COVID-19 Support for seniors
Information, resources and services available to seniors, their families and carers to support them during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are detailed below - updated March 2022.
COVID-19 health advice for older people and carers
Australian Government Department of Health
The Australian Government maintains general information on the pandemic, vaccinations and vaccine resources in a range of languages as well as specific ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for older people and carers’ including information on how to protect yourself, health advice, aged care information and supports to assist with your wellbeing.
Click below for more information:
Australian Government Department of Health - Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
The Australian Government’s Healthdirect website also has essential information and resources for older Australians with concerns or questions about COVID-19, including information on:
- What to do if you feel unwell, getting tested, masks, and caring for people with COVID-19
- Additional healthcare services and how to access them
- Accessing medication
Click below to visit the Healthdirect website:
Western Australian Department of Health
Healthy WA has information specific to Western Australia including current testing and isolation requirements, COVID-19 testing, vaccination, exposure sites, quarantine and isolation, and how to prepare and manage for COVID-19. Particular information for Aboriginal people and resources in languages other than English are also available.
Click below for more information:
WA Department of Health - Healthy WA COVID-19 information
COVID helplines
The National Coronavirus Helpline is available on 1800 020 080 for information or advice on COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccines (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line provides information and support to older Australians, their families and carers. Call 1800 171 866 Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6pm, except public holidays.
Visits to residential aged care facilities
The WA State Government maintains guidelines for visitors to residential aged care facilities which are updated as restrictions change. These are called the Visitors to Residential Aged Care Facilities (Restrictions on Access) Directions and will provide you with up to date information on the rules. To ensure you are viewing the current version go to the site below and find the relevant link under the Aged Care heading:
WA Visitors to Residential Aged Care Facilities
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) or Advocare can assist with advocacy on visiting rights as well as other matters. Call OPAN on 1800 700 600 or Advocare on 1800 655 566.
Other support services and information for older Australians during coronavirus
Interruptions to Daily Living Guide
With the opening of the WA borders, Council on the Ageing (COTA) WA have put together a guide to support older Western Australians who are isolated (by choice or circumstance) and whose normal daily routine has been interrupted. The guide provides comprehensive advice on services and supports available across a number of areas including shopping, transport, technology, advocacy, care and support, aged care navigation, and safety. The guide and associated fact sheets are available by clicking below:
COTA WA Interruptions to Daily Living Guide
Staying connected through COVID
The Council on the Ageing (COTA) WA guide on Care and Support (part of their Interruptions to Daily Living Guide) provides very comprehensive guidance to a range of services available to help seniors with social support and staying connected with others.
COTA WA guide to care and support services
There are a number of free services or programs to help anyone who is feeling a bit isolated. See our Staying Connected page for further information.
Mental Health
During the COVID-19 pandemic many people have experienced worsening mental health through stress, anxiety and social isolation. For general information and resources on older people and mental health you can visit Healthdirect.
Beyond Blue provides a Coronvirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. See Beyond Blue or ring 1800 512 348
For crisis support ring Lifeline on 13 11 14
Vinnies
Vinnies are continuing to offer support for seniors and vulnerable people who are in self-isolation or in need of support via their Vinnies Emergency Assistance and Support program. To request assistance call 1300 794 054.
Digital connection and technology
If you are an older resident wanting to learn more about using technology to stay connected with the rest of the world, contact the City of Wanneroo libraries teams to find out about our Tech Help service. You can get help setting up your device and getting online, using email, downloading apps, using SafeWA, ServiceWA and MyGov, social media and any other technology queries you may have. Libraries are also currently offering a Download Certificate Service to help people download vaccination certificates to their smartphones.
Contact your local library to register your interest.
- Clarkson – 9407 1600
- Girrawheen – 9342 8844
- Wanneroo – 9405 5940
- Yanchep/Two Rocks – 9561 1110
You can also check out a number of online resources such as this excellent collection at Be Connected.
Supporting people with dementia
Alzheimer’s WA has information, resources and services for families and carers of people living with dementia and can provide advice for those who may be self-isolating. Click below for further information from the Alzheimer's WA website or call them on 1300 66 77 88
Activities to do at home
If you are restricted to staying at home or self-isolating but have internet access, the following ideas might help keep you entertained. Some of these also have suitable activities that can be printed out for you by a friend, neighbour or family member. Internet access and printing is also available at your local library.
- Golden Cares - For a range of fun activities
- Seterra - Free games that will improve your geography
- CyArk - Learn about, explore and take virtual tours of famous places around the world.