General News
19 June, 2023
Resources available for older residents
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria, Seniors Rights Vic-toria, the Victorian Govern-ment, and the Municipal Association of Victoria have partnered for a winter-long campaign called Older, Not Alone. The campaign aims to highlight the increased...
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria, Seniors Rights Victoria, the Victorian Government, and the Municipal Association of Victoria have partnered for a winter-long campaign called Older, Not Alone.
The campaign aims to highlight the increased pressures experienced by older Victorians during the colder, darker winter months while also raising awareness of the range of resources and support schemes available.
Community groups, not-for-profits, local government, and the Victorian Government can all provide assistance — such as financial support for energy costs. Not only do older Victorians need to be made aware of such schemes, they may need help accessing them.
Chris Potaris is the CEO of COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria. He said Victoria, like the rest of Australia, is currently facing a range of economic pressures.
“Higher inflation and increased interest rates, amongst a multitude of other issues, lead to increased costs of living,” he said.
“These are expected to continue and grow during the coming months, particularly increasing energy costs.”
According to the 2021 ABS Census, 4192 people are over retirement age in the Goldfields Shire, which equates to 31.3 percent, or one in three residents. Two organisations that provide support and services to the shire’s elderly population are the local council and hospital.
Veronica Hutcheson is manager Community Services for the Central Goldfields Shire Council. She explained the council provides a range of services to support residents to continue living in their own homes and remain active members of the community.
“Currently we have around 678 clients who receive care from council through our aged and community care program,” she said.
“This service is specifically for people aged 65 and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and is directly funded and managed through the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
“Services include home care; personal care; respite care; home modification and property main-tenance; meals on wheels; social support-group and individual and regional assessment services.”
Ms Hutcheson said people can access council services by contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to organise a living-at-home assess-ment. People under 65 who require support to stay at home but do not receive NDIS funding can contact council directly for an assessment. Ms Hutcheson also encourages family and friends to keep an eye on older neighbours.
“If relatives or neighbours are concerned for an elderly person and their wellbeing, they can contact My Aged Care or the council via our customer service team on 5461 0610,” she said.
Robyn Wilson is the executive director of nursing and midwifery at Maryborough District Health Service. She said winter typically brings a high risk of health issues, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses.
“As frontline health workers we are able to connect vulnerable clients to the right services at various check points along the healthcare journey,” she said.
“This may include a referral to social and welfare workers who can link vulnerable residents to things like financial support, food relief or counselling.”
MDHS’s team of district nurses provide care and support to approximately 100 clients in the community and help identify any gaps in care or support needed. They are currently preparing to start a new program to provide in-home support services for older persons over 65 years of age.
“Everyone has a role to play in looking after vulnerable members of the community and helping to link them to services if needed,” Ms Wilson said.
“Checking in on your neighbours allows you to identify any health concerns they may have such as lack of heat, insufficient food supply or a medical emergency.
“It provides the chance to offer assistance to connect them with appropriate resources such as medical professionals or community support services.
“Dropping in on a neighbour, having a cuppa or delivering a warm hearty meal can also help combat the feelings of loneliness or isolation which can be more prevalent during the colder months.”
For those who can’t visit their neighbours regularly, Ms Wilson suggests posting a card in their letter box with your phone number to let them know you are thinking of them and can offer support if needed.
If you suspect they aren’t doing well encourage them to contact their local GP, or MDHS for a referral to their community services by calling 5461-0333. For privacy reasons, clients need to contact their health provider directly or complete a self-referral via the MDHS website.
As always call triple 000 for an emergency, or contact the police if you have a genuine concern for someone’s safety.