Supporting senior Australians during the coronavirus pandemic

Older people are at greater risk of more serious illness if they get coronavirus. As we move towards a COVIDSafe Australia, it is important for people at greater risk to take extra steps to protect themselves.

You should continue to maintain 1.5 metres distance from people you do not live with and practise good hygiene. These are the best defences for you and your family against coronavirus. If you do need to go out, you should consider downloading the COVIDSafe app if you have smart device.

There are support services you can access if you would like to continue to stay at home to protect yourself.

You can arrange telehealth appointments with your GP rather than face-to-face appointments. You can also arrange delivery of your prescriptions through your pharmacy. Talk to your GP and pharmacy about these options.

A new phone line is now available for senior Australians that provides information, support and connection. The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line is available Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 6.00pm on 1800 171 866.

If you would simply like to have a chat, you can call the FriendLine on 1800 424 287. Their friendly volunteers are ready to talk about anything and everything.

My Aged Care can arrange prepared meals or access to priority online and telephone grocery shopping if you are over 65 years. Contact My Aged Care by phone on 1800 200 422 from Monday to Friday 8.00am to 8.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm.

And if you would like friendship, you can access the Community Visitors Scheme which is continuing through the pandemic with phone and virtual friendships. For more information visit www.health.gov.au/cvs.

For further information about support services available or about COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health website.

For more information on COVID-19 and your nearest testing clinics, click here.