WE live in uncertain times: information and advice on how best to survive and thrive during the coronavirus pandemic is coming in from all quarters and sometimes it's hard to know what to do for the best or where to turn.
However, a new COVID-19 hotline will help older Australians get the critical information they need to stay healthy and safe, providing an accessible one-stop source for personal support, questions and up-to-date guidelines.
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia, National Seniors Australia, Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and Dementia Australia have banded together, supported by the federal government, to create the National COVID Older Persons Information Line.
Older people and carers are encouraged to call 1800-171-866 to speak to friendly, specially trained staff from a seniors' advocacy organisation.
"People are scared and confused. Many are unsure what is safe what isn't," said OPAN chief executive Craig Gear.
"The hotline is an important part of what will need to be a big community response."
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'Inhumane' aged care lockdowns 'over and above'
SENIORS groups have described some nursing home lockdowns as inhumane and welcomed Prime Minister Scott Morrison's comments that aged care residents should be allowed visitors.
Mr Morrison said there was concern about the impact of restrictions which had been put in place in aged care, "far and above" what was recommended by the National Cabinet.
He said it was not National Cabinet's decision to shut people off or lock them away in their rooms, adding that there was great concern the isolation of elderly people was not good for their health and wellbeing.
Some aged care facilities have been reported as introducing more draconian isolation rules than recommended, in some cases banning all visitors and restricting residents' movements around facilities.
Council on the Ageing chief executive Ian Yates said compassionate access, especially where there is a long-held pattern of people providing care and support to their loved one in aged care, must be permitted.
However, aged care peak bodies have rejected the Prime Minister's comments.
"In some cases, individual providers have made difficult decisions to make further restrictions depending on their individual circumstances including location and individual needs of residents," said Aged and Community Services chief executive Pat Sparrow.
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Meanwhile, aged care providers have hit back by calling on the government to revise its statement on aged care visits, saying that providers are "totally committed to working with families, communities and governments" to keep residents and staff protected from COVID-19.
"It is incorrect to characterise the sector as having kept residents isolated, under lock and key, in their rooms. Nor are they secret places," a statement issued on behalf of 1000 provider representatives said.
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Elective surgery/dental treatments to resume
ELECTIVE surgery will resume in Australian hospitals, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed.
He said the National Cabinet, which includes the Prime Minister, premiers and chief ministers, had agreed to lift the restrictions introduced last month on all but the most urgent elective surgery.
The ban was brought in to free up hospital beds in anticipation of a massive escalation in COVID-19 cases and to preserve face masks and other personal protective equipment for frontline medical workers during the pandemic.
Joint replacements, including hips, knees and shoulders, cataract surgery and some other eye procedures, post-cancer reconstruction such as breast reconstruction, some dental procedures, endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures, IVF and all procedures for children under 18 are among those that will be able to take place.
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Read more: Our aged care crisis