Seniors and Ageing

The Department of Communities is committed to supporting older people in Western Australian 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, the WA Seniors Card and WA Seniors Week.

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

State Seniors Strategy

The State Seniors Strategy is a whole-of-government 10-year strategy being implemented 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.
Photo of the front cover and open pages of the Seniors Information Resource booklet

Seniors Information Resource

The Seniors Information Resource is a new information resource which helps Western Australian seniors navigate a wide range of state-wide services and concessions.
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 of violence, 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.

Seniors Peak

Advocare is the Peak Body for Seniors in Western Australia, helping older people to feel supported, connected and heard. The Seniors Peak provides support and information on the needs of older people, accessing services, elder abuse and overcoming social isolation.
Two older people having fun on the beach.

Challenge Your Bias - reducing ageism in Western Australia

As an action of the State Seniors Strategy, the Department of Communities is raising awareness of ageism (or age discrimination) to support the health and wellbeing of older Western Australians.
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.
A senior couple smiling in their vegetable garden.

Age-friendly communities

Communities supports the development of age-friendly communities in Western Australia.
Gavel of Justice.

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

Communities is working closely with the Department of Health to implement the recommendations of 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.
Photo of a older lady smiling, surrounded by gardens

Charter for Empowering Older People in WA

Charter for Empowering Older People in WA (2024) Public consultation survey.

Announcements

Important dates

10-17 November 2024: WA Seniors Week

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

15 June: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
19-25 September: Dementia Action Week
1 October: International Day of Older Persons
9 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

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