- Published on
Elderly and Seniors Crisis Support: Complete Emergency Help Guide Australia 2025
- Authors
- Name
👴👵 Elderly and Seniors Crisis Support: Complete Emergency Help Guide Australia 2025
🚨 If you're an elderly person in immediate danger, call 000 right now. If you're being abused or neglected, call the Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374
🆘 IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY HELP FOR SENIORS
Senior-Specific Emergency Services
Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374 (24/7)
- Immediate help for abuse or neglect
- Safety planning
- Legal information
- Referrals to local services
- Crisis intervention
My Aged Care Emergency Line: 1800 200 422
- Urgent aged care needs
- Emergency respite care
- Crisis accommodation for seniors
- Immediate support services
Dementia Australia Helpline: 1800 100 500
- Crisis support for dementia
- Family support and advice
- Emergency respite referrals
- Behaviour management help
When to Call 000 Immediately
Emergency situations for seniors:
- Physical or sexual assault
- Serious medical emergency
- Unable to get up after a fall
- Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech problems)
- Chest pain or breathing difficulties
- Severe confusion or disorientation
- Serious medication reactions
🏥 HEALTH EMERGENCY SUPPORT FOR SENIORS
Aged-Friendly Emergency Departments
Major hospitals with geriatric emergency services:
NSW
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (Camperdown): Aged Care Emergency Department
- Prince of Wales Hospital (Randwick): Geriatric Emergency Medicine
- Westmead Hospital: Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
VIC
- The Alfred Hospital: Aged Care Emergency Service
- Royal Melbourne Hospital: Geriatric Emergency Medicine
- Austin Hospital: Rapid Assessment of Deteriorating At-risk Residents (RADAR)
QLD
- Princess Alexandra Hospital: Older Person's Emergency Centre
- Royal Brisbane Hospital: Geriatric Emergency Medicine
- Gold Coast University Hospital: Seniors Emergency Department
WA
- Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital: Geriatric Emergency Medicine
- Fiona Stanley Hospital: Older Adult Emergency Centre
SA
- Royal Adelaide Hospital: Geriatric Emergency Medicine
- Flinders Medical Centre: Rapid Assessment Geriatric Unit
What Makes These Services Special for Seniors
- Geriatric specialists on staff
- Longer consultation times
- Medication review services
- Fall prevention assessment
- Cognitive assessment
- Social worker involvement
- Aged care planning
- Family conference arrangements
🏠 AGED CARE CRISIS SUPPORT
Emergency Aged Care Services
My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 Available 24/7 for:
- Emergency respite care
- Crisis accommodation
- Urgent home care packages
- Emergency personal care
- Immediate meal delivery
- Emergency equipment (shower chairs, walkers)
When You Need Emergency Aged Care
Situations requiring immediate help:
- Your carer has suddenly become unavailable
- You've been discharged from hospital with no support
- Your health has suddenly deteriorated
- You're no longer safe living alone
- Family emergency means your support is gone
- Existing care services have broken down
Types of Emergency Aged Care
Emergency Respite Care
What it provides:
- Immediate short-term care (1-14 days)
- Professional carer support
- Personal care assistance
- Meal preparation
- Medication management
- Safety supervision
How to access:
- Call My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
- Explain the emergency situation
- Assessment arranged (usually within 24 hours)
- Services can start immediately if urgent
- Long-term solutions arranged while you receive care
Crisis Accommodation for Seniors
Available through:
- Aged care facilities (emergency beds)
- Supported independent living
- Senior-specific crisis housing
- Hospital discharge planning
What's included:
- Safe accommodation
- Meals and personal care
- Medication supervision
- Medical support
- Social activities
💰 FINANCIAL EMERGENCY HELP FOR SENIORS
Centrelink Crisis Payments for Seniors
Age Pension recipients can get:
- Crisis Payment for extreme circumstances
- Advance Payment of Age Pension
- Emergency relief for essential needs
Additional payments available:
- Pharmaceutical Allowance: Help with medicine costs
- Rent Assistance: If paying rent in retirement
- Utilities Allowance: Help with power and gas bills
- Telephone Allowance: Help with phone costs
Senior-Specific Financial Assistance
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Benefits for seniors not on Age Pension:
- Cheaper medicines (PBS prices)
- Bulk billing more likely with GPs
- Energy supplements
- Some state government concessions
Pensioner Concession Card Benefits
- Electricity and gas discounts: 20-50% off bills
- Water rates concessions
- Council rates reductions
- Public transport concessions
- Cheaper car registration
- Medicine at PBS concession rates ($7.70 per script)
Emergency Relief for Seniors
Salvation Army Seniors Programs: 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)
- Emergency food packages for seniors
- Utility bill assistance
- Transportation vouchers
- Emergency accommodation help
- Social support and visits
St Vincent de Paul Seniors Support
- Home visits for isolated seniors
- Emergency grocery assistance
- Bill payment help
- Social companionship programs
🤝 SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS CRISIS
When Social Isolation Becomes Dangerous
Warning signs needing immediate help:
- Not eating or drinking properly for several days
- Not taking essential medications
- Unable to cope with daily tasks
- Signs of severe depression
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Complete withdrawal from all social contact
Immediate Social Support Services
COTA (Council on the Ageing) Services
Available in all states:
- NSW: 1300 887 123
- VIC: 9909 7888
- QLD: 3316 2999
- WA: 9472 0104
- SA: 8232 0422
- TAS: 6231 3265
- ACT: 6282 3777
- NT: 8941 1004
Services include:
- Telephone friendship services
- Home visiting programs
- Social group referrals
- Transport to activities
- Advocacy and support
Community Visitors Scheme
Free companionship visits:
- Volunteers visit regularly
- Social conversation and activities
- Help with small tasks
- Emotional support
- Connection to other services
Available through:
- Local councils
- Aged care providers
- Community organisations
- Churches and religious groups
Senior Line Services
Telephone support and friendship:
- NSW Senior Line: 1800 451 624
- VIC Senior Line: 1300 135 500
- QLD Seniors Enquiry Line: 1300 135 500
- WA Senior Card Help Line: 1300 364 677
Emergency Social Response
If you're completely isolated:
- ✅ Call Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
- ✅ Contact local council seniors services
- ✅ Call neighbourhood centres
- ✅ Contact religious organisations (regardless of faith)
- ✅ Call emergency services if you feel unsafe: 000
🛡️ ELDER ABUSE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Types of Elder Abuse
Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, restraining, inappropriate medication Financial abuse: Stealing money, pressuring to change wills, misusing credit cards Emotional abuse: Threats, humiliation, intimidation, isolation Neglect: Not providing necessary care, food, medications, medical attention Sexual abuse: Any unwanted sexual contact or behaviour
Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374
Available 24/7 for:
- Immediate safety planning
- Crisis intervention
- Legal information and referrals
- Counselling and support
- Reporting processes
- Safe accommodation referrals
State Elder Abuse Services
NSW Elder Abuse Services
Seniors Rights Service: 9281 3600
- Legal assistance for elder abuse
- Financial abuse specialist lawyers
- Advocacy and support
- Court support services
VIC Elder Abuse Services
Seniors Rights Victoria: 1300 368 821
- Legal help and advocacy
- Financial counselling
- Court support
- Safety planning
QLD Elder Abuse Services
Elder Abuse Prevention Unit: 1300 651 192
- Investigation of abuse
- Safety planning
- Legal referrals
- Support services
WA Elder Abuse Services
Advocare: 1800 655 566
- Elder abuse advocacy
- Investigation support
- Legal referrals
- Counselling services
SA Elder Abuse Services
Aged Rights Advocacy Service: 8232 5377
- Legal advocacy
- Abuse investigation support
- Rights information
- Court assistance
Financial Abuse Emergency Response
If your money is being stolen:
- ✅ Contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts
- ✅ Call Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374
- ✅ Report to police if criminal activity
- ✅ Get legal advice from Seniors Legal Services
- ✅ Consider applying for protective orders
Banks have senior abuse protocols - they can:
- Freeze accounts temporarily
- Investigate unusual transactions
- Provide statements showing financial abuse
- Refer to appropriate support services
🚗 TRANSPORT CRISIS FOR SENIORS
When You Can't Get Around
Emergency transport situations:
- Medical appointments you can't reach
- Essential shopping (food, medications)
- Sudden loss of driver's licence
- Family/carer unable to provide transport
- Public transport not accessible due to mobility issues
Emergency Transport Solutions
Community Transport Services
Available in all areas:
- Door-to-door medical transport
- Shopping assistance trips
- Social outings and activities
- Wheelchair accessible vehicles
- Volunteer driver programs
Contact through:
- Local councils
- Community health centres
- My Aged Care
- Community transport organisations
Medical Transport
Patient Transport Services (each state):
- NSW: 1800 043 222
- VIC: 13 12 33
- QLD: 13 HEALTH (13 43 2584)
- WA: 1300 555 788
- SA: 13 14 65
What's covered:
- Medical appointments
- Hospital discharge
- Dialysis treatments
- Chemotherapy appointments
- Emergency non-urgent transport
Ride Share Services for Seniors
Go Get (seniors program): Available in major cities Taxi subsidy schemes: Available in most states for seniors with mobility issues Community ride sharing: Local volunteer driver programs
Driver's Licence Issues
If your licence is suddenly cancelled:
- Appeal processes available through state transport authorities
- Medical review driving assessments
- Occupational therapist driving evaluations
- Alternative transport planning
🍽️ FOOD SECURITY FOR SENIORS
Emergency Food Help
When you can't get groceries:
Meals on Wheels
Available Australia-wide:
- Hot nutritious meals delivered daily
- Emergency meal provision
- Special dietary requirements
- Social contact during delivery
- Available 7 days a week in many areas
Contact through:
- My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
- Local councils
- Meals on Wheels organisations directly
Senior Food Programs
Salvation Army Senior Food Programs:
- Emergency food packages
- Weekly food support
- Fresh food markets for seniors
- Nutrition education
Foodbank Seniors Programs:
- Food parcels suitable for seniors
- Special dietary considerations
- Regular weekly/fortnightly packages
Grocery Shopping Help
When you can't get to shops:
- Coles and Woolworths home delivery
- Online shopping assistance programs
- Volunteer shopping services
- Community shopping bus services
- Personal care workers can shop for you
💊 MEDICATION MANAGEMENT CRISIS
When You Can't Manage Medications
Emergency medication situations:
- Confused about medications
- Running out of essential medicines
- Unable to get to pharmacy
- Medication side effects causing problems
- Can't afford medications
Medication Support Services
Home Medicine Review
Available through GP referral:
- Pharmacist visits your home
- Reviews all medications
- Identifies problems and interactions
- Recommends changes to doctor
- Completely FREE with Medicare
Dose Administration Aids
Webster packs and similar:
- Medications sorted by time/day
- Reduces confusion and missed doses
- Available through most pharmacies
- Can be delivered to your home
- Subsidised for eligible seniors
Emergency Medication Help
If you can't afford medicines:
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) - $7.70 per script with Pensioner Concession Card
- Safety Net scheme - free medicines after 60 scripts per year
- Pharmaceutical company compassionate programs
- Community health centre emergency medication supplies
Pharmacy Home Delivery
Most pharmacies offer:
- Free delivery for seniors
- Regular medication deliveries
- Emergency medication supply
- Dosette box preparation
- Medication counselling over phone
🧠 DEMENTIA AND COGNITIVE CRISIS
Dementia Australia Helpline: 1800 100 500
24/7 support for:
- Dementia behaviour management
- Crisis support for families
- Emergency respite care
- Safety planning
- Memory concerns assessment
When Dementia Becomes a Crisis
Situations needing immediate help:
- Person with dementia becomes aggressive or agitated
- Wandering behaviour creating safety risks
- Carer breakdown or exhaustion
- Medication refusal causing health risks
- Social isolation leading to neglect
Dementia-Specific Services
Emergency Respite for Dementia
Available through:
- Aged care facilities with dementia units
- In-home dementia care specialists
- Day centres with dementia programs
- 24/7 dementia behaviour support
Dementia Behaviour Support
Severe Behaviour Response Teams:
- Crisis intervention for challenging behaviours
- Medication review and adjustment
- Environment modification advice
- Carer support and education
- 24/7 phone support
Memory Assessment Services
If you're concerned about memory:
- Memory clinics (available in all capital cities)
- GP cognitive assessments
- Aged Care Assessment Teams
- Neuropsychological testing
- Dementia diagnostic services
🏡 HOUSING CRISIS FOR SENIORS
Emergency Accommodation for Seniors
When you can't stay in your home:
Aged Care Emergency Accommodation
- Crisis beds in aged care facilities
- Short-term supported accommodation
- Transition from hospital
- Emergency placement while seeking permanent housing
Senior Housing Services
State housing authorities provide:
- Senior-specific public housing
- Supported independent living
- Retirement village information
- Housing modification grants
- Emergency accommodation assistance
Home Safety Crisis
When your home becomes unsafe:
- Emergency home modifications
- Assistive equipment installation
- Safety assessment services
- Emergency cleaning services
- Pest control assistance
Home Modification Services
Available through My Aged Care:
- Shower and bathroom modifications
- Ramp installation
- Stair lift installation
- Grab rail installation
- Emergency safety equipment
🔧 UTILITY AND MAINTENANCE EMERGENCIES
When Essential Services Fail
Emergency utility situations:
- Power or gas disconnection
- Water service problems
- Heating or cooling system failure
- Essential appliance breakdown
- Home security issues
Utility Emergency Help for Seniors
Priority customer programs:
- Register with utility companies as priority customer
- Faster reconnection services
- Emergency contact protocols
- Medical equipment power requirements
- Extreme weather protection
Concessions and Hardship Programs
All states offer senior utility concessions:
- Electricity discounts (typically 20-50%)
- Gas discounts
- Water rate concessions
- Emergency financial assistance
- Payment plan arrangements
Home Maintenance Emergencies
When urgent repairs are needed:
- Emergency tradesperson referrals
- Financial assistance for repairs
- Government home modification schemes
- Community volunteer repair services
- Priority repair services for seniors
📞 ADVOCACY AND RIGHTS PROTECTION
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
1800 951 822 For complaints about:
- Aged care services
- Neglect or abuse in aged care
- Poor quality care
- Unsafe conditions
- Medication errors
Aged Care Advocacy Services
Free independent advocacy:
- Help resolving aged care complaints
- Support during investigations
- Rights information and education
- System navigation assistance
National Aged Care Advocacy Program
Available in all areas:
- Independent advocates
- Free services
- Confidential support
- Rights protection
- Complaint assistance
Public Guardian Services
For seniors who can't make decisions:
- Guardianship applications
- Financial management
- Medical decision making
- Protective interventions
📱 TECHNOLOGY HELP FOR SENIORS
Emergency Communication Devices
Personal alarms and emergency devices:
- Medical alert pendants
- GPS tracking devices for dementia
- Smartphone emergency apps
- Voice-activated emergency systems
- Home monitoring systems
Tech Support for Seniors
When technology fails in crisis:
- Community technology support
- Telstra Priority Assist for essential services
- NBN priority repair for medical equipment
- Emergency communication alternatives
🔄 COMPREHENSIVE SENIOR CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN
Creating Your Emergency Plan
Essential information to have ready:
- ✅ Emergency contact list (family, friends, neighbours)
- ✅ Medical information (conditions, medications, allergies)
- ✅ Healthcare providers contact details
- ✅ Insurance information
- ✅ Bank and financial information
- ✅ Legal documents location (will, power of attorney)
- ✅ Aged care preferences
- ✅ Pet care arrangements
Emergency Contact List for Seniors
Keep these numbers accessible:
- Emergency Services: 000
- Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374
- My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
- Dementia Australia: 1800 100 500
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Your GP and pharmacy
- Local council seniors services
- Trusted family member or friend
- Your aged care provider (if you have one)
Warning Sign Checklist
Get help immediately if you experience:
- ✅ Unable to manage daily activities for several days
- ✅ Not eating or drinking properly
- ✅ Medication confusion causing problems
- ✅ Social isolation causing depression
- ✅ Financial problems affecting basic needs
- ✅ Safety concerns in your home
- ✅ Abuse or exploitation by others
- ✅ Cognitive changes affecting safety
📞 SENIOR EMERGENCY CONTACTS - SAVE THESE
Crisis Support:
- 000: Police, Ambulance, Fire
- Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374
- My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
- Dementia Australia: 1800 100 500
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
Health Support:
- healthdirect: 1800 022 222
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- SANE Australia: 1800 18 7263
- Poisons Information: 13 11 26
Services:
- Centrelink: 132 300
- Medicare: 132 011
- National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007
Your Local Services:
- Council seniors services: [Look up your local council]
- Community health centre: [Find through healthdirect.gov.au]
- COTA (your state): [See numbers in guide above]
🔄 WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW
If you're a senior in immediate crisis:
- ✅ Call 000 if you're in physical danger
- ✅ Call Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374 if being abused
- ✅ Call My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 for care crisis
- ✅ Don't try to handle everything alone - ask for help
- ✅ Contact family, friends, or neighbours who can assist
If you're concerned about an elderly person:
- ✅ Check on them regularly
- ✅ Look for warning signs of crisis
- ✅ Help them connect to appropriate services
- ✅ Call Elder Abuse Helpline if you suspect abuse
- ✅ Don't ignore your concerns - it's better to check
For ongoing support:
- ✅ Register with My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
- ✅ Apply for all eligible Centrelink payments and concessions
- ✅ Connect with local senior services and groups
- ✅ Create emergency contact list and care plan
- ✅ Build social connections to prevent isolation
👵👴 REMEMBER: YOU DESERVE HELP AND RESPECT
Age is not a barrier to getting help:
- You have the right to live safely and with dignity
- Help is available specifically for seniors and elderly people
- Your experience and wisdom are valued
- It's never too late to make changes that improve your life
- You deserve to be treated with respect and kindness
You are not a burden:
- Asking for help is normal and necessary
- Many services exist specifically to support seniors
- Your needs are important and valid
- Professional help is available when family can't provide support
- Community support recognises your contributions to society
Your safety and wellbeing matter:
- No one has the right to abuse, neglect, or exploit you
- You deserve to live free from fear and harm
- Help is available to protect you and your rights
- It's never too late to escape an abusive situation
- Your life has value regardless of your age or circumstances
You are part of a community that cares about you.
Last Updated: August 28, 2025
Service Information Last Verified: August 2025
This guide provides general information only. Services and eligibility can change. Contact services directly for current information and personalised support tailored to your specific needs.