Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) has today announced the three successful lead providers that will deliver the new Care Finder program across the Torres and Cape, Cairns and Hinterland, Townsville, and Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) regions.

NQPHN is pleased to advise the lead providers for the Care Finder program in the North Queensland region include Aged and Disability Advocacy (ADA) Australia, Flinders Shire Council, and Footprints Community.

NQPHN CEO Robin Whyte said there had been long-standing calls for more localised and face-to-face support to help older persons navigate and access health and aged care services.

“The aged care system is already complex, and we know it can be difficult for older persons, particularly when they have limited social supports, to access the right health care services at the right time,” Ms Whyte said.

According to the NQPHN Health Needs Assessment (HNA) 2022-2024, many older people in the region experienced a higher disease rate, contributing to increased demand for health services in the community, and an estimated 24.8 per cent of people aged 65 years and over in northern Queensland live alone.

“The aim of the Care Finder program is to establish a network of ‘Care Finders’ – that is, professionals in the community who can provide intensive, face-to-face support for older persons who are isolated, or have no support person, and who are experiencing barriers to receiving the necessary support,” she said.

Ms Whyte said each of the lead providers would cover specific regions within the NQPHN catchment and would work with NQPHN to undertake a co-design process to implement the program.

“We will work with ADA Australia, Flinders Shire Council, and Footprints Community, in collaboration with the community and a range of service system stakeholders, to design service models that meet local needs, integrate into broader health care systems, and deliver improved outcomes for older persons in northern Queensland,” she said.

“We look forward to working with the lead providers on the establishment and implementation of the Care Finder services to improve the health of older persons in our region.”

ADA Australia CEO Geoff Rowe said the organisation was proud to support older persons in North Queensland who needed extra help to access aged care and other services in their community through the Care Finder program.

“We are based in Cairns and provide aged care advocacy services to seniors, and now will be able to extend our expertise to those people who have complex needs, are isolated, or don’t have help at hand to engage with the aged care system.

“This new service, ADA Link, will help seniors in need in the region find practical solutions to get the supports and services they need to age well. The service is free, independent, and focused solely on the best outcomes for the person.”

ADA Australia also has dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocates available to support First Nations clients and communities in the region.

Flinders Shire Council Mayor Cr Jane McNamara said the council was delighted to be awarded the contract to deliver the Care Finder program in Flinders and Richmond Shires from 1 May 2023.

“The aged care system can be difficult to navigate – and some people don’t get the access they need due to its complexity,” Ms McNamara said.

“By providing the Care Finder service, Flinders Shire will be the ‘go to’ service for individuals and their carers needing support to access the services they need.”

“Flinders Shire Council has been a provider of aged and disability support services in the local community for many years, so this service will be provided by familiar local faces and will offer face-to-face support and active follow up to ensure people receive the supports they need to remain healthy and well within their own homes.”

Footprints Community CEO Cherylee Treloar said the organisation was pleased to be part of the Care Finder program.

“We believe Care Finder promotes choice for older Australians. Footprints aims to assist people who are ageing to live independently in the community the lifestyles of their choice,” Ms Treloar said.

“Delivering the Care Finder program will help achieve this goal, while improving the wellbeing of older persons in the region.

“This program promotes quality of life for frail older people and is an integral service for our community, and one we know will have an impact on their health and lives.”

The Care Finder program is part of a suite of aged care reforms in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.