STARS Program

What if I told you that one in five hospital beds in the Illawarra Shoalhaven is unavailable for local patients because it’s occupied by someone with no place to call home? Or that across NSW, the equivalent of seven hospitals are filled with people not receiving medical care but living there because they have no safe alternative?

The Supported Transition Assistance Response Scheme (STARS) consists of a team of volunteers experienced in aged care services, assisting in the process of transferring an older person from a hospital bed to an aged care home or back to their own home.

Our STARS volunteer team is making a difference to many older people who are in hospital and unable to leave until they find an aged care home with 24/7 care. It’s a time fraught with emotions about a significant change in life, and navigating aged care for the first time can be challenging for anyone. The volunteers also assist by sharing their aged care knowledge with compassion and without jargon. They explain the options available and answer questions about what to expect when moving into aged care.

STARS are not just advisors; they empower older people with care and expertise, enabling them to make informed decisions. With STARS by their side, an older person in hospital receives personalised assistance to navigate their transition, explore suitable aged care options, and gain independent, confidential support to inform decision-making.

If you have experience in aged care and a desire to help others, please get in touch at stars@cigroup.org.au to join our STARS team.