COA Services Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions Before you contact COA with your query please look through our Frequently Asked Questions and see if it contains the answer you are looking for: Q: What does COA stand for? COA Sydney is our official name, but we like to say “COA stands for Connections, Opportunities, Activities”, because that’s what we provide for seniors in our community. Q: Do you need volunteers? Yes! We are a volunteer-driven organisation. The more volunteers we have, the more services and help we can offer the seniors we love and care about. Q: I don’t keep strictly kosher – can I still get Kosher Meals on Wheels? Yes! We won’t ask you how “kosher” you are – that’s your private information – and we will never judge you. Plus, our meals are subsidised to make them a comparable price to other meals on wheels. Q: How old do I need to be to get Kosher Meals on Wheels? 65 years and up. However, if you’re younger and have a disability, or have been injured and are coming out of hospital, give us a call and we will do our best to help you! Q: I’m over 65 but I still feel too young for Kosher Meals on Wheels! Age really is just a number! We realise that many people over 65 are staying younger for longer. You don’t have to order Kosher Meals on Wheels every week to enjoy them, though – consider ordering a few meals a month to keep in the freezer for a rainy day Q What days and times are meals delivered? Eastern Suburbs deliveries take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 8:30am – 11am, North Shore deliveries take place on Thursday from 10am – 1pm Inner City deliveries take place on Friday from 10am – 1pm Q: How much do meals cost? The price of meals varies if you are a pensioner, a part-pensioner, or a non-pensioner, with further help available to those assessed for financial hardship. Q: When I come to the COA Centre can I bring a friend? Yes, it is encouraged. You do not need to be registered as a member to enjoy a day at COA, and all are welcome to join in. Q: I am not Jewish; can I still attend the COA Centre? Of course. Everyone is welcome, as long as they are comfortable with our members occasionally celebrating Jewish holidays at the Centre. Q: How much does it cost to get a home assessment? We do not charge for any assessments conducted at home, in hospital, or in the Centre. Q: What is COAs fee for providing home care support workers? COA charges a one off placement fee for home support workers which lasts for two full weeks, so if you are unhappy with the home support worker provided you can ask for another in the first two weeks without paying another placement fee/ But we do not charge any daily fees or other fees for the service, and hourly wages are paid directly the the home support worker; our concern is that you have the support you need at home. Q: Do your home care workers have Police Checks and References? Yes. Additionally most of our care workers are well known to us for 5-15 years. All come with excellent references. Q: Do you have any Jewish carers? Yes. In fact the majority of our care workers come from within our own community. Q: Is COA a "Home Care Package Provider"? No. We are here to cover those who are still on waiting list for packages, or are self funded retirees on a tight budget, or those who want full control and flexibility of their care workers placement. Q: What if I do not get on with the carer? We will provide the best possible match for the personalities involved, and if there is a problem we will seek another care worker for you. Q: How quickly can you provide a home support worker? In some complex cases it may take a few days, but in the majority of cases it will take a day. In an emergency we will make every effort to meet your needs as quickly as possible. Q: Can I get COA transport on Monday and/or Wednesday? COA arranges transport to and from our Centre for members only, and it must be booked in advance. Q: What time will the bus pick me up on Monday and/or Wednesday? If you are booked to have transport please be ready from 9:30am and the driver will call you 15 minutes before he arrives to give you time to get onto the street in front of you home. Q: How do I get on the Tuesday and/or Thursday Bus Outing? To participate in the outings you must be assessed by our social workers to ensure the outing will not be too much for you, and to assess what your walking is like, as a short walk is always part of the day out. Q: What time will the bus pick me up for the Tuesday and/or Thursday Bus Outing? You will be contacted by phone the evening before the outing to ensure you still want to attend, and on the morning of the outing you will be called again to confirm the time you will be picked up.