Seniors to get help ‘Care Army’ of volunteers primed to go into action

AN army of volunteers and professionals will be deployed to protect the state’s senior citizens from the coronavirus pandemic, with new recruits urged to join up now.

Dubbed the ‘Care Army’, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will launch the major community endeavour today to guard the health of one million seniors who have been asked to stay home to stay safe.

“Queensland’s community spirit always shines through in times of crisis,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Many seniors will of course be supported by family, but others will need volunteers and community service organisations to help them stay home and stay safe and with

Older people, particularly those with a pre-existing medical condition like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or weakened immunity, are most at risk of serious infection and have been asked to stay at home by authorities to limit their exposure.

To assist, the Government will expand its free-call Community Recovery Hotline – on 1800 173 349 – to link seniors and other vulnerable people to essential services and support.

Senior Palaszczuk Government minister Kate Jones will lead the new COVID-19 Seniors Panel that will co-ordinate the Care Army and manage a community awareness campaign.

“When the Premier asked me to do this job I jumped at the chance because it’s so critical,” Ms Jones said.

She said support would be given to Queenslanders over 65 with underlying health issues, all Queenslanders aged over 70, and indigenous Queenslanders aged over 50 with chronic disease.

“The best place for seniors to be right now is in their own home,” Ms Jones said.

“Seniors should not be out and about doing errands that someone else can do for them.

“It is now up to every single Queenslander to show we care.

“Whether it’s your mother, your grandfather, your nextdoor neighbour or a friend – we all know a senior who will need us so they can stay safe from infection.” She said officials would give clear advice to people about how they could safety support older people.

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