Following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Commonwealth Government committed a $17.7 billion reform package across five pillars delivered in the next five years. It has funded PHNs to commission a range of aged care measures including a care finder navigation service.
What does the network of care finders do?
The Care Finders program is designed to address the needs of older community members who face significant barriers in accessing aged care services and may be at risk of falling through the cracks.
Care Finders serve as a support network to help these individuals navigate the complexities of the Aged Care system and connect them with relevant community resources.
This is achieved by:
- Connecting with people who need support in person
- Understanding their needs for support
- Advising and working with them to access support (including arranging and supporting assessments, support with paperwork and admin, ongoing check-ins once services are up and running and access to other services including mental health, housing, drugs and alcohol and community access)
Care Finders services are meant to complement rather than duplicate the My Aged Care channels and do not assume the role of service providers responsible for coordinating aged care services.
Who are we?
The Australian Government established Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to increase the efficiency of medical services, reduce fragmentation of care and improve health outcomes for everyone, especially for the most vulnerable. There are 31 Primary Health Networks in Australia and six in Victoria.
Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) achieves this goal by improving access to existing services, commissioning services to improve health outcome and by supporting GPs and others to innovate and further improve local health care. We aim to improve the health of our community by ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Online industry briefings
EMPHN extends an invitation to health care clinicians, general practice staff, pharmacy staff, carers, and community service providers to participate in our highly informative online industry briefings. These sessions will equip you with invaluable insights on identifying, referring, and engaging with the network of care finders in our communities. Don't miss this important opportunity to enhance the support and care provided to older individuals in need.
Please register to one of our following online Zoom sessions:
- Monday 28 August, 12.30pm - 2pm – REGISTER NOW
- Monday 28 August, 4.30 - 6pm – REGISTER NOW
EMPHN can deliver group information sessions at your workplace or practice, please contact comms@emphn.org.au to express your interest in a group session.
If none of these times are suitable, please contact comms@emphn.org.au with your availability.
Read more about the new network of care finders: