COTA - Interruptions to Daily Living Guide 

The opening of Western Australia’s borders is causing some concern or anxiety for many people, particularly those who may feel more vulnerable. This Guide has been prepared to support older Western Australians who are isolated (by choice or circumstance) and whose normal daily routine has been interrupted. You may be unsure of what restrictions are currently in place or you may be hesitant to venture into shopping centres, restaurants, cinemas or even medical centres. Despite this, some of your usual daily or weekly activities are important for maintaining your physical, social and mental wellbeing. Tasks such as buying food, going to essential medical appointments or paying your bills still need to be undertaken. Areas covered in the guide include:

Shopping Care + Support
Transport
Specialised Support Technology
Age Care Navigation
Housing
Safety for Seniors
Advocacy
Western Australian Government COVID-19 Guidelines

COTA (WA) has worked closely with organisations in the seniors’ sector to bring you this guide. It is filled with suggestions and information on how you can live comfortably and safely during periods when you are isolated and how you can access the information or support you need. It is also a companion to the At Home Guide which was developed in 2019 in response to the onset of COVID-19.

We know that many seniors are not active users of technology such as mobile telephones or computers, so we have included telephone numbers as well as websites or other contact details in this guide to make sure you can get the assistance you need, in your preferred way of receiving information.  Click here for a full copy of the Guide

Aged care assistance

• My Aged Care. Phone 1800 200 422.
• GPs can set up My Aged Care referrals on behalf of individuals. This enables easy reference of your medical needs to be verified.
• Advocare: can assist set up your ‘My Aged Care’ package. They also have an Elder Abuse Helpline: 1300 724 679 and 9479 7566
• COVID-19 helpline for seniors: 1800 171 866.
• COTA: Council of the Ageing WA: Working towards an equitable, just and inclusive society in which older people can flourish.
• Wellbeing checks for seniors: Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) or  OPAN Covid-19 (password: OPANcovid-19).
• Seniors Rights and Advocacy Service: information on elder abuse, planning for the future, living arrangements.

Local services and support

• Tech Help in the Library occurs on Wednesdays 9.30–11am with a volunteer.
• The Meeting Place: is based in South Fremantle and brings the community together through a range of unique courses, workshops, events and talks.
• TADWA’s Technology and Computer Services team helps people find the technology that best suits their needs, helps them get online and connected with what is most important to them and gives them ongoing support. Phone 93797400.