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BENDIGO’S ageing population needs better access to information about residential and respite services in their city, a leading aged care advocate has said.
Former nurse Ruth Hosking volunteers her time consulting with prospective residents of aged care facilities and their families.
She said the federal government’s website, myagedcare, which was established to navigate people through the aged care system, did not contain details specific to Bendigo and could not direct families to facilities with available beds.
The website also does not assist clients in working out the cost of care options, Ms Hosking said, nor did it take into account many ageing people’s unfamiliarity with the internet.
“A lot of people my age are computer illiterate,” she said.
“That’s the era they’ve grown up in.
“When they’re in a crisis, people need a face-to-face conversation, not looking on the internet or a phone conversation with someone in Canberra who does not know a thing about Bendigo.”
A lack of information meant many residents remained unfamiliar with changes to aged care means testing implemented by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard in 2012, Ms Hosking said.
She suggested an information centre for families to discuss their aged care options with experts would mean the community was better informed, as would a website with information about residences available in Bendigo.
She said her face-to-face conversations with prospective clients left them feeling more confident about the aged care system.
“No one ever leaves without thanking me for sorting our their queries and getting the answers they need to do more research,” Ms Hosking said.
She said an information centre would also help people put in place a plan for living into old age.
“Aged care is something people don’t think about until we need it,” she said.
“Out in the community there is a great need to plan ahead.”
When they’re in a crisis, people need a face-to-face conversation, not be told to go looking on the internet or a have phone conversation.
- Ruth Hosking, aged care advocate