For some older people, accessing the right healthcare and aged care support can be difficult, particularly when needs change or care is required from multiple services.
South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) is holding a series of local health forums to explore the barriers and enablers to older people accessing timely, appropriate and coordinated healthcare and aged care support.
Older people, carers and family members, health professionals, aged care workers, allied health professionals, service providers and community organisations are invited to share their experiences, identify gaps and contribute insights which can inform future planning and coordination of services across the region.
The forums will discuss topics including:
- finding information about aged care services and support
- accessing GPs, specialists, allied health and community services
- organising care and support at home
- moving between hospital, home care and residential aged care
- coordinating care across different services language, literacy, transport, cost, digital access and eligibility barriers
- programs, services and supports which are working well
The forums are not limited to people who are currently receiving aged care services.
They are designed to explore the experiences of older people accessing healthcare and aged care support, as well as the experiences of families, carers and workers who help older people navigate these services.
SWSPHN acting chief executive officer Amy Prince said older people and their families could face significant challenges when navigating increasingly complex and sometimes fragmented systems, particularly when care needs changed unexpectedly or care involved multiple services.
“Older people should be able to access the care and support they need to remain healthy, independent and connected to their community,” she said.
“It is vital that services are easy to find, understand and navigate, and that care is coordinated as an older person’s needs change.
“We need the help of older people, families, carers and those who work alongside them to understand the barriers they have faced, identify what is working well and develop practical solutions which make it easier for older people to receive the right support at the right time.”
Local health forums will be held across South Western Sydney for:
People who live or work in Campbelltown or Camden
Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Time: 6pm arrival for a 6.30pm start, finishing at 8.30pm
Venue: Rydges Campbelltown, 15 Old Menangle Road, Campbelltown
Register here
People who live or work in Bankstown, Fairfield or Liverpool
Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Time: 6pm arrival for a 6.30pm start, finishing at 8.30pm
Venue: Rydges Bankstown, Hume Highway, Bass Hill
Register here
People who live or work in Southern Highlands or Wollondilly
Date: Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Time: 6pm arrival for a 6.30pm start, finishing at 8.30pm
Venue: The Gibraltar Bowral, 7 Boronia Street, Bowral
Register here
The local health forums are free to attend and a complimentary two-course dinner is provided.
Find more information: Local health forum: Accessing health and wellbeing services for older people
