If you, or an older person you know, needs support beyond the services offered by Seniors Rights Victoria the following organisations and services may be useful.
There is also useful information on COTA Victoria’s website
The Australian Government’s My Aged Care phone line and website helps you to access services and find information in one spot for yourself or a family member, friend or someone you’re caring for. Services range from help at home to finding aged care homes.
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
1800 700 600
OPAN’s free services support older people and their representatives to address issues related to Commonwealth funded aged care services.
VIC Elder Rights Advocacy
1800 700 600
VIC Elder Rights Advocacy supports older people, their families and representatives in Victoria address issues related to Commonwealth funded aged care services. The service is free, independent and confidential.
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
131 450
TIS National is an interpreting service for people who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients. Their services enable non-English speakers to independently access services and information.
Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic)
1800 007 007
Financial counselling is a free, confidential and independent service. Financial counsellors provide information, support, advocacy and advice to people experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship. The National Debt Helpline is a telephone financial counselling service open 9.30am-4.30pm, Mon-Fri. The financial counsellors at the National Debt Helpline can put you in contact with your local financial counselling service.
National Elder Abuse Hotline
1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374)
The National Elder Abuse Hotline is a national free call phone number that automatically redirects callers seeking information and advice on elder abuse, with an existing phone line service in their area.
Better Place Australia
1800 639 523
Better Place Australia aims to enhance family relationships and prevent, manage and resolve family conflict. Their services include family mediation, conciliation, arbitration, counselling, family therapy, elder abuse prevention and relationship education.
Compass is a national website navigating elder abuse in Australia. Compass connects people to services and information tackling elder abuse. Compass has been created by Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA), with funding from the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre provides free professional support services for women and children experiencing violence and abuse from a partner or ex-partner, another family member or someone close to them.
Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG)
(03) 9654 7389
HAAG is the only Australian organisation specialised in the housing needs of older people. Coming from grass-roots beginnings over 30 years ago, HAAG today is over 400 members strong.
Justice Connect provides online self-help tools and resources. Pro bono legal advice can be provided specifically to the older person experiencing elder abuse, or with a legal issue associated with ageing.
Victoria Legal Aid
1300 792 387
Victorian Legal Aid is a government-funded agency set up to ensure that people who cannot afford to pay for a private lawyer can get help with their legal problems. They also offer information in a range of languages on their website and can arrange interpreters if required.
Office of the Public Advocate (OPA)
1300 309 337
OPA can assist with information about enduring powers of attorney, enduring guardianship and administration.
Community Information and Support Victoria (CISVic)
(03) 9672 2000
CISVic is the peak body representing local community information and support services. Local services to assist people experiencing personal and financial difficulties by providing information, referral and support services including Emergency Relief.
