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Community information and support for seniors

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Community Recovery Hotline

If you have no other means of getting food or essential items, contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349. The hotline has been activated by the Queensland Government to assist people who have been advised to quarantine at home by a medical professional, Queensland Health or by direction from government and who have no other mechanisms for support.

National COVID Older Persons Information Line

Older persons and carers are encouraged to call 1800 171 866 to speak to friendly, specially trained staff from a seniors advocacy organisation. The new COVID-19 hotline will assist older Australians to get the critical information they need to stay healthy and safe during the pandemic.

Residents

Please visit our Community support page for additional COVID-19 information.

Information for you or someone you care about is provided below. Contacts listed include in-home community support services, aged care providers, community legal advice, retirement planning tools and advocacy groups who support vulnerable residents.

General information for seniors

Aged care and in-home support

My Aged Care provides information about different types of aged care, costs and options for in-home support. For more information visit My Aged Care or phone 1800 200 422.

Age pension

The Department of Human Services provides income support to eligible older Australians. For more information visit the Department of Human Services or phone 13 23 00.

Anti-discrimination and advocacy information

Organisations are available to assist seniors if they are being treated unfairly, abused or neglected. Visit our anti-discrimination and advocacy page for contact details.

Be Someone For Someone

Be Someone For Someone is a major initiative and charity created by Feros Care to tackle the growing epidemic of loneliness in Australia; providing support to those who are lonely as well as opportunities for those who would like to help people feeling alone.

Visit Be Someone For Someone for more information.

Department of Health Community Visitor Scheme

Community visits are carried out by volunteers who set aside time at least once a fortnight to visit a resident in an Australian Government subsidised aged care home, or a person in their own home who is receiving a Government funded Home Care Package.

Contact Department of Health Community Visitor Scheme by phone on 1800 200 422 or visit My Aged Care for further information or to make a referral.

National Dementia Helpline

The National Dementia Helpline is a free, federally-funded service that provides information, referrals and advice to people living with dementia and the family, friends and carers of people living with dementia.

For more information visit National Dementia Helpline or free call 1800 100 500.

Elder Abuse Helpline

The Elder Abuse Helpline provides free, confidential advice and assistance to anyone experiencing elder abuse, or who is concerned about someone they know. For more information visit Elder Abuse Helpline or phone 1300 651 192.

Falls prevention

Every day, 133 older Queenslanders have a fall requiring medical attention. For information about the prevention of falls visit the Queensland Health’s Stay on your feet website.

FriendLine

FriendLine offers older Australians an opportunity to call and have a free, anonymous, friendly chat with a volunteer over the phone.

This service is available 10am to 8pm, seven days a week. For more information visit FriendLine or free call 1800 424 287.

Legal advice and community guide

The Gold Coast Community Legal Centre & Advice Bureau Inc. provides free legal advice. For more information visit the Advice Bureau or phone 07 5532 9611.

Online Gold Coast Community Directory

Search the online Gold Coast Community directory for local community-based services and facilities on offer for senior residents and visitors across our city.

You can view, print and download your customised search results or a location map of services and facilities for free.

Online safety

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides tools and tips for seniors to navigate the digital world safely.

Scamwatch is run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). It provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.

Retirement

Your rights at retirement The Australian Human Rights Commission has produced a guide titled Your rights at retirement A guide to making decisions and navigating your entitlements in later life.

Retirement planning calculator

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission, provides a range of financial information, including an online retirement planning calculator.

Seniors Enquiry Line

The Seniors Enquiry Line is a statewide information and referral service. The service can provide information on in-home supports, services and products including medical alarms. For more information visit Seniors Enquiry Line or phone 1300 135 500.

Gold Coast Seniors OntheNet

Gold Coast Seniors OntheNet is a computer club for seniors (aged 50 and over) who are interested in learning about computers, tablets and smart phones [Android, iPad & iPhone], software and associated equipment for education, interest and enjoyment. The club offers a large variety of low cost courses, usually in the form of one-on-one lessons with an experienced volunteer tutor. For more information visit Gold Coast Seniors OntheNet or phone 07 5591 5766.

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