Online and Telephone GP Services
Senior Territorians can seek medical support from their GP through bulk-billed telehealth and telephone services if they:
- are aged over 70 or
- are aged over 50 and are an Aboriginal or
- Torres Strait Islander person or
- have a chronic condition.
Refer to the Northern Territory Coronavirus website section for Elderly care.
COTA NT
Information
Information specifically for older Australians from the Australian Federal Government and COTA Australia can be found here https://www.cota.org.au/information/covid19
Quick links to Northern Territory Government online health advice, information and updates, Woolworths and Coles shopping services (including Priority Assistance Service information), scams relating to COVID-19 and links to translated resources can be found on the COTA NT website.
Assistance with Shopping
COTA NT is also trying to assist seniors with shopping who do not have online access nor family to assist them. If you know of a senior who has no online access for shopping and home delivery, or does not have family to assist, call 8941 1004 for help.
COTA NT (also known as Council on the Ageing NT) provides assistance to senior Territorians with what they need and find out if that person qualifies for any government-funded assistance. Including delivering groceries.
The senior citizen will then go through a shopping list with the COTA NT representative. They will help them with their shopping and deliver it. The person receiving the shopping will pay the COTA NT representative on the presentation of a receipt with their debit or credit card on their portable EFTPOS banking machine.
Online Activities
Take a look at COTA NT’s new ‘Stay Connected’ page for resources including reputable and trusted providers of online fitness and exercise programs specific to seniors.
Check out Sharon’s Chair Aerobics for over 50s on Youtube now!
Visiting Aged Care Residential Facilities (ACRF)
Most ACRFs have taken a proactive and responsible approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring they are prepared, just in case of a full lockdown. This includes preparing medication, food, and entertainment supplies.
If you are planning on visiting a facility, think ahead… perhaps you could bring in photo albums or mementoes, books or puzzles for your loved one. Most providers can help set up video links on phones or computers, so this could be something to consider also; Facetime (Apple users only), Whatsapp (primarily for mobile use), Skype or Zoom are good video call apps you could use.
For information on how to visit and protect older Australians, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.
Be Connected: Every Australian Online
Be Connected is an Australia wide initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world. We have online learning resources offering support so you can develop your digital skills and confidence.