Financial Assistance Resources for Older People
These resources cover the areas of financial assistance and homelessness in the context of older people.
Financial assistance is inclusive of financial abuse and caring for assets. Homelessness is a complex issue, involving more than just a lack of housing. It involves structural factors such as poverty, unemployment and lack of affordable housing; and personal factors such as discrimination, poor physical or mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, and family and relationship breakdown (1).
Key Organisations
Peak bodies, advocacy groups and other organisations
Fact sheets, information and resources regarding homelessness, as well as advocacy and a directory of services for those experiencing homelessness.
One of Victoria’s largest providers of housing and homelessness support services.
Information, resources and support for homelessness and social housing, mental well being and disability support, employment skills and training, and alcohol and drug dependency.
Support service providing accommodation options, counselling, legal aid, domestic violence support and lifestyle programs for those experiencing homelessness.
For Consumers
Resources to use, together with consumers, to support their needs
New South Wales based information and telephone referral service for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Victorian support and linkage programs for those with unmet complex needs, and who are experiencing homelessness or living in low-cost or insecure accommodation.
Program providing accessible and relevant healthcare to people experiencing homelessness with a team of specialist community health care nurses.
For Health Professionals
Information, resources, and educational programs to assist health professionals
Tool developed by the Victorian Diversity Advisors to guide and support providers in the aged care sector to deliver accessible and inclusive care services for older people who are at risk of homelessness or are homeless.
Online toolkit for health professionals, designed to facilitate discussions about mental health with men experiencing homelessness.
Reports and Policy
Research papers, reports, reviews and guidelines providing a deeper, evidence-based perspective
Reports and statistics regarding housing assistance and homelessness in Australia.
Database of service usage for people experiencing homelessness.
Key Organisations
Peak bodies, advocacy groups and other organisations
Centrelink, Medicare and Department of Human Services support for older Australians.
For Consumers
Resources to use, together with consumers, to support their needs
Government income support for people who are providing constant care in a private home.
Resource to support older people in arranging to live with family members, including protecting their own interests.
Resource for veterans and their families to help prepare them for bereavement, including legal and financial issues, living independently, death and bereavement payments and compensation.
Guide for older people and their families to assist in monetary decisions.
For Health Professionals
Information, resources, and educational programs to assist health professionals
Reports and Policy
Research papers, reports, reviews and guidelines providing a deeper, evidence-based perspective
Report identifying current financial management strategies and practices among older Victorians.
See also
1. AIHW (2017) Homelessness in Australia http://www.aihw.gov.au/homelessness/
