Edition 17

COTA (Council on the Ageing) Queensland is the state-wide seniors peak organisation dedicated to advancing the rights, needs and interests of Queenslanders as they age.

Since 1957 COTA Queensland has been representing older Queenslanders working in partnership to challenge and influence all levels of Government, the business sector and the general community to create positive social change together.

Together with our members and stakeholders COTA Queensland continues to co-create an age-friendly Queensland.

2015: REFLECTIONS

COTA Queensland Chief Executive Mark Tucker-Evans reflects on 2015. 

With 2015 rapidly coming to an end I take a moment to reflect on COTA Queensland’s Board, staff and volunteers many activities and achievements over the past year. 

We continue to actively seek recognition of the positive contribution that older people make economically and socially to Queensland.  We are strong advocates for an Age-friendly Queensland promoting intergenerational interactions, to enable people to grow to their fullest capacity, contribute to their communities and have access to appropriate care and support where required.  

To inform our policy and advocacy work forums were held in Bundaberg, Maryborough, Gin Gin, Childers, Toowoomba, Cairns, Mackay and Townsville. Over 750 participants identified the issues impacting on them in their regions and helped to develop solutions.

Cost of Living
The reduction in interest rates and rising costs has resulted in tougher times for many older people. Through the work of one of our directors, Robyn Robinson we continued to be actively involved in the energy policy at both state and national level. This is a complex area, and we work with QCOSS and others through their Essential Services Consultative Group to address the issues.

Transport
Following the election of the Labor Government, under the Transport Portfolio, the Deputy Premier, the Honourable Jackie Trad MP, was charged with the following key priority:

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Call for Late Abstracts

The Program Planning Committee invites authors to submit in the Call for Abstracts for the IFA 13th Global Conference on Ageing.

The Conference will explore the implications for older people in natural and human-induced disasters and health emergencies, while at the same time covering the areas of interest for those across all disciplines in the ageing sectors through five (5) thematic tracks:
1. Disasters and Older People
2. Age Friendly Cities/Communities
3. Care and Support for Older People (Community and Residential)
4. Elder Abuse, Law and Rights
5. Income Protection and Security

For more information and to submit an abstract visit www.ifa2016.org.au

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Info Sessions

The NDIS supports people with a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability  to take part in everyday activities.  The Scheme is being progressively rolled out in trial sites around Australia. 

In 2016, COTA Queensland will be providing FREE information sessions to inform about the NDIS and the interface with aged care.

Sessions will be delivered to community groups, service providers and consumers.

To register your interest, contact Angela Jarrett, Program Coordinator NDIS and Seniors on angela.jarrett@cotaqld.org.au or phone (07) 3316 2999

The Department Of Human Services Is Seeking Your Feedback

The Department of Human Services continually work to improve their services. Part of this work includes talking to people using the services to find out what works well and not so well. Department staff are currently looking to talk with people in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas who have applied for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) through Centrelink in the last 12 months and are happy to discuss their experiences. If you fit this criteria please contact us through email: insights@humanservices.gov.au.

COTA Peer Education Network

Our Community Education program is delivered by trained volunteers providing free information sessions for groups of seniors. The current topic is on the reforms to the aged care system and home care packages, ensuring people have accurate information to access the system and know their rights under the new system. The sessions increase the knowledge of older Queenslanders so they can maintain control of their own lives and become active partners in their own health care and support needs. Sessions run for an hour and are conducted by a trained COTA Peer Educator.

We are seeking to work with organizations, seniors groups, service providers and individuals to host information sessions for seniors on the reforms to the aged care system. If you would like to host a session in 2016 contact Kerryn on 1300 738 348 (toll free) or education@cotaqld.org.au.

We are expanding our network of volunteer Peer Educators across the state. Peer Educators are trained and supported by COTA Queensland to provide free information sessions for seniors. If you are interested see information on our website or contact Kerryn on the details above.

Consumer Engagement in Aged Care Survey

This Survey is part of the Consumer Engagement in Aged Care (CEAC) project from COTA Australia. The purpose of the project is to develop tools, methods and a platform to empower consumers and carers to have more choice and control over the services they receive, as well as assist services to engage consumers and their carers in system design, service development and delivery. For further information about the CEAC project, contact David White on dwhite@cota.org.au.

The Survey will close COB Thursday 10 December.

Have Your Say.  Register as a Consumer Reference Member today!

We work with local councils, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government on ageing-related issues.

Hearing the stories and experiences of people from throughout Queensland informs our work so that we can better understand what makes an age-friendly Queensland.

By registering your details as a Consumer Reference Network member you will have regular opportunities to contribute your knowledge and experience to ongoing discussions that impact on people as they age. 

To find out more or to register visit www.cotaqld.org.au or phone 1300 738 348.

BOLD: Stories from older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people

David Hardy is launching his new book: 'BOLD: Stories from older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people'.

In Brisbane, there are two launches, one at QuAC this Friday, 4 December and Monday, 7 December at Avid Reader bookstore in West End.  To book your seat visit AR's website. 

If you are in the Sunshine Coast or Townsville area David will be book signing at Berkelouw's books at Eumundi on Saturday, 5 December between 10am and 12noon, and a launch at Mary Who? bookstore in Townsville Thursday 10 December at 5:30pm. 

Books can be purchased online HERE.

Are you ready for storm season?

Disasters can devastate communities.  Prepare yourself and your home so you are better prepared in an emergency.

You’ll see them all the time; people who have left it too late to get ready and are relying on the SES for help. By preparing ourselves better before disaster hits, we can help take the strain off the SES and let them focus on those who need help the most.

There’s lots of ways you can Get Ready, but the easiest way is to sign up to One Step at a Time – a weekly personalised online program that gives you a simple task to tick off every week. In 51 weeks, you’ll be ready for anything. You can register here.

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Beware fake websites when shopping online for Christmas

Source: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/news/beware-fake-websites-when-shopping-online-for-christmas

SCAMwatch is warning consumers shopping online for Christmas to watch out for fake websites selling bogus gifts. Scammers set up sophisticated sites designed to trick you into thinking they’re the real deal, including using a ‘.com.au’ domain name and stolen Australian Business Number (ABN).

Several scam shopping sites have already been shut down, but it’s important that you stay alert to avoid finding yourself out of pocket and a present. The tell-tale sign is if the site only allows you to pay via money order or wire transfer – once you send money this way, it’s rare to see it again.

Don’t let scammers deliver you a nasty surprise this Christmas. When shopping online, make sure the business that you are dealing with, and their offer, is the real deal.

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Changes to the Seniors Card

Seniors Card is making ongoing improvements to the online Business Discount Directory for Senior and Carer cardholders.

As well as a “fresh look” there is a new promotional feature for participating businesses. In addition to their ongoing discount a registered business can now make a time limited special offer. 

To view the special offers click HERE 

To find a business new you click HERE

Rights Of Older People Under The Microscope At The UN

The United Nations' Universal Periodic Review focusing on Australia's human rights record put forward a number of recommendations around Australia's treatment of older people including providing better access to the workforce and strengthening anti-discrimination measures.

In a media release dated 11 November 2015, COTA Australia Chief Executive Ian Yates said he welcomed the focus on the rights of older people at the international level but was disappointed there was not a commitment by the Australian Government to further a Convention of the Rights of Older Persons.

"By 2056 one in four Australians will be over the age of 65. There is no better time than now to focus on what we need to do to ensure older people's rights are protected both now and in the future.

"Too often older people are left out of the human rights discussion, so it's pleasing to see Australia has committed to include older people in all its human rights reporting and more importantly to advocate for the rights of older people across various UN reporting mechanisms.

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National Plan Needed to Address National Housing Stress

The release of the Rental Affordability Index today again highlights the high levels of housing stress being felt across the nation and the need for all levels of government to act to firstly prevent it from worsening, and preferably to turn it around.  

COTA Chief Executive Ian Yates said older people, especially those on pensions, allowances or low superannuation or investment incomes, find it very difficult to obtain suitable accommodation within their limited budgets and many were finding themselves homeless or at risk of homelessness for the first time in their 60s.

“This Index reflects what we already know – that housing stress is a reality for far too many people who
do not own their own home, and those numbers are also increasing,” Mr Yates said.

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Mental Health Reforms Welcome But Fail To Address The Needs Of Older People

The release of wide ranging reforms in mental health by the federal government today provide a welcome shift to a more person-centered, streamlined and localized approach but unfortunately still fail to address to quite systemic neglect of the unique issues faced by older Australians, including depression and the
high prevalence of suicide.

COTA Australia CE Ian Yates sas that in principle these reforms should better serve the needs of mature age and older Australians, with the adoption of a more localised model of service delivery and the introduction of a centralised phone and internet referral service.

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Measuring Digital Inclusion

Source: Public Libraries Connect

Digital inclusion is recognised as one of the key social justice challenges facing policy makers and communities worldwide. Telstra, Swinburne Institute for Social Research and the Centre for Social Impact have joined forces to develop a new national measure of digital inclusion — the Australian Digital Inclusion Index, which will be used to measure the extent of digital inclusion in Australia. The Index will enable a baseline measure of digital inclusion in Australia and assess progress over time. The first report will be released in mid-2016. Visit the project web site for more information about how you can participate. 

Queensland Women's Strategy

The Queensland Government Office for Women is developing the Queensland Women’s Strategy which will outline the government’s vision of gender equality for women and girls across the realms of safety, economic security, health and wellbeing and leadership and participation.

Public consultation on this strategy is now underway, and Queenslanders can have their say by filling out the online survey  sending a written submission via post (to: Office for Women, Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, GPO Box 806, Brisbane, QLD, 4001) or email info@women.qld.gov.au, or leaving a comment on the Queensland Women Facebook page.

More information is available on the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services website

Elder Abuse Conference 2016

The 4th National Elder Abuse Conference is being held in Melbourne from 23 – 25 February, 2016. Abuse flourishes when respect doesn’t exist. ‘Elder Abuse’ is defined as any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.

Take part in the conference and learn about preventative programs, early interventions and later responses - innovative and collaborative approaches to tackling elder abuse! Registrations are now open, visit the website for more information click HERE

International Federation on Ageing Global Conference
Brisbane 21 -23 2016

The 13th IFA Conference will be the first to explore the implications for older people in natural and human-induced disasters and health emergencies, while at the same time covering the areas of interest for those across all disciplines in the ageing sectors through five thematic tracks:
• Disasters and Older People
• Age Friendly Cities and Communities
• Care and Support for Older People (Community and Residential)
• Elder Abuse, Law and Rights
• Income Protection and Security

Early Bird registration closes 22 March 2016.  To register or for more information visit www.ifa2016.org.au

Consumer Directed Care and the Home Care Standards
Where can it take you?

The Quality Agency and Home Care Today have received overwhelming feedback from industry wanting more information and education on Consumer Directed Care (CDC) and how it supports performance against the Home Care Standards.

So the Quality Agency and Home Care Today have teamed up to develop and deliver a national roadshow of one-day practical forums on Consumer Directed Care and the Home Care Standards - Where can it take you?

The forums will look at consumer directed care in the context of the Home care standards and help you envisage systems and processes that facilitate innovative and quality focused consumer directed care. Together, we will explore good practice and provide you with a range of tools and resources to support your service and consumers. The forum will help you develop your own action plan for innovation and continuous improvement to foster consumer quality of life, wellness and reablement.

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It’s That GIVING Time of Year!!

Why not surprise your friends and loved ones with a year long COTA Membership! For just $34 for a single person or $44 for a couple, they can be signed up for a years worth of benefits.

As a member, they’ll receive a personalized membership card giving them access to all sorts of benefits and rewards including discounted gift cards, COTA Insurance and COTA holiday packages! Call our friendly membership team on 1300 1400 50 for more information.

We also offer membership to Organisation’s who want to be apart of the COTA mission and offer their contribution towards advancing the rights, needs and interest of people as they age. Call us today on 1300 738 348 for more information!

Christmas Closure

COTA Queensland's office will close at 5:00pm on Wednesday 23  December 2015 and reopen for business at 9:00am on Monday 4 January 2016.

The Board, management and staff take this opportunity to thank members, volunteers and stakeholders for their support throughout 2015 and we look forward to working with you in 2016.

Support Our Work and Get Involved

Our aim is to help create a more just, equitable and caring community in which older people are actively involved and have access to appropriate support, services and care. You can help us to continue to fight for an Age-friendly Queensland by:

• Leaving a bequest in your Will to COTA Queensland
• Donating today through PayPal or by shopping online with Shopnate
• Joining as an individual member  and receiving a wide range of  benefits through the COTA Rewards and Savings program
• Joining as an organisational member and contribute to our information exchange, policy development and service development
• Joining over 500 Queenslanders in our Consumer Reference Network to enable you to contribute your knowledge and experiences to the development of our submissions in response to those issues impacting on people age they age in Queensland
• Volunteering  and contributing  in creating an Age-friendly Queensland