Support for older people

If you are over 65 years old or over 50 years old for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, you may be eligible for government-funded services. There are different types of services for different needs, including help at home, short-term care and residential aged care.

To check your eligibility or to arrange an assessment, visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 (free call).

Useful contacts: 

• My Aged Care – 1800 200 422 (Freecall)
• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission – 1800 951 822
• Council on the Ageing – 02 6154 9740

The Australian Government's Commonwealth Home Support Program funds services that support older people to live independently in their community.

To be eligible, you must be aged over 65 or over 50 for Aboriginal and Torres strait islander people. For more information, visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 for free.

We have a range of Commonwealth Home Support Program services available in the City of Sydney local area. The services include transport for shopping and outings, food (such as meals delivered to the home and hot lunches provided in the community), home repairs and modifications, community nursing, social support and more. You can read the online brochure for more information or call 02 9698 7690 to request a hard copy.

Other services in our area:

• Uniting Home Maintenance and Modifications – help with lawn mowing and gardening, plumbing, electrical repairs, installing hand rails and ramps and fixing damaged paths.
• Access Sydney Community Transport – transport to medical appointments, shopping and social trips.

Social support groups at our community centres

Our community centres offer a range of programs, activities and services to support healthy and active ageing. Centre-based programs are offered to support individual independence and social connection with others. Ongoing programs are designed to build on existing strengths and abilities, while time-limited programs aim to increase function and reduce reliance on ongoing supports.

Seniors festival

NSW Seniors Festival is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere.

Every year during NSW Seniors Festival, government, community and commercial organisations hold hundreds of events across the state, encompassing art, sport, music, entertainment, technology, recreation, health, good nutrition and much more!

If you are over 60, NSW Seniors Festival gives you the chance to make new friends or get together with old ones at an array of local community events, many which are free or heavily discounted.

The 2022 NSW Seniors Festival will be held from 25 March to 3 April. You can find a range of activities and events on the NSW Seniors Festival page or our What’s On Seniors Festival page.

Volunteering

Volunteering helps improve quality of life, strengthen social network and increase physical wellbeing among older people. It is also a great way to connect with others and support your community.

You can start your volunteering journey with these volunteer programs and opportunities. 

What’s On for older adults

Do you know we have a dedicated older adults page on What’s On website to promote activities, events and programs for older people? You can list or find a wide range of social, cultural and fitness programs and events to suit different needs and interests.

Dementia

Almost half a million Australians live with dementia and a further 1.6 million Australians are involved in their care. As we live longer, many more us will live with dementia. There is support available.

Dementia Australia has a range of information and support for people living with dementia and people involved in their care. Visit dementia.org.au or call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500

The Dementia Advisory Service for Sydney and Eastern Sydney can assist with information about local services and supports for people living with dementia. Call 02 8382 1450 (intake) or 0416 144 100.

Hoarding and squalor

People neglect their personal health and immediate surroundings for many reasons, sometimes to a point where their behaviour and living conditions can present a risk to themselves or others. This may include severe self-neglect, accumulating rubbish, hoarding, and a home infested with vermin.

Catholic Healthcare has developed a range of resources for people affected by hoarding and squalor. The resource unit aims to help those in the community to access information and assistance about hoarding and squalor. It includes an online resource, helpline, e-learning module and an intake line for referrals.

The City of Sydney is part of a collaborative group of service providers aiming at raising awareness of, responding to and preventing this issue.

Living on a limited retirement income can be challenging for many older people.

A number of government agencies offer discounts, concessions and financial supports to assist older people with the cost of living. Eligibility requirements will vary.

Pensioner rebate on rates

The City of Sydney offers eligible pensioners rebates of up to 100% on their rates and charges. Apply for a pensioner rebate on rates.

Income support

The Age Pension is main income support payment for people who have reached Age Pension age, provided by the Commonwealth Government. Visit Centrelink for more information or phone 132 300. There are two Centrelink offices in the City of Sydney area.

• Darlinghurst: 137-153 Crown Street
• Redfern: 140 Redfern Street

Help paying energy and water bills

Rebates, counselling and other resources are available to help you with paying energy and water bills. Visit the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW or call 1800 246 545.

Public transport concessions

Transport for NSW offers a range of concessions for seniors and pensioners. Visit Transport for NSW Concessions or call 13 67 25.

If you are eligible, the Taxi transport subsidy scheme covers 50% of the total taxi fare with a maximum of $60 per journey. 

Seniors card

Seniors card holders can access discounts and deals at over 7,500 businesses state-wide – from shops to tradies to travel and professional services, and lots more. For more information visit Seniors Card or call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Seniors Rights Service offers free legal advice on many legal issues to older people in NSW, as well as a comprehensive referral service. 

They offer general legal advice, as well as advice on retirement villages and strata living.

Phone 1800 424 079.

Everyone has the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity and respect in their own home and in the community.

You can raise concerns about your own wellbeing or of any older person or adult with disability currently being abused or mistreated by someone they know in their home or in the community.

If you or someone you know is not free to make their own choices, contact the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline 1800 628 221.

The NSW Ageing and Disability Commission has a range of resources to help you understand the types and signs of abuse and neglect, your rights and local support services available.

Useful contacts

• Ageing and Disability Commissioner – 1800 628 221 (Helpline)
• Older Persons Advocacy Network – 1800 700 600
• Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277