Seniors and Ageing

The Department of Communities is committed to supporting older Western Australians through a number of key initiatives and strategies.
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The Department implements initiatives and strategies that support older people in ageing safely, happily, with dignity and respect. This includes elder abuse prevention and support, grants and funding, age-friendly communities, WA Seniors Card, WA Seniors Week and COVID-19 support information.

‘Life in Pictures’ short film competition

The Department of Communities is collaborating with Revelation Perth International Film Festival to raise awareness about ageism and positive ageing.

Amateur and professional filmmakers of any age are invited to create a short film to encourage discussion, interaction, and understanding about aspects of ageing and ageism, exploring ways that ageism can be reduced, and bring to light stories of ageing positively.

For more information, head to the Revelation Film Festival 'Life in Pictures' webpage.

photo of older person - she is smiling and playing a guitar

WA Seniors Strategy

The WA Seniors Strategy is a whole-of-government 10-year strategy being developed by Communities to support older Western Australians to live their best life as they age.
A senior person holding their WA seniors card.

WA Seniors Card

Communities administers the WA Seniors Card program, which enables members to access a range of State Government concessions and exclusive business discounts to assist with the costs of living.
A senior couple smiling in their vegetable garden.

Age-friendly communities

Communities supports the development of age-friendly communities in Western Australia.
An older couple, smiling.

Elder Abuse and the Mistreatment of Older People

Elder abuse affects 1 in 6 older Western Australians and may involve many different forms of abuse. The WA Strategy to Respond to the Abuse of Older People (Elder Abuse) is a 10-year strategy to address all forms, reduce its incidence and encourage whole-of-community involvement.
Grandmother and young girl, smiling.

Elder Abuse support services and resources

Communities collaborates with key stakeholders to deliver elder abuse support services to Western Australians. Communities also provides a range of elder abuse prevention and awareness resources.
A grandmother smiling with her adult grandchildren.

Vulnerable Seniors Peak Body

Communities funds COTA WA to deliver the Vulnerable Seniors Peak Body, which aims to protect seniors including harder to reach groups such as Aboriginal people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Two older people having fun on the beach.

The Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030

The United Nations has declared 2021-2030 the Decade of Healthy Ageing. Communities supports the declaration and provides information and resources to help combat ageism, reduce age discrimination, and promote healthy ageing.
An older couple smiling with their grandchildren.

Ageing with Choice

Ageing with Choice is a five-year plan to support older Western Australians to access affordable, manageable and stable homes so they can age well in their community of choice.
Several senior women holding teacups and smiling.

Grants and funding

Communities provides a range of grants and funding opportunities across the seniors and ageing portfolio.
Gavel of Justice.

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

Communities is working closely with the Department of Health to contribute to the whole-of-government response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Royal Commission was established in October 2018 and handed down its final report on 26 February 2021.

Announcements

WA Seniors Week

WA Seniors Week recognises the important role seniors play in our community and celebrates the contributions of older Western Australians.

Important dates

15 June: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
19-25 September: Dementia Action Week
1 October: International Day of Older Persons
7 October: Ageism Awareness Day

See also

Carers and grandcarers

Other information

Translating and interpreting assistance: If you require assistance in translating or interpreting the resources on this page, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.

Scamwatch: run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Scamwatch provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.

Minister for Seniors and Ageing

Hon Don Punch BPsych BSocwk MBA MLA