With the Federal Government now recommending all people aged over 70, those over 60 with a chronic illness and Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander people aged over 50 stay home wherever possible, there are concerns about how many will access food and medicines.
Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced almost $60 million to expand meal deliver services such as Melas on Wheels, with around $50 million would fund 3.4 million meals for 41,000 people over six weeks.
Another $9.3 million will pay for 36,000 emergency food supply boxes for the most at risk.
People who are registered with the Government’s My Aged Care website will be prioritised.
If you don’t have internet access, you can call the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422 for help with food and necessities.
Australia Post is also coming to the rescue, launching a Pharmacy Home Delivery Service offering free delivery for chemists on prescriptions to their customers.
The initiative – developed in association with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia – will allow vulnerable members of the community to receive medication and other essential supplies (under 500 grams) through Australia Post’s Express Post network, once a month.
Deliveries can be made to the home, or to a local Post Office or 24/7 Parcel Locker for pick-up – just call your pharmacist to find out more.
