About Us

Reliable and up-to-date information is essential for older people and their carers:

• to make informed decisions about daily living
• to maximise opportunities for improving the quality of life
• to remain independent for as long as possible

Seniors Information Service specialises in providing information about:

• Home Help - cleaning assistance, personal care, home maintenance and modifications, support for carers
• Housing Options - considering moving? Information on retirement villages, serviced apartments, community housing, rental accommodation. Current vacancy information is also available
• Residential Aged Care (formerly nursing homes and hostels) - information about vacancies, assessment and admission procedures, fees charged
• Wills, Powers of Attorney and related documents
• Pensions and concessions

Seniors Information Service also provides information on:

• Entitlements of older people
• Aboriginal services for Elders
• Diverse multicultural services for older people
• Advocacy services for older people

Seniors Information Service has chosen the gingko leaf as its logo.

In eastern cultures the gingko is regarded as a sacred tree, symbolising unity of opposites, changelessness, hope and love. Since ancient times it has been planted in China and Japan in temple gardens and near shrines. Because of all its properties it is associated with longevity.

Seniors Information Service (SIS) aims to maximise the independence and improve the quality of life of older people, their families and carers by providing access to free information about the services and facilities available to them.

Your rights - as a client of SIS you have a right to: 

• be treated as an individual 
• be treated without discrimination 
• enjoy privacy and confidentiality 
• complain or to pursue action to resolve a dispute
• have access to information about your rights and responsibilities
• be safe when visiting SIS
• request translation or interpreting

Your responsibilities - It is important that you, as a client of SIS:

• respect the rights and needs of other people using SIS
• treat SIS staff with courtesy 
• inform SIS staff if you have special needs which will affect the provision of their service to you, e.g. if you need an interpreter

Quality Assurance

SIS values all feedback about the service. Negative feedback will be regarded as an opportunity to review SIS services and to make appropriate changes to assist future clients.

Clients have the right to:

• make a formal complaint about the service
• nominate an advocate to act on their behalf
• request the services of an interpreter if required
• request to speak to the SIS Manager
• be provided with information about SIS' response and actions resulting from their complaint

If the issue remains unresolved, the client may request to discuss the matter with an executive member of the SIS Board.

The client may also prefer to discuss the matter with an external department or advocate:

The Office of Ageing
Dept. for Families and Communities
Tel. (08) 8207 0522

Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner
Tel (08) 8226 8666, 1800 232 007

Aged Rights Advocacy Service
Tel (08) 8232 5377, 1800 700 600

The Staff

	Ken - CEO Ken has previously worked with state and federal governments and the private sector in acute health, primary care and disabilities. He also successfully led a healthcare industry association for seven years.
	Jane - Aged Care I update information about Aged Care Facilities, Supported Residential Facilities, Day and Therapy Centres. I also answer the phone calls and speak to groups in the community about Aged Care.
	Michael - IT/Project Manager
	Val - Information Management I am responsible for our database of seniors-related services, information regarding pensions and benefits and the office brochure display. I also answer general enquiries, speak to community groups and assist the Housing Officer.
	Fleur - Aged Care I assist clients across a range of aged related topics, as well as collecting and maintaining information in our various databases.
	Luisa - Carelink Coordinator Besides providing information to clients, I overview the fact sheet collection and update the health and wellbeing series. I also maintain a database of services that support older people, people with disabilities and their carers.
	Heather - Administration The first point of contact for visitors to our office, I answer their queries or direct them to the appropriate information officer. I also manage office procedures and provide administrative support to the CEO and information officers.
	Miriam - Multicultural Liaison My role is to promote SIS services in a culturally appropriate manner and establish partnerships with CALD communities and ethno-specific service providers, in order to address their information and service needs.
	Diana - Project Officer I am involved in a range of different projects such as the retirement housing directory, marketing and database information update. I also provide information to our clients by phone or in person.
	Fiona - Housing
	Ann - Information Management
	Eugenia - Information Management
	Monica - Information Management