Sarah and Steph will be out and about at the Brimbank Disability, Seniors and Carers Expo. The event is an opportunity to connect with local service providers and access practical, up-to-date information about supports available in Brimbank.
Fred*, a 69 year old man, was referred to us from a homeless service as he had fallen into serious rent arrears and was at risk of becoming homeless. Fred had spent all his superannuation on palliative care and other medical expenses for his wife, and when she died he could no longer afford the rent.
The new Support at Home program, implemented in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, aims to ensure ‘a simpler and more equitable system for older people that helps them to stay at home for longer’. While HAAG supports this vision, we hold grave concerns about whether the implementation of the program will meet the needs of older people in precarious housing.
We all need secure and affordable housing to be safe and healthy as we age. That’s why we provide support for older people experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness, advice for people in Retirement Housing, connect older people with Aged Care, and advocate for older people’s housing. Download our brochure about all the services we provide
Judi, a woman in her mid-70s, was referred to care finder by a Community Mental Health nurse for urgent housing instability, financial hardship and declining mental health. Previously managing private rental cost of $490 per week through part-time work as a mental health nurse, Judi became unable to work following a severe injury involving a fall a hip fracture.
The new Support at Home program is being implemented in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The government states it will bring together current in-home aged care programs, such as the existing Home Care Packages 'ensuring a simpler and more equitable system for older people that helps them to stay at home for longer.’ HAAG fully supports this vision, aligning with our goal of assisting older people to maintain independent living in their community of choice. However, we hold grave concerns about whether the Support at Home program will meet the needs of older people in precarious housing, including those renting privately.
Housing for the Aged Action Group strongly supports the Council’s proposal to lease land for community housing in Rosebud. We commend Mornington Peninsula Shire for its vision to provide safe, stable, and affordable medium-term housing for low-income women and their children, as well as women aged 55 and over at risk of homelessness. Community housing provides vital affordable and stable housing that older people desperately need.
Joanna, 61, has Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as Carpal Tunnel syndrome. She was due to have knee and hip replacements, but she told us “I am not sure how long and painful the recovery will be after a hip or knee replacement. I am not in secure housing to recover, so I have no option but to keep delaying the surgery”.
Shane and Fiona speak to Allie about her role as care finder at HAAG. She explains how to access aged care and housing, and some of the barriers for older renters.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."