The COVID‐19 restrictions are stressful for everyone, but you deserve to be comfortable and safe.
The Collaborative Against Abuse of Older People in Sutherland Shire is a group of community aged care providers who work together to protect older people who are living in their own homes. They share the following tips for older people in the community who may be receiving offers of assistance at this time.
BE CAREFUL WHO YOU TRUST
- Only accept help from and share personal details with people you know well and feel comfortable with ‐ it’s ok to say ‘no thanks’ or change your mind
- Never give your house keys to strangers or let people in your home who you don’t know ‐ get deliveries to the door only
- Be wary of registering yourself with any neighbourhood help group – do you want to advertise that you are home alone?
- You always have the right to be valued, feel safe inside your house and receive the food and medical care you need ‐ no one should ever say you are a burden
- If you don’t have family or friends you trust, seek registered Community Services (like Catholic Healthcare's Home Care services) from My Aged Care ‐ 1800 200 422 or www.myagedcare.gov.au.
STAY SOCIALLY CONNECTED
- Have a few phone buddies and make a time to talk to at least one of them every day, so they know you’re ok
- Call for help if someone is hurting you or taking your money ‐ 000 for police or 1800 628 221 for the NSW Ageing & Disability Abuse Helpline
BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR MONEY
- Make sure you nominate a trusted person as your Power of Attorney and let the bank know who that is ‐ always review your bank statements
- Don’t give anyone your credit card ‐ if you need someone to shop for you, pay them when they deliver the shopping with a receipt or invoice
- Protect your password ‐ never give your pin or login away
HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN
- Have at least one buddy’s number programmed into your phone for a quick call if you need urgent help
- Put your essential papers in a place where you can find them in a hurry or if you need to explain the location to a trusted person
- Write a list of your key family members, phone buddies and any Community Services you use who need to be contacted in emergencies
The Collaborative is part of a network across NSW who work closely with the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission.
If you are a Home Care client of Catholic Healthcare and in need of support, please call our Customer Care Team on 1800 225 474. Or contact the NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline 1800 628 221 for confidential advice.