Glenda Seager knows how difficult navigating the aged care system can be and wants to make the process easier for other Border residents.
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The aged care worker of eight years and now-TAFE student will host an information session at the Thurgoona Community Centre.
Ms Seager was a personal care assistant and is completing a Diploma of Community Services at Wodonga TAFE to become a case manager.
"I have been caring for my mum going through the aged care system, trying to find information, fill in forms and get everything together," she said.
"I thought getting an information package together aimed at carers and seniors could support them.
"I wanted somewhere they could come and ask those questions, and TCC often get enquiries here about that."
The first step to accessing government-funded aged care services involves determining eligibility for a face-to-face assessment, which takes place through an online application or the My Aged Care contact centre (1800 200 422).
Ms Seager said it could be difficult for many people to navigate online and even over-the-phone services.
"It's the online (aspects) for a lot of the older generation, because they're not necessarily tech-savvy, and you can't just go to somebody, somewhere, and speak to someone from My Aged Care," she sad.
"You can talk to them on the phone, but a lot of people like that face to face.
"And a lot of the times when you ring up on the phone, with any department these days, you're on hold and it's a frustrating process."
Over the months undertaking her placement at Thurgoona, Ms Seager found she was asked about the application process.
"It's totally different when you're dealing with a loved one to what it is when you're dealing with it in a professional sense," she said.
"If it's a child and a parent, you don't always know your parents' financial details and all that sort of thing.
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"It's important to have an advocate who can speak with you or for you."
Ms Seager started her Diploma in 2020 but was unable to undertake her placement until this year - she now hopes the information session will be well-attended.
"I found there was a need for it," she said. "I'm hoping to get a couple of guest speakers to come in and just talk about their services; somebody in the advocacy realm, somebody who does home care and social support and also carers' support."
- The Information Afternoon Tea for Seniors and Carers will happen at the community centre from 2pm to 3.30pm on May 21 - contact (02) 6043 1588 to book in.
