4B Health: Services & Resources - Seniors Information Service ...
Seniors Information Service
PO Box 1332 Crows Nest NSW 1585
www.seniorsinfo.nsw.gov.au
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Fact
Sheet 4B
4B
Health:
services & resources
This Fact Sheet contains information and contact numbers for some general
health services that may be useful, but if you are concerned about any aspect
of your health you are encouraged to see your doctor as soon as possible.
Section 1 lists general community-based health services.
Section 2 lists organisations that support people with specific age-related
health issues.
Section 3 lists some booklets that may be useful.
Public health services
Ambulance services
If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Commonwealth
Seniors Health Card you are entitled to emergency ambulance transport, free
of charge, in NSW.
If you don’t hold any of these cards and you need an ambulance you will
be charged a flat fee, then a rate per kilometre after a certain distance.
Alternatively you can take out health insurance for ambulance services –
some private health funds offer “Ambulance Only” cover at a reasonable
cost, or it may be included in your private health insurers’ basic hospital
cover. Some health policies only cover you for emergency use (not for
between hospital transfers or non-emergency trips between home and
hospital), so check what your policy does and does not cover. For more
information on ambulance cover contact the Ambulance Service of NSW
on 9320 7777, phone a registered health insurance company or visit the
Department of Health and Ageing website at www.health.gov.au.
Community health centres
If you need information or advice on any matter relating to your health, you
can contact your local community health centre. These centres are staffed
by trained workers who can help you deal with a wide range of health issues.
Community nurses are often available through these centres to provide care
and education to you, your family or any other carers you may wish to involve.
For your nearest community health centre, contact the Seniors Information
Service on 13 12 44.
Seniors Information Service is an
initiative of the NSW Government and
is funded by the NSW Department of
Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Seniors Information Service PO Box 1332, Crows Nest NSW 1585
Seniors
Information
Service
13 12 44
Seniors Information Service
PO Box 1332 Crows Nest NSW 1585
www.seniorsinfo.nsw.gov.au
Page
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Fact
Sheet 4B
4B
Health Care Complaints Commission
If you are dissatisfied with a health service or practitioner (either public or
private) you can contact the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission.
This commission investigates and resolves consumer complaints about health
care providers, and takes appropriate action. Actions can include mediation
or prosecution, depending on the nature of your complaint.
You must make your complaint in writing, but before you do this you are
advised to contact the commission on 9219 7444 or 1800 043 159 (country
callers) for more information about making a complaint. You can also visit
their website at www.hccc.nsw.gov.au.
Isolated Patients’ Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme
The NSW Isolated Patients’ Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme
(IPTAAS) provides some financial assistance to people who need to travel
more than 200kms each way for specialist medical treatment (either inpatient
or outpatient), or specialist oral surgical treatment (excluding general dentistry)
which is not available locally.
If you live less than 200kms away from your specilialist practitioner, IPTAAS will
contact your local Area Health Service to find out if other assistance or options
may be available.
To enquire about this service ask your doctor, or call the Seniors Information
Service on 13 12 44 for an application form to be forwarded to you.
MedicarePlus (Enhanced Primary Care)
The Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program covers the costs of some allied
health services if you have a chronic condition and/or complex care needs, and
regular health checks if you are 75 yearsor older (or 55 if you are Aboriginal).
If you are eligible, this scheme provides up to five consultations each year with
health professionals including podiatrists, audiologists or physiotherapists.
Your local doctor is the best person to advise you how to benefit from
this scheme.
Seniors Information Service is an
initiative of the NSW Government and
is funded by the NSW Department of
Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Seniors Information Service PO Box 1332, Crows Nest NSW 1585
Seniors
Information
Service
13 12 44
Seniors Information Service
PO Box 1332 Crows Nest NSW 1585
www.seniorsinfo.nsw.gov.au
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3
Fact
Sheet 4B
4B
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) provides government subsidies
for some medications. It also provides additional concessions on prescriptions
listed under the PBS if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card; Health Care
Card; white, gold or orange Veterans Affairs Card; or a Commonwealth Seniors
Health Card. The cost per prescription is $4.70 (as at 1 January 2006. It is
adjusted by the CPI on 1 January each year). As well, the PBS Safety Net
kicks in for concession card holders who have paid (at the subsidised rate)
for 54 PBS prescriptions in a calendar year – all other prescriptions for that
year are free.
For more information call the PBS on 1800 020 613.
Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP)
This program is administered by NSW Health, to improve the independence of
people with a permanent or long-term disability in their homes. It provides aids
for daily living, equipment and appliances. In many parts of NSW this includes
free oxygen therapy equipment if you are on a full pension or you meet specific
medical criteria. For other services, you may be asked to contribute to the cost
of an appliance.
PADP is based in many public hospitals throughout NSW – its staff are best
placed to give you information about the services on offer and details of your
eligibility. Call your local hospital or the Seniors Information Service (phone 13 12 44)
to find your nearest centre.
If you are not eligible for subsidised appliances through PADP, other companies
have similar equipment available for lease or purchase. Check with your doctor
or local chemist, or contact one of the companies below. Note that this is not
an exhaustive list.
Lifestyle and Rehabilitation (02) 9526 2522
Relpar 1300 555 634
Hospital at Home 1300 303 604
Water Comfort 1800 813 254
Seniors Information Service is an
initiative of the NSW Government and
is funded by the NSW Department of
Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Seniors Information Service PO Box 1332, Crows Nest NSW 1585
Seniors
Information
Service
13 12 44
Seniors Information Service
PO Box 1332 Crows Nest NSW 1585
www.seniorsinfo.nsw.gov.au
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Fact
Sheet 4B
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The Aged Care Rights Service
If you – or a friend or relative – are receiving care that you are dissatisfied
with at home or in a nursing home or hostel, The Aged Care Rights Service
provides a confidential, free advocacy service to help you lodge and resolve
your complaint. To contact them phone 9281 3600 (or 1800 424 079 for
rural callers).
Technical Aids for the Disabled (TAD)
TAD (NSW) designs, constructs and provides appliances for people with a
disability and older people who require technical aids to live in their homes,
and has branches across NSW. Trained TAD volunteers, many of whom are
technical experts, provide information on a wide range of design, engineering,
rehabilitation, computer, therapy and other professional and technical aids.
They also supply aids, where possible, at a reasonable cost. To contact the
service, call 9808 2022 (or 1300 885 886 for rural callers).
Support organisations
A range of organisations provide information and support to people with
specific health or other conditions. Many have centres throughout NSW –
to find out if a particular service is available in your local area phone the
number listed, or check the relevant website.
Alcoholics Anonymous 24 hour Helpline (02) 9488 9820
www.aa.org.au
ALANON (02) 9279 3600
(for relatives and friends of alcoholics) www.alanon.alateen.org
Alzheimers Australia (NSW) (02) 9805 0100
Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500
www.alzheimers org.au
Arthritis Foundation of NSW (02) 9683 1622
www.arthritisnsw.org.au
Australian Lung Foundation (LungNet) 1800 654 301
www.lungnet.com.au
Seniors Information Service is an
initiative of the NSW Government and
is funded by the NSW Department of
Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Seniors Information Service PO Box 1332, Crows Nest NSW 1585
Seniors
Information
Service
13 12 44
Seniors Information Service
PO Box 1332 Crows Nest NSW 1585
www.seniorsinfo.nsw.gov.au
Page
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Fact
Sheet 4B
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Association of Relatives and Friends
of the Mentally Ill (02) 9805 1883
Free call 1800 655 198
www.arafmi.org.au
Australian Kidney Foundation (02) 9299 4599
Free call 1800 682 531
www.kidney.org.au
The Cancer Council of NSW: Helpline 13 11 20
www.cancercouncil.org.au
Carers NSW (02) 9280 4744
Commonwealth Carers Resource Centre 1800 742 636
www.carersnsw.asn.au
See Seniors Information Service
Fact Sheet 7E – Carer supports
Continence Foundation (NSW) (02) 9840 4165
Continence Helpline 1800 330 066
Dentacare (03) 9654 6355
Free call 1800 810 217
Seniors Information Service Fact Sheet
being developed – Health: Dental Care
Diabetes Australia NSW (02) 9552 9900
Customer Care Line 1300 136 588
www.diabetesnsw.com.au
Gamblers Anonymous (6am –11pm 7 days) (02) 9564 1574
G-line (24 hrs) 1800 633 635
www.gamblersanonymous.org.au
Glaucoma Australia (02) 9906 6640
Free call 1300 847 466
www.glaucoma.org.au
GROW NSW
(depression or anxiety support) (02) 9219 2444
Free call 1800 032 120
Seniors Information Service is an
initiative of the NSW Government and
is funded by the NSW Department of
Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Seniors Information Service PO Box 1332, Crows Nest NSW 1585
Seniors
Information
Service
13 12 44
Seniors Information Service
PO Box 1332 Crows Nest NSW 1585
www.seniorsinfo.nsw.gov.au
Page
6
Fact
Sheet 4B
4B
Motor Neurone Disease Assoc. NSW (02) 8877 0999
Free call (10am–4pm) 1800 649 144
www.mndnsw.asn.au
Multiple Sclerosis Society NSW (02) 9646 0600
Free call 1800 042 138
www.msnsw.org.au
National Heart Foundation (NSW) (02) 9219 2444
Heart Moves program 1300 362 787
www.heartfoundation.com.au
Office of Hearing Services 1800 500 726
See Seniors Information Service Fact
Sheet 4C – Health: managing with hearing loss
Osteoporosis Society (NSW) (02) 9683 1622
Free call 1800 242 141
www.osteoporisis.org.au
Parkinson’s NSW Inc 1800. 644 189
Support Services 1800 644 189
www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au
Palliative Care NSW (02) 9282 6436
www.palliativecarensw.org.au
Poison Information Centre 13 11 26
Podiatry Association (02) 9698 3751
www.podiatry.asn.au
Seniors Information Service Fact Sheet
being developed – Health: foot care
Quit line NSW (quit smoking) 131 848
Sleep Disorders Australia (02) 9990 3514
Email
sleepoz@hcn.net.au
Seniors Information Service is an
initiative of the NSW Government and
is funded by the NSW Department of
Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Seniors Information Service PO Box 1332, Crows Nest NSW 1585
Seniors
Information
Service
13 12 44
Seniors Information Service
PO Box 1332 Crows Nest NSW 1585
www.seniorsinfo.nsw.gov.au
Page
7
Fact
Sheet 4B
4B
Stroke Recovery Association NSW (02) 9550 0594
Freecall 1300 650 594
www.strokensw.org.au
Vision Australia
Freecall 1300 847 466
www.visionaustralia.org.au
See Seniors Information Service Fact
Sheet 4A – Health: vision care
Some useful health booklets
These are only a few health-related booklets for older people – many others are
available at your doctor’s surgery or community health centre. The NSW Health
website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs also has useful Fact Sheets on a
range of health issues.
What should I do This booklet outlines commonly occurring medical
problems for people over the age of 50. It gives useful information to help
you decide when to go to the doctor. The booklet lists simple steps to take
for yourself first, and then if there is no change, when to seek medical help.
For your free copy, call Seniors Information Service on 13 12 44.
Stay on Your Feet! Your Home Safety Checklist. This is a guide to
preventing falls, including “fall-proofing” your home and yourself, and ideas
about how to get up again if you do have a fall. It is written in a delightful way
and is packed full of easy-to-follow ideas. For your free copy call the Seniors
Information Service on 13 12 44.
Seniors Information Service is an initiative of the NSW Government
Every care has been taken in the preparation of this document and the information it contains is
believed to be accurate. Seniors Information Service does not endorse, recommend or guarantee
the services listed in its Fact Sheets, in any other publication or on its website. Before seeking advice
or services you should make your own enquiries about the accuracy and reliability of the information
provided, and decide whether the product or service is of good quality and is suitable for your needs.
The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care suggests that professional advice be sought
wherever necessary.
Seniors Information Service December 2006
Seniors Information Service is an
initiative of the NSW Government and
is funded by the NSW Department of
Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Seniors Information Service PO Box 1332, Crows Nest NSW 1585
Seniors
Information
Service
13 12 44