Help in navigating the system on its way
18 Dec 2018
It is an exciting time again for us at COTA NT. We have just been advised that we have been successful in our bid as part of COTA’s national tender for My Aged Care Navigation Hubs in the Territory. This success means that we will be able to have two new staff members, one in Alice Springs and one in Darwin, available specifically to assist any seniors – or their families and carers – who are having difficulty navigating the My Aged Care system. Having dedicated support people, who have access to computers, an understanding of what is available and what is required to register, apply and complete forms – plus having the time, patience and expertise to do this – will be a huge benefit for older seniors (many of whom don’t have access to a computer to register for much needed services).
COTA NT also attended the launch of the COTA Australia national survey in Canberra. The national survey posed similar questions to our own, the NT survey differing as it was designed to present uniquely Territorian points of view. One issue that did stand out from the national survey was that 80% of those senior Australians surveyed also wanted the choice of assisted dying/euthanasia, as our Territory survey revealed. Do you think our local and federal politicians are listening to their constituents and are genuinely in touch with their local electorate? We think not.
Finally, a reminder that COTA NT (including the NT Seniors Card office) will be closed from 12pm on the 21st December, re-opening on the 7th January. If you are looking for activities in the break, go online and check our Territory-wide calendar. This is our last column for 2018, so we will see you in 2019. Once again, a very safe, healthy and happy Christmas and New Year from the COTA NT family.
~ Sue Shearer, CEO COTA NT
Tags: Seniors Voice
