The elderly in the ACT are missing out on key coronavirus information and are unsure if they can even leave the house, advocates say.
Council of the Ageing ACT executive director Jenny Mobbs said the organisation was fielding many calls from older people who were confused about what the correct health advice was.
"The information needs to be updated and shared with older people," she said.
"The calls we're getting are from people whose family don't want them to go out at all. I don't think that's very fair for older Canberrans, so we need more information."
She said the information the group had from the ACT government to provide to older people was now months old.
"[Older people] want the assurance that they can leave their home safely, that they can go to shops, and they can be in touch with their grandchildren," Ms Mobbs said.
"A lot of people don't have access to computers, we like to think people are all online but they aren't."
Opposition seniors spokeswoman Nicole Lawder said she had made thousands of welfare checks to elderly Canberrans in recent months, with a common theme of confusion emerging.
"They're concerned about their health, they want to follow the rules but are confused about what the rules are and they are struggling with a deep sense of loneliness," she said
"As many are not computer-literate, they are limited in their ability to stay up-to-date with the best and latest health advice. They rely on community organisations, some of which are facing their own challenges in getting information from the government specific to seniors.
"Older Canberrans with legal or caring responsibilities for family members are unsure of how the rules apply to their situation.
"Many are fearful of accessing testing and are reluctant to visit the doctor for fear of contracting the virus."
But ACT minister for seniors Gordon Ramsay has accused the opposition of scaremongering and said the government had made sure information was getting out to everyone.
"We know that older Canberrans have a particular vulnerability to not only the social isolation but also the issues around health," he said.
"Step by step, we've been making sure our older Canberrans are informed, are well-supported."
He said 193,000 household received a hard copy of the "Our Canberra" newsletter, while the COVID hotline was available 8am to 8pm.
Mr Ramsay said the Council of Ageing ACT had received funding to ensure a seniors information line was available, while Legal Aid had been given more funding to support the vulnerable.
