Care Finders: Case study

Over the last 18 months, Care Finders in central and eastern Sydney have provided support to over 2,300 vulnerable older people. This support has included helping them to interact with the My Aged Care system and access aged care services and other community supports. Care Finders have linked people to in-home services, social outings, and exercise programs, and other support services such as housing, mental health, and drug and alcohol services where required.

A key component of the Care Finder program is assertive outreach, to ensure that people with experiences of disadvantage, exclusion or discrimination can get access to the aged care and other supports they may need. People can be reluctant and unwilling to engage and it often takes time for Care Finders to build the trust of clients. For this reason our Care Finders are constantly exploring new and innovative models of outreach to engage and reach people in need.

One such example is Catholic Healthcare’s ‘Community Corner’ which is fostering support for older Australians residing in public housing within the Waterloo Estate, in Redfern Sydney. The initiative creates a space where older individuals can connect, share experiences, and access essential resources. A key component of Community Corner is the integration of the Care Finder service which plays a crucial role supporting, guiding and educating tenants on how to navigate the aged care system and access the services they require.

Catholic Healthcare’s commitment to Community Corner is not only helping older residents connect to services, but it is helping combat social isolation. Through its monthly afternoon teas, tenants are coming together, enjoying some refreshments, and getting to know their neighbours within the Waterloo housing estate.

Catholic Healthcare are one of 10 contracted Care Finder organisations developing effective assertive outreach strategies to older people in need in the CESPHN region. 

To be eligible for the Care Finder program, clients have one or more of these reasons for requiring intensive support; be reluctant to engage with aged care or government; have difficulty understanding information and making decisions, and have no carer or support person that can help them.

A full list of all Care Finder organisations in the CESPHN region can be found on the CESPHN website and My Aged Care website.