Communities and Justice

Seniors, people with disability and carers

We are committed to helping seniors, people with disability and their families and carers stay safe and well during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page provides useful information and links to help you stay updated on what you need to know and do.

People with disability who need help because of COVID-19 can contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787. It’s available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (AEST). It’s not available on national public holidays.

You can also call Service NSW 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 77 88 to find out information about COVID-19.

Additionally, you can call the National COVID Older Persons Information Line on 1800 171 866. This line is for seniors seeking information on the current guidelines and support available.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network COVID-19 Information Line is also available for seniors on 1800 237 981 between 6am and 10pm seven days a week, to talk about your COVID-19 concerns.

For free help in your language, call Translating and Interpreting Services on 13 14 50. If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.

Minimising risk and staying safe

People aged 70 and over, Indigenous Australians over 50, and anyone with a chronic medical condition are most at risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

The situation is rapidly changing in NSW and the latest information can be found on the seniors COVID-19 advice webpage.

For more information visit the NSW Health COVID-19 website.

Tips for helping friends and family

Be sure to check in on the people you love, especially seniors and people with disability.

Read the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission’s Tips to help older people and people with disability during COVID -19.

Disability Service Providers can access information related to them from the NSW Health website.

Read NSW Health’s Factsheet: Information for families of people in residential care facilities, if your loved one is in a residential care facility, such as an aged care home.

Stay informed about COVID-19

  • NSW Government website - Stay informed on the latest NSW health advice and COVID-19 related support. The website also contains information about social distancing, self-isolation, and what savings and rebates are available.
  • Public Health Orders - Find out what you can and can't do under the COVID-19 rules.
  • Coronavirus Australia app and WhatsApp channel - The federal government has launched a ‘Coronavirus Australia’ app and WhatsApp channel to keep you informed on the latest updates. Download the app via the Apple app store or Google Play store, or join the WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.
  • NSW Health information for people with disability - Simple information and videos about COVID-19. Includes information about getting tested for COVID-19, self-isolating because of COVID-19, going to the hospital during COVID-19 and looking after your mental health during COVID-19.

Seniors Card

NSW Seniors Card is providing regular updates on COVID-19 , and relevant discounts and offers for seniors through its newsletter.

Apply for a Seniors Card or Senior Savers Card to access thousands of discounted goods and services, and to receive the newsletter.

Keep in touch with family and friends

You can still stay in touch with family and friends during COVID-19 without physically meeting up.

Here are some ways to reduce feeling socially isolated by keeping the conversation going virtually during COVID-19 pandemic:

  • Pick up the phone – your family and friends are only a phone call away.
  • Own a smartphone or computer? Try video calling.
  • Create an online group via a messaging app.
  • It’s game on! Challenge your family and friends with online games.
  • Use the time to learn something new through online learning.
  • Want to know what everyone is up to? Keep connected with social media.
  • Technology not your thing? Write letters, draw pictures and post them to family and friends.

Financial and wellbeing support

You may be feeling pressure financially and emotionally as a result of COVID-19. There are supports available to help you get through this challenging time.

You can call Service NSW 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 77 88. They can provide you with advice on what support might be available.

You may be eligible for Australian Government assistance, such as Centrelink payments. To find out more visit the Australian Department of Social Services website.

Many non-government organisations (NGOs) such as the Red Cross also have helpful information on their website. The Red Cross website provides advice about maintaining your physical and mental health while you’re self-isolating.

You can also report abuse of seniors and people with disability to the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline. Phone 1800 628 221, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Learn more on the Ageing and Disability Commission website.

Your mental health

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing is very important. The NSW Mental Health Commission offers excellent resources and support for people affected by disaster.

There’s also a range of mental health services where you can get help:

The Red Cross also has a service called Telecross on 1300 885 698, where a friendly volunteer will call you every day to check that you’re okay.

Be mindful of the impact that the 24 hour news cycle can have on mental health and wellbeing. Whilst it is important to stay up to date with the news during this period, it is also important to take mental breaks. Take some time out to do things you enjoy like reading a book or watching your favourite movie.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

You can keep up to date on NDIS services and support by checking the NDIS website.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has published resources for NDIS participants. Resources include information about additional support, changes to services and planning meetings, and vaccine rollout. Information is available in Easy Read and multiple languages.

Financial help for Supported Independent Living (SIL)

The NDIA has introduced two new support items for NDIS participants living in SIL properties who are diagnosed with COVID-19. The support items help participants with cleaning services and higher intensity support.

For more information, visit the Supported Independent Living page on the NDIS website.

Access to support services

Some of the regular support services that you access may not be operating as normal. Please speak directly with your services about the support you need to stay safe and healthy.

If you want to get in touch with the NDIS you can contact them by:

  • Calling 1800 800 110 and pressing 5. This will connect you with a planner, who can help you make changes to your plan
  • Emailing enquiries@ndis.gov.au
  • Using webchat to chat online

For more information, please visit the NDIS website.

Online training and resources

Disability services providers and people with disability can access online training and resources on infection prevention and control for those in disability or aged care.

At the end of this course you should be able to:

  • understand the basics about the COVID-19 virus, including how it is spread
  • describe what you can do to protect participants and your workforce
  • know what to do if you develop symptoms
  • know what to do if the person you are supporting develops symptoms
  • tell the difference between myths and facts of COVID-19.

Information for people with disability about COVID-19 vaccines

Information is available at the Commonwealth Health website.

The Disability Council NSW

The Disability Council is the official advisory body for the NSW Government.

Information and support for carers

Thank you for your continued support in caring for your loved ones during this challenging time. There are resources and supports available to help you.

Commonwealth Carer Gateway

The Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service that provides practical information about supports for people who care for someone. They have specific information to help you through COVID-19.

The Carer Gateway can connect carers with local services in your area. This includes counselling, carer support planning, peer support, emergency respite care, online coaching and skills courses and carer packages.

You can contact the Carer Gateway by phone on 1800 422 737 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) or via the Carer Gateway website.

Four Regional Delivery Partners are delivering Carer Gateway services across NSW from 6 April 2020.

Phone calls to the Carer Gateway will divert to the relevant local provider:

Benevolent Society - Metropolitan Sydney excluding South Western Sydney and Nepean.

Wellways - South West Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains.

LiveBetter - South Eastern NSW, Western NSW and Murrumbidgee.

Carers NSW - Hunter New England, the Central Coast and North Coast of NSW.

Emergency respite

Carer Gateway is now your contact point for emergency respite: phone 1800 422 737 or visit the Carer Gateway website.

Please note some Carer Gateway service delivery will be impacted by COVID-19 with current limitations on face-to-face contact.

Carers NSW

Carers NSW supports all carers regardless of their age, location, life-stage or circumstances. You can call Carers NSW on (02) 9280 4744 (weekdays 9am-5pm – please leave a message after hours) or email Carers NSW on contact@carersnsw.org.au.

You can find information on the Carers NSW website about:

  • carer counselling
  • carer support and programs
  • finding a carer support group in your area
  • advice and help with NDIS, Aged care services
  • self-care
  • work and finances.

Carers NSW has also developed a COVID-19 news page and the following practical focused fact sheets for carers during COVID-19. All of the factsheets can be accessed from the Carers NSW website.:

  • COVID-19: Tips for mental health carers
  • COVID -19: Tips for older carers
  • COVID-19: Tips for young carers
  • COVID-19: Tips for carers of people with a disability
  • COVID- 19: Tips for carers of people in palliative care
  • COVID-19: Tips for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers

Carers NSW have asked that carers continue to check their website for the latest COVID-19 information and resources.

Young Carers

If you are a young carer (aged 25 years and under), you can access additional information as part of the Young Carer program.

Carers Advisory Council

The NSW Carers Advisory Council has been established under the Carers (Recognition)Act 2010 to advance the interests of carers and to provide advice to the NSW Government on legislation, policy, and other matters that have a significant impact on carers. Members of the Carers Advisory Council have shared their messages of support and encouragement to the 854, 300 carers living in NSW during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, visit the Messages of Support page and select council member’s image to download their special message. The Council have invited you to forward their messages of support to other carers in NSW.

Carers of people with dementia

You can contact Dementia Australia on 1800 100 500 during business hours. Dementia Australia has also has helpful information to help people living with dementia, and their carers and families:

Financial Assistance for carers

As a carer, you may be feeling pressure financially and emotionally as a result of looking after someone during COVID-19. There are supports available to help you get through this challenging time.

You may be eligible for Australian Government assistance, such as Centrelink payments. To find out more visit the Service Australia website or call 132 717.

To see what rebates and other financial assistance is available, you can also call Service NSW from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday on 13 77 88. To find out more about financial assistance related specifically to carers, visit the carers landing page on the Service NSW website.

Tips for maintaining your physical and mental health

Many non-government organisations (NGOs) such as the Red Cross also have helpful information on their website. The Red Cross provides advice about maintaining your physical and mental health while you’re self-isolating.


Last updated:

22 Aug 2022