NAVIGATING what services are available to ex-service families can be tricky, but Legacy Australia is here to help.
It's created the Legacy Navigator service with independent living provider Bolton Clark to help support war widows and dependents.
This year more than 200 people have accessed health and aged care services help through the service.
Legacy Australia chairman Tony Ralph said tackling the confusion around how to access services had proven a challenge, particularly after changes to Home Care implemented in February which gave customers a greater decision-making role.
"Changes to the Aged Care system and provision of services are happening much faster than we can manage to update the knowledge base for our Legacy family," Mr Ralph said.
"The Navigator system has fast tracked our ability to stay abreast for our Legacy widows. It's been a boon to us."
"Navigators" answering calls have a wealth of knowledge and experience from working closely with and delivering Department of Veterans' Affairs programs and other government health and aged care programs.
"In some instances a widow may be eligible for a multitude of different services, through different programs," Mr Ralph said.
"The Legacy Navigator service provides support with everything from understanding how to be assessed for eligibility through to selecting a provider and paying for the services.
"The Navigators can assist callers from around Australia with free and easy-to-understand information so they can make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing."
- You can call Legacy Navigator Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm on 1300-577-884.
The service gives information on the types of inhome aged care, nursing and support available, the process for accessing aged care and using My Aged Care, home support options including Department of Veterans' Affairs Community Nursing and Veterans' Home Care Programs and the Commonwealth Home Support and Home Care Package programs.
Legacy Week runs from August 27 – September 2 and includes Badge Day on September 1. The annual appeal helps raise awareness and funds for families of incapacitated or deceased Veterans. To support Legacy visit - www.legacy.com.au
