Support and Resources
We believe it’s important that older people are connected to the right organisations.
As a state peak agency for seniors in Queensland, we are connected to national peaks such as COTA Australia, National Seniors Australia, and the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) who are interested in better outcomes for older people.
There are also several other national organisations that have specific advocacy interests related to older people and the services they receive. These include Ageing Australia, Dementia Australia, Carers Australia and Palliative Care Australia.
Following many interactions with older people, we have generated a list of selected organisations that can meet a variety of needs, including individual advocacy, for your reference.
Community Advocacy for Individuals
The individual advocacy organisations listed below offer support for a diverse range of services that provide assistance for a variety of people and purposes.
Organisations that support individual advocacy include:
Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia (ADA Australia)
Offers free, independent advocacy for older people in aged care and disability.Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS)
Provides free legal and social work assistance for elder abuse and financial exploitation.Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages (ARQRV)
Advocates for retirement village residents, assisting with disputes and rights under the Retirement Villages Act.Queensland Consumers Association
Advocates for consumer rights, especially for seniors, against financial exploitation.Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN)
Advocates for the rights and inclusion of people with disability, providing individual and systemic advocacy.Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC)
Promotes and protects human rights, addressing age discrimination and providing a complaints process.- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
Provides free, confidential advocacy services and information to support older people and their representatives in navigating the aged care system. - Ageing Australia
Supports and represents providers of retirement living, seniors housing, residential care, home care, community care and related services
Seniors Enquiry Line
Visit the Seniors Enquiry Link website here.
Seniors Enquiry Line is a free, state-wide information and referral service for Queensland seniors, families, friends, grandparents and carers.
Contact the Enquiry Line: 1300 135 500 (Outside Queensland: 07 3867 2500)
Callers are connected to a real person who can answer questions about:
- Concessions
- Consumer issues
- Financial services
- Health
- Home help
- Housing options
- Legal services
- Scams
- Social and leisure activities
- Technology
- Transport
Elder Abuse Prevention
The Elder Abuse Prevention Unit (EAPU) is funded by the Queensland Government and operated by UnitingCare. They promote the rights of all older people in Queensland to live free from abuse.
Contact the Elder Abuse Prevention Helpline:
Phone: 1300 651 192
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Visit the website.
How the Helpline Can Help
- Confidential Support: Safe environment to discuss concerns.
- Information and Guidance: Recognize abuse, understand rights, explore support options.
- Referrals: Connect with legal advice, counselling, and emergency support.
Additional services and supports:
- Elder Abuse Prevention Unit (EAPU)
Focuses on preventing elder abuse with advocacy and support services. - Queensland Mental Health Commission (QMHC)
- Housing Older Women’s Support Services (HOWSS)
- Legal Aid Queensland
Free legal advice for elder abuse. - Seniors Legal and Support Service
Legal and social work support. - Aged Care Advocacy Services
Support for those in aged care.
Why It’s Important to Seek Help
Elder abuse can have severe impacts. Early help can prevent further harm. If you suspect abuse, contact the Queensland Elder Abuse Helpline. Your call can make a difference.
Recognising these forms of elder abuse is crucial:
- Physical Abuse: Harm through hitting, pushing, or restraining.
- Emotional Abuse: Verbal assaults, threats, or isolation.
- Financial Abuse: Misuse of an older person’s money or assets.
- Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact.
- Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care.
COTA Insurance
COTA Insurance is a trusted provider of insurance solutions tailored specifically to meet the needs of older Australians.
As part of the COTA (Council on the Ageing) family, including COTA Queensland, COTA Insurance shares the mission of supporting and enhancing the lives of seniors. By offering affordable, comprehensive insurance products, COTA Insurance helps individuals protect their homes, vehicles, health, and travel plans as they age.
COTA Insurance provides a range of services including home and contents insurance, car insurance, caravan insurance, and travel insurance, all designed with seniors in mind. Their policies cater to the unique circumstances of older Australians, ensuring coverage that reflects their lifestyles and needs.
Proceeds support important programs to improve the health, wellbeing and participation of older people.
For more information, you can visit COTA Insurance.
Queensland Government Resources
Access information about discounts and services for older Queenslanders including Seniors Card, registration renewals, Elder Abuse Support, comparing retirement villages, housing and care options and more.
Information about discounts for seniors including registration, electricity, gas and other expenses is available here
The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability and Child Safety also has a dedicated website for an age-friendly Queensland with information, support and services including volunteering, an age-friendly toolkit, elder abuse awareness and prevention and other resources.
Other Queensland Government agencies that support seniors and others include:
- Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC)
Promotes and protects human rights, addressing age discrimination and providing a complaints process. - Queensland Mental Health Commission (QMHC)
Aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Queenslanders
Commonwealth Government Resources
Starting point for accessing Australian Government subsidised aged care services.
- Visit online or phone 1800 200 422, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm.
- My Aged Care can also assist with finding a provider in your area that can meet your needs.
To access residential aged care or ‘aged care homes’ in Australia you will need to have an assessment to determine the level of support and care you will need.
Home Care Packages and Aged Care Homes can be quite complex. It is recommended that you seek financial advice before making a choice.
Other My Aged Care options include Short-term care, Respite care and transition care.
To ensure this information is accessible for all, there is a Translating and Interpreting (TIS National) Service and support for people with hearing and vision impairment.
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Provides information on ageing and aged care policies, programs, and services.
Services Australia
Offers help with information, access and referrals to face-to-face My Aged Care services. They also offer a free Financial Information Service in several languages which can help you understand the process or you can call 132 300.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
Supports older Australians who need a little extra support at home for one or two services.
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Offers higher levels of assistance for people who need greater or more complex care. There are four levels of package available, which give you different amounts of funding depending on your care needs.
Carer Gateway
Provides free emotional and practical support services for carers. Call 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday 8am-6pm.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
This national regulator of aged care services protects the health, safety and wellbeing of older people.
Aged Care Guide Service
Compares Nursing Homes, Home Care Retirement Homes and Services. Also offers a database of aged care homes, along with retirement villages and home care services.
Age Discrimination Commissioner (Australian Human Rights Commission)
Addresses issues of age discrimination and promotes the rights of older Australians.
Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing (AIHW)
Provide stronger evidence for better decisions and improved health and welfare through meaningful information and statistics from quality data and information.
