Aged Rights Advocacy Service

07/09/2026

Women’s Health Week 2026 💜

This year’s theme, “do it anyway”, encourages women to take small, realistic steps towards better health.

Throughout the week, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health will explore five important areas: To fuel, To move, To rest, To breathe and To connect.

At ARAS, we believe every woman—at every age—deserves to have her health concerns heard, respected and taken seriously. For older women, maintaining good health also means being included in decisions and receiving safe, respectful and appropriate care and support.

Learn more and explore the Women’s Health Week resources:
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/get-involved/womens-health-week/

Women's Health Week by Jean Hailes is Australia's leading women's health awareness campaign dedicated to the health and wellbeing of women, girls and gender-diverse people.

06/09/2026

A meaningful friendship can start with a simple hello.

ARAS is looking for volunteers to join the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS). As a volunteer visitor, you can offer regular friendship and social connection to an older person living in residential aged care or receiving Support at Home services.

You do not need special skills or previous experience. We welcome people of all ages, cultures and life experiences.

Your time, kindness and conversation can help someone feel more connected, valued and included.

Learn more about volunteering with ARAS: https://www.sa.agedrights.asn.au/aged-care-volunteer-visitors-scheme
📞 0448 705 860
✉️ [email protected]

Building meaningful connections for older people The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) supports older people who may be feeling...

05/09/2026

Happy Father’s Day from ARAS 💙

Today, we celebrate fathers, grandfathers and father figures and acknowledge the love, guidance, strength and wisdom they bring to our families and communities.

We also recognise that Father’s Day can be difficult for some, particularly those remembering someone special or experiencing separation from family.

At ARAS, we believe every older person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and kindness and to remain connected to the people and communities that matter to them.

Wishing a happy Father’s Day to everyone celebrating today.

03/09/2026

Scam awareness is important all year round.

A recent ABC News investigation has highlighted a gift card tampering scam spreading across Australia. Criminals remove gift cards from stores, record or damage the redemption details, carefully return the cards to shelves and then use the funds after an unsuspecting customer activates the card.

This scam can affect anyone. However, for older people—particularly those living on fixed or modest incomes—the financial loss, stress and difficulty navigating refund processes can have a significant impact.

When purchasing a gift card:

• check the packaging carefully for tears, scratches or signs it has been opened or resealed
• do not purchase a card if anything looks or feels unusual
• keep the card and your receipt
• report any problem immediately to the retailer and gift card provider
• never purchase gift cards or share card numbers because someone has pressured or threatened you

Remember: scammers are sophisticated, and being scammed is never the victim’s fault.

Read the ABC News investigation:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-31/inside-the-gift-card-tampering-scam-spreading-nationally/107074588

For more information about recognising and reporting scams, visit:
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

An ABC investigation discovers gift cards that have been tampered with are being sold by Australia's biggest supermarkets, with charges even being laid over the issue.

03/09/2026

Language matters.

Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA) is hosting a Lunch & Learn webinar exploring how ageist words, expressions and attitudes can demean, discriminate against and harm older people.

“But names can surely hurt you…” will examine the connection between ageist language and the abuse and mistreatment of older people, while encouraging more positive and respectful ways of speaking about ageing.

The webinar will feature Stephanie Power from COTA Queensland and Emeritus Professor Roland Sussex, who will share their expertise in systemic advocacy, language and communication.

📅 Thursday, 10 September 2026
⏰ 12:00 pm Adelaide time
💻 Online webinar

Can’t attend live? Register and you will receive a link to the recording when it becomes available.

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8017871943715/WN_E5cPRoMISC2Iszb0UKn_Xg #/registration

Welcome to another EAAA Lunch & Learn. In this session, we will explore the language of Ageism with the team from Council on the Ageing Queensland. Ageist language can demean, discriminate and harm people of all ages. However, this is especially the case for older people given that ageism is a prima...

01/09/2026

COTA Australia is calling for private health insurance to be fairer, more transparent and more affordable for older Australians.

Many older Australians have paid private health insurance premiums for decades. Now, when they are more likely to need healthcare, they may face rising and unpredictable costs and uncertainty about whether their cover provides fair value.

COTA Australia has launched a petition calling on the Australian Government to protect the age-based rebate, improve transparency around specialist fees and ensure reforms put consumers first.

Older people deserve clear information, affordable cover and confidence that their insurance will support them when they need it.

Learn more and sign the petition:
https://cota.org.au/project/fix-private-health-insurance-for-older-australians/

Many older Australians have paid private health insurance premiums for decades. Now, just as they are more likely to need health care, Government are proposing to cut the age-based rebate that helps keep their cover affordable. If you don't agree, add your support and sign our petition!

31/08/2026

Are you struggling to afford your aged care costs?

You may be eligible to apply for financial hardship assistance through Services Australia.

We understand that the application process can feel confusing or overwhelming. ARAS can provide free and confidential support to help you:

• understand the application process
• identify the information and evidence you may need
• work through your application
• understand the outcome and your next steps

Services Australia will assess your application and determine whether you are eligible.

You can also access helpful information and short videos through OPAN’s financial hardship toolkit:
https://opan.org.au/toolkit/financial-hardship/

For free and confidential support, call the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600. You will be connected with ARAS in South Australia.

26/08/2026

Going online should make life easier—not take away someone’s independence.

A recent ABC News report highlights that more than 65 per cent of Australians aged over 75 are digitally excluded.

As banking, government and aged care services increasingly move online, many older people are being forced to rely on family members, friends or neighbours. This can affect their privacy, confidence and ability to remain in control of their own lives.

Digital services must never be the only option. Older people need accessible alternatives, including telephone, paper-based and face-to-face support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty accessing aged care information or services, ARAS can provide free and confidential support. Call the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600.

Read the ABC News article:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-26/older-australians-losing-independence-as-digital-divide-widens/107070936

The digital divide means the responsibility is falling to loved ones, neighbours, and retirement village staff to bridge the gap for older Australians.

25/08/2026

Sometimes the smallest moments mean the most—a friendly face, a shared laugh or someone who remembers what matters to you.

Through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), ARAS helps older people build genuine connections with volunteer visitors.

If you, a family member or someone you care for is living in residential aged care or receiving Support at Home services and may benefit from regular companionship, we would love to hear from you.

Older people, family members, carers, aged care providers and community organisations can all make a referral.

Learn more: https://www.sa.agedrights.asn.au/aged-care-volunteer-visitors-scheme
📞 0448 705 860
✉️ [email protected]

Building meaningful connections for older people The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) supports older people who may be feeling...

25/08/2026

Are you or someone you support being asked to pay a Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF) in residential aged care?

It’s important to know that HELF is optional and only applies to extra services beyond the standard care and services every resident is entitled to.

You cannot be required to pay HELF to secure a room, and you should not be charged for services you do not want, use or agree to. A separate agreement and a 28-day cooling-off period also apply.

OPAN’s new information sheet explains the fees and your rights in simple terms:
https://opan.org.au/information/opan-resources/

For free, independent and confidential aged care advocacy support, call ARAS on 1800 700 600.