Getting out and about and having enjoyable experiences is one of the most important things for seniors. It’s not ideal for them to do it alone, however, research shows that having companionship provides important physical and mental health benefits. That means someone else needs to accompany them, and that can require paying double the cost for every event.
The Companion Card is a great solution to this issue, and it’s easy and quick to apply for, especially if you have the right help to do so.
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The NSW Companion Card is a tool that allows free entry into multiple venues and events for a senior or disabled person’s companion. It enables your elderly loved ones to include a companion at no charge. This means they can take either a caregiver or a family member with them to leisure activities without having to pay an entrance fee for the extra person.
After a simple application process, seniors and disabled people can get this card that allows them to take a second person with them when they go to organisations and activities participating in the Companion Card program. On presentation of the card, both parties can enter but only the cardholder will be charged the entrance fee.
The application process for a Companion Card is strict in order to reduce the chances of the program being abused. When you get your card, it will display the cardholder’s name and photo alongside a card number and expiry date. It will also have a number of security features built-in that businesses and organisations use to verify the holder’s information when booking or purchasing if they require a free ticket for their companion.
Visit the Service NSW website to check your eligibility for a Companion Card. It’s important to understand the terms and conditions that apply to cardholders.
To be eligible, you need to be a citizen or resident of NSW or one of the people with a significant or permanent disability. In the case of seniors, this applies to anyone who is unable to participate in community activities or visit venues without attendant care support.
The disablement also needs to be severe enough that you can’t use technology or aids to meet your needs. If your situation appears to be life-long and you don’t expect it to change, you should qualify to apply for a Companion Card.
To complete the application, you’ll need to have access to a computer to download it in PDF format. Print out and fill in the personal information section of the form, or ask your caregiver to provide the help you need to do so. Include your contact details or those of a family member, as appropriate.
Take the form to your service provider and get them to complete ITEM 4 of the form if it applies to you. You’ll also have to visit your general practitioner or another health professional to complete ITEM 6 and to provide the documentation and reports to support the application.
For the application, you’ll also need two passport-size colour photographs, which are signed on the back by the health professional. Be sure to get the photos taken prior to your appointments with providers, so you can obtain the signatures you need to confirm your identity. You might also require documentation such as medical reports from a doctor or specialist to support your application.
Seniors who have a live-in carer can ask them to help with the application process. The carer can complete your section of the Companion Card application form, drive you to your appointments with various health professionals and take you to get the two passport photos taken.
More than 1,000 businesses and organisations in the state accept the NSW Companion Card. While there’s a full list on the NSW website, some popular options include:
As long as cardholders present the card when booking or purchasing a ticket for a venue or activity, they’ll get a ticket for their companion completely free of charge.
Our wonderful team of care professionals can not only help you to prepare and apply for the Companion Card program, but we can also help you dress for any occasion and drive you to the event. If you’re being accompanied by a family member or a friend, they can meet you at the venue and accompany you from there. This increases convenience because they don’t need to pick you up in order to spend quality time with you. The carer can pick you up afterwards or be waiting at home to greet you on your return. If you need your carer to attend an event with you, they will be very happy to dress up and accompany you.
Getting an NSW Companion Card can change life for yourself or a loved one by making it possible to enjoy a much wider range of activities. Given the opportunity to bring a companion at no charge, people who were previously unable to participate in many types of events can now do so safely without necessarily needing to rely on family members for help.
At Care for Family, our wonderful care team are experienced in helping clients complete the application form and gather the necessary documents to apply for the card program. Please schedule a call with us to find out how we can help change your life today.