NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said the Australian Government’s Care Finder program supports those vulnerable older people who have no one else who can support them, to access aged care services and other supports in the community.
“Care Finders can help vulnerable older people to navigate the aged care system to find support services to improve their quality of life, whether that be providing help to access services for the first time, or changing or finding new services and supports.
“If someone requires Care Finder services, then a local organisation can connect them with a dedicated Care Finder. The Care Finder will visit them, usually in person, to firstly understand the person’s situation, and then work through the steps to address their needs.”
The Care Finder program is part of a suite of aged care reforms responding to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Ms Whyte said NQPHN has released a Request for Tender (RFT) to find lead providers that have demonstrated local connections, specialist skills, and experience in supporting older persons.
“We are looking for organisations with experience in providing health and wellbeing services to older persons in North Queensland. They should also have experience in intensive case management delivery models and operational, financial, and clinical governance,” Ms Whyte said.
“Providers who can deliver quality services that are integrated across the human and health service sectors, that promote consumer choice and reablement, and who have experience working with vulnerable populations will also be highly desired.”
NQPHN and the lead providers, selected from the RFT process, will work closely with communities within the Torres and Cape, Cairns and Hinterland, Townsville, and Mackay Hospital and Health Service regions to ensure Care Finder services respond to local needs, are integrated with the broader aged and health care system, and deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for older people.
“We have undertaken a considerable health needs assessment and completed substantial planning to ensure the Care Finder initiative meets the needs of North Queenslanders,” Ms Whyte said.
“We look forward to working with the prospective lead providers on the establishment and implementation of Care Finder services to improve the wellbeing of older persons in the region.”
Organisations wishing to submit a tender application can visit NQPHN’s online procurement portal at www.nqphn.com.au/commissioning/etenderbox
The RFT closes on 15 February 2023.
