Group to speak up for elderly

NON-PROFIT group Elder Rights Advocacy has established an office in Geelong.

It comes as scrutiny of treatment of the nation’s elderly intensifies, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently announcing a royal commission into aged care.

Geelong-based aged care advocate Anthea Katsaros said it was important for people to know there was somewhere local people could go to discuss aged care concerns.

“As advocates with Elder Rights Advocacy, our job is to make sure people’s rights are respected and they get the care they need and deserve,” she said. “Whether it is issues within an aged care facility, or with home care, or concerns about elder abuse, we are here to listen, to provide information and support people to advocate for solutions.

“Sometimes this involves us taking up the issue with an aged care service, advocating strongly and challenging services to provide better care.

“Our advocacy service is free, confidential and totally independent.

“In addition to taking calls from people seeking information and advice, we’ll also be out and about providing information sessions for people living in aged care facilities and community groups.”

Elder Rights Advocacy chief executive Michael Gourlay said: “We’d encourage everybody with a view about how to improve the aged care system to contribute to the royal commission.

“We are particularly keen to ensure that people from regional areas of Victoria are heard loud and clear,” he said.

To contact an advocate from Elder Rights Advocacy, ring 1800 700 600.

Ms Katsaros can be contacted directly in the Geelong office on 0447 494 288.