth online service.  Please call 9654 7389

Member advocacy

Working groups and other meetings have been cancelled. This includes the Cultural Diversity reference group, Peer Educators group, Retirement housing working group and LGBTI steering committee.

Our Committee of Management meetings have been moved to online video-conferencing.

Our General Meeting will go ahead as scheduled as an online and phone meeting. We can provide over-the-phone assistance to members who need help to get online.

We are interested in forming a working group to discuss coronavirus pandemic related housing issues.  Please email haag@oldertenants.org.au if you are interested in being involved.

Research projects

Our research projects are continuing, but face-to-face qualitative data collection has been suspended.

Thanks to everyone for their understanding, and please feel free to call or email for more information.