Katherine seniors in need of retirement accommodation

24 Jul 2018

COTA NT recently visited Katherine and spoke to seniors there about COTA NT’s work and the new concession scheme.  It was important for us to meet local seniors and hear about their concerns and issues. One of the main issues in Katherine is the lack of a retirement village. As we all want to retain our seniors, especially in their respective regions, it is imperative that NT government take issues around access to appropriate accommodation as we age very seriously.

Another focus of COTA NT’s work has been the National Aged Care Alliance (NACA). For more than a decade this alliance has been at the centre of improvements in aged care. One of the main issues being addressed, especially with My Aged Care, is the lack of home care cost transparency and comparability. Very soon all providers will be strongly encouraged to publish their existing prices on My Aged Care. Another recommendation made by the NACA is that by April 2019 the My Aged Care will be updated to include a unit cost comparison tool for the most commonly used services. This is welcomed by consumers as they will be able to compare costs and should have more informed choice.

Readers might also be aware of the ACCC recommendations to the consumer electricity market – although the Territory is unique in this regard, it is pleasing that the ACCC is taking seriously the rising price of electricity, especially to people on a fixed income.

Finally, a reminder to fill out the new forms for the NT Concession Scheme and the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme. COTA NT has forms available and can help if you are feeling confused and are worried about your eligibility. Don’t forget if you were on the NT Pensioner and Concession Carer Scheme, even if you were a self-funded retiree, you are automatically transferred over to the new schemes – this is called “grandfathering.”

~ Sue Shearer, CEO COTA NT

Tags: Seniors Voice