Care services for Indigenous people

• Aboriginal Hostels Limited
• Residential Aged Care Services for Indigenous Australians
• Community Visitors Scheme
• Carer Information Pack

Aboriginal Hostels Limited

Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) is a government funded agency that operates hostels and provides grants to community organisations to operate hostels around Australia. The hostels provide low-cost, temporary accommodation and meals for Indigenous Australians in a safe and homely environment.

There are 15 aged care homes located at: Carnarvon, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Darwin, Cairns, Mareeba, Brisbane, Cherbourg, North Stradbroke Island, Woorabinda, Nowra, Nathalia and Alice Springs specifically for older Indigenous Australians.

AHL provides temporary accommodation and care for patients and families who must leave their home communities to access medical treatment. Facilities for people requiring renal dialysis treatment are located at Darwin and Alice Springs.

Residential Aged Care Services for Indigenous Australians

There are Residential Aged Care Services, mainly in rural and remote areas, whose main client base are Indigenous Australians. These services are for Indigenous Australians who can no longer live at home because of illness, age disability, or in the event of an emergency.

To be eligible to receive care, you need to have an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team. If you are eligible you will be referred to the nearest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Service.

Community Visitors Scheme

The Community Visitors Scheme provides volunteer visitors to residents of aged care homes who are at risk of isolation from the general community. Community visitors visit at least fortnightly and provide friendship and companionship.

The scheme is operated by community based organisations that receive Australian Government funds to recruit, train and monitor the volunteer visitors. The scheme is available to residents in both low and high care facilities and covers rural and remote areas as well as metropolitan areas.

Carer Information Pack

An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Carers Kit is available free to carers and provides practical information to support them in their caring role.

This Pack contains a number of fact sheets, an emergency care plan, a list for recording medication requirements and a relaxation tape/CD. Additional information and all the relevant documents are available at the Department of Health and Ageing website.