Senior Australians in Hervey Bay can now access the aged care system more easily with the new My Aged Care face-to-face services being rolled out in the region.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said from today an Aged Care Specialist Officer would be available at the Services Australia Hervey Bay Service Centre to provide senior Australians and their families with personalised support to assist them navigate the aged care system.

“Planning for aged care can be overwhelming for many older Australians and their families. This is why I am so committed to ensuring that senior Australians in Hinkler have more choices and clear information when it comes to the services they access,” Mr Pitt said.

“I wrote to Minister for Government Services Linda Reynolds when the announcement of this new service was made last year and requested that Hinkler be considered as a priority. I’m pleased that the face-to-face service started in Bundaberg earlier this month and now it is available in Hervey Bay.

“Having face-to-face service allows seniors and their families to sit down with a service specialist and talk through their aged care needs as well as other health and social services, all in the one location.

“This new initiative builds on the Coalition Government’s My Aged Care website and call centre, making it easier for senior Australians to make decisions about care as they age.

“Whether you’re looking for help at home or you’re considering a move to residential aged care, Services Australia staff can assist you and step you through the process.

“Services Australia’s Aged Care Specialist Officer in Hervey Bay can provide in-depth information about aged care services, offering financial information, registration and referral for aged care assessments, and connecting senior Australians with local support services, social workers, interpreters and advocates.”

Customers can call the Aged Care Line on 1800 227 475 if they need to:

• make an appointment to see an Aged Care Specialist Officer in their area
• talk about aged care costs or update their financial details.

For support to access Australian Government-funded aged care services, customers can:

• go to gov.au
• call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
• visit a service centre in their area to speak with someone face-to-face.