Across Cape York, Apunipima Cape York Health Council’s Elder Care Support (ECS) Program is helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders access the care, services and support they need to live well, stay connected to community, and age with dignity.
Cape York is a vast region, with ECS service delivered in 11 communities spread across an area of around 288,800km2, in some of the most remote and disadvantaged communities in the country. Being so remote, the biggest challenges faced by Elders in these communities is the lack of support and access to services, in particular for those Elders with higher needs.
But that hasn’t stopped the team achieving some great outcomes for Elders making use of the program. Kenneth, an Elder in Hope Vale was experiencing increasing health concerns and sought the support of the ECS Connector Program. The team were able to register him for My Aged Care, establish an ECSC program referral and provide information regarding available support options under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and other aged care programs.
“Since establishing the referral with Kenneth we’ve seen some fantastic outcomes for him,” said ECS Program Coordinator Laura Lyall. “Kenneth has received assistance with GP visits and medication reviews, transportation assistance, and we’ve connected him to receive support with housing transfer assistance, and legal connection regarding commencement of an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) application. We were also able to advocate for funding for Kenneth to receive a Gopher/Mobility Aid which has greatly improved his independence.”
“It’s exactly the type of assistance we’re looking to provide – looking after a person’s health and social situation, and establishing those connections to improve independence, peace of mind, access to services, and overall quality of life,” said Laura.
Image: Pajinka including Utingu photographed by Ian Cochrane. Wikipedia
Practical resources: Welcome Packs
For Elders who are able to sign up to the program, the ECS team have recently introduced new Welcome Information Packs for Elders joining the Elder Care Support Program. These packs have been developed to provide information about the program while also offering practical items that support everyday wellbeing.
“The packs have been a really welcome addition to our resources, helping us to yarn with Elders about My Aged Care and welcome them into the program when they’re ready,” said Laura.
Each welcome pack includes a welcome letter, information about the Elder Care Support Program and a referral form, along with a medication box, torch, pannikin cup and a few other goodies. The packs are intended to help Elders feel supported from the start and encourage more community members to connect with the program and staff.
Image: Elder Care Support Welcome Packs
Apunipima’s ECS Training Team
Apunipima’s ECS Training Team is supporting Elder Care Connectors and developing a strong culturally safe workforce to support Elders in their region.
The ECS training team covers a little more ground, with a region covering Northern Queensland, spanning from Cape York and the Northern Peninsula Area, west to Doomadgee and Mt Isa, and back east to Mareeba near Cairns and Palm Island near Townsville.
The team of Martha, Barry and Jahlela work closely with partner organisations including Apunipima Cape York Health Council, NPA Family & Community Services, Mulungu Aboriginal Health Service, Gidgee Healing Aboriginal Health Service and Palm Island Community Company (PICC) to strengthen the Elder Care Connector workforce through training, mentoring and collaboration. They offer practical and insightful training sessions to Connectors in these regions, ensuring teams are equipped with the skills and knowledge to be effective in their roles.
Through these strong partnerships and community-led approaches, more Elders are being connected to the support they need. Together, the Elder Care Support Connectors and Elder Care Support Training teams are making a lasting difference—supporting Elders to access services, strengthening ECS Connectors throughout Northern Queensland, and ensuring that aged care remains culturally safe, community-controlled and responsive to local needs.
Image: Apunipima’s ECS Training Team
