The purpose of this circular is to highlight the Government's commitment to assist employees balance the dual role that many undertake as workers and carers of an older relative or close family member.

Chief Executives are asked to promote a family friendly environment by encouraging the use of flexible work practices and raising the awareness of the carer's leave provision to assist employees balance family responsibilities and work commitments. Detailed information on the policy and entitlements of Carer's Leave is contained in the New South Wales Personnel Handbook (Chapter 6, Section 15).

In recognition of the International Year of Older Persons, a reference guide has been developed to assist employees to easily obtain information and advice on a range of issues affecting older people. This guide briefly describes the service provided by key contacts in the areas of accommodation, advocacy, carers, complaints, general information and income support. The guide is not meant to be exhaustive but rather a short list of contacts that will provide advice, information or referral.

The Seniors Information Service will be particularly useful as it provides confidential information on all matters related to older people and has over 7,000 listings on organisations, services, accommodation and help groups.

Chief Executives are asked to distribute the attached guide to all employees.

C. Gellatly
Director-General

REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EMPLOYEES CARING FOR OLDER PERSONS

Accurate information is essential for older people and their carers to make informed decisions about appropriate services and living and financial arrangements. Knowing whom to contact can be confronting, confusing and time consuming. To assist in this process, the following reference guide has been developed. The guide groups key contacts in the areas of accommodation, advocacy, carers, complaints, general information and income support and briefly describes the service provided. This guide is not meant to be exhaustive but rather a short list of contacts that will provide advice or information on a range issues affecting older people and their carers.

A useful starting point in accessing information is the Seniors Information Service. This service is funded by the NSW Government to provide confidential information to older people, their families and carers on all matters related to older people and has over 7,000 listings on organisations, services, accommodation and help groups. The Service can be accessed on 13 12 44 or TTY 1800 806 830 for the cost of a local call from anywhere in NSW.

Other beneficial contacts are:

ACOMMODATION

National Aged Care Information Line
Provides a full range of contacts and information on issues relating to aged and community care

1800 500 853

ADVOCACY

The Aged Care Rights Service Inc
Promotes the rights of older residents of boarding houses, hostel, nursing homes and retirement villages

9281 3600
1800 424 079 

CARERS

Carers NSW Inc
Provides information, assistance and support for carers

9299 1499

COMPLAINTS

Aged Care Complaints Resolution
Assists with complaints regarding nursing homes and hostels

1800 550 552

Health Care Complaints Commission
Receives and investigates complaints against registered health practitioners

9219 7444
1800 043 159

Community Services Commission
Receives and investigates complaints regarding Home and Community Care funded services

9384 4999
1800 060 409
TTY 9384 4984

GENERAL

Council on the Ageing
Acts as an information, advice and referral service for older people, their carers and families

9299 4100

INCOME SUPPORT

Centrelink

132300

Provides advice regarding the Age Pension

132717

Provides advice regarding the Carer Allowance

TTY 1800 810 586