Senior South Australians are being encouraged to seek support during the country's toughest COVID-19 lockdown.
Aged Care and Senior Australians minister, Richard Colbeck, said the lockdown and subsequent restrictions could increase anxiety and isolation for the most vulnerable.
"It is important senior South Australians, including those in aged care facilities, know support is available - be it to arrange food or medication, access a GP, access information about COVID-19, or just find someone to talk to," he said.
Mr Colbeck urged providers to consider the Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes During COVID-19 which ensures the response to the pandemic was proportionate and in the best interests of the residents.
"Connection remains vital during this difficult time, particularly for vulnerable Australians, those suffering from dementia or in palliative care," Mr Colbeck said.
"Providers have a responsibility to ensure residents can retain some form of contact."
Earlier this month, the Government extended the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line 1800-171-866 until June 30, 2021.
The Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care can be found here.
Immediate assistance is available via:
My Aged Care - 1800-200-422
Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line - 1800-171-866
Senior South Australians can also access:
Assistance with food and meals, including prioritised online grocery ordering, the delivery of emergency food and essential supply boxes and urgent referrals to meal providers;
Access to MBS telehealth services so senior Australians can talk to a GP or other allied health professionals without having to leave home;
Home medicine delivery through pharmacies, enabling people to have prescriptions delivered to their home;
The Community Visitors Scheme, which supports senior people receiving Home Care or Residential Care who may be feeling more isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic through phone and virtual friendships;
The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line (1800 171 866), which provides information and support to senior Australians, their families and carers;
The National Dementia Helpline (1800-100-500), which is a free telephone service that provides information and advice to people living with dementia and family, friends and carers of people living with dementia;
Friend Line telephone support service (1800 4 CHATS, 1800-424-287), which offers a free and anonymous telephone service that provides senior Australians with the opportunity to chat with a volunteer;
The Head to Health website, which has been launched to support people who would like some help coping with anxiety or worry about COVID-19;
A range of dedicated coronavirus digital resources and a 24/7 phone-based counselling service led by Beyond Blue (1300-224-636) and staffed by accredited mental health professionals;
The Australian Red Cross (1300-885-698) can also provide you with a daily telephone call to check on your wellbeing through the "Telecross" service;
The Suicide Callback Service offers a targeted phone (1300-659-467) and online counselling service that helps people with a range of issues related to suicide; and
TIS National for people who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.