Helpful phone numbers for older Australians Many self-isolating older Australians in the Parramatta area are having trouble getting basic supplies, accessing medicine and medical care. This information may be of some help: If you are 65+ and having trouble with groceries, you can apply to Woolworths and Coles to get priority access to their home delivery services. Both chains will deliver an $80 ‘basics box’ which contains a week’s worth of non-perishable food and other essential items. You can also order other items. You will need your Australian Seniors card, My Aged Care ID or other seniors discount card to access these services. Woolworths is on 1800 000 610 or 1800 904 698 and Coles on 1800 455 400. Some local grocers are also organising delivery to locals. IGA Oatlands is on 9890 1952 and IGA Toongabbie is on 9631 4205. SPAR Supermarket in North Parramatta is on 9630 8595. If you are 65+ and wish to access Meals on Wheels meal deliveries the process has been streamlined (If you are a 50+ Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander or on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you will also qualify for Meals on Wheels(. First you will need to call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to get a My Aged Care number. Have your Medicare card handy. You will receive a call from an assessor but in the meantime, you can call Parramatta Meals on Wheels on 9806 5121 OR Cumberland Meals on Wheels on 8757 9041 with your bank or credit card details ready (Cumberland Meals on Wheels is also offering a shopping service & has bilingual staff). In urgent cases Meals on Wheels will begin frozen meal deliveries immediately and send paperwork with the first batch to speed up the process. If you are having money problems while in self-isolation you can call Anglicare on 1300 111 278. If you have inquiries about the aged pension call 132 300. If you are having trouble getting medicines at home, you can call your local pharmacist who can arrange free delivery through the home medicines service. If you are unwell you can now access a bulk billed doctor’s appointment over the phone through the newly expanded telehealth scheme. Simply call your local practice with your Medicare card handy to arrange a phone appointment. If mental health is an issue you can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. You can also contact the Red Cross who are ramping up their Telecross calling service where a volunteer will call to check in on you every day. Call 1300 885 698 to see if you are eligible. You will need your Seniors card, Medicare card or concession card on hand. You can also call Lifeline for free any time of the day or night on 13 11 14. If you are a caring for someone at home there is more information here. If you are still stuck, you can call me at the office on 9689 1455 and leave a message and I will see what my staff or I can do to help you. And remember to wash your hands and keep your distance from others. Julie Owens Federal Member for Parramatta 1/25 Smith Street, Parramatta (enter off Macquarie St( Ph 02 9689 1455 All electoral communications are authorised by Julie Owens MP, ALP, Parramatta |
