With the Greek Australian ageing population set to double by 2021, the Australian Greek Welfare Society (AGWS) is making it a top issue.
The AGWS has a growing waiting list for their elderly services and expects that to grow exponentially.
At their 41st Annual General Meeting last week, the AGWS highlighted the need to expand aged care and elderly programs to meet growing demand.
AGWS president George Spiliotis says the organisation has to keep balancing services and demand to make sure those who need help get it.
“The demand for services from AGWS by the community far outstrips capacity,” he said in the annual report.
“AGWS has therefore continued with the dual model of providing services directly but also working in collaboration with generalist service providers.”
Aged and disabilities services make up the most popular programs for the society, with many of the clients needing specialised help. The society has to work case by case to tailor its services to a client’s needs and relies on volunteers to help bridge the demand.
Its access and support program acts as a referral program to provide essential information in Greek to link clients to other government or charitable services to help with overlapping needs.
This year, the main issues the elderly were coming to the AGWS with were health related, with the deterioration of their quality of life making up some of the more desperate cases.
Age related illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s continue to strain the health system but also affect family members, who are left to care for their elderly relatives without much knowledge or help.
Shadow Minister for Seniors and Ageing Jenny Mikakos was the guest speaker at the AGWS annual meeting, and voiced her concerns with future overstretched services. She hopes that organisations like the AGWS will be able to provide culturally and linguistically diverse Australians services that complement their background.
Mr Spiliotis says if the AGWS is to meet demand, donations need to increase to be able to cater to more clients.
Already the society has raised over $93,235 in their annual radiothon, showing the Greek community is still digging deep for its elderly. At their general meeting, the society took the time to thank all the volunteers who provide invaluable help. The AGWS Celestine Doufas volunteer of the year award went to Anthony Misserlis for his exemplary service to the society.