Edition 7

COTA Queensland, the seniors peak body, has invited all parties contesting the State Election to make ageing a policy priority.

“Seniors have told us they have reached breaking point regarding the cost of living,” said COTA Queensland Chief Executive, Mark Tucker-Evans.

“Older people are consistently finding it difficult to make ends meet against high energy, water, and transport costs. All political candidates need to take the pledge to work for an age-friendly Queensland.”

A pre-election COTA Queensland survey of 128 older residents conducted in November and December 2014 identified three recurring concerns – health, cost of living, and transport.

“The survey confirms previous research into seniors and social isolation. Older people are concerned about how they will afford and access health and home care, as well as the pressures they feel as carers, grandparents, and members of the community.”

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Information for Electors – Proof of Identity

8th of January 2015

The Electoral Commission of Queensland writes:
“Changes to the Queensland Electoral Act now require all electors to show proof of identity in order to cast an ordinary vote. If electors are unable to provide Proof of Identity they will still be able to vote by completing a declaration of their details at the time of voting.

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Seniors Week 2015 

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland currently coordinates Seniors Week and receives Queensland Government funding to collaboratively plan, run and subsidise events and activities.

Starting on Saturday 15 August, Seniors Week 2015 will run through to Sunday 23 August – 9 days of celebration.  Last year 456 events were held from Thursday Island to Cloncurry to the Granite Belt.

Queensland Seniors Week provides an opportunity to unite all Queenslanders to celebrate the valuable contribution seniors make in their communities.  Whether as volunteers or in the workforce, seniors utilise their experience and knowledge as community leaders, carers, grandparents and advocates.

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Changes to HACC Services

As a part of the ongoing Aged Care Reforms, there are significant changes ahead for the HACC (Home and Community Care) program.

From 1 July 2015, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme will commence. This program change is intended to streamline the current offering of support services and, combined with the introduction of My Aged Care (www.myagedcare.gov.au), to make it easier to access support at home.

The Department of Social Services has developed a number of fact sheets for Service Providers, Client and Carers about the Commonwealth Home Support Programme which will replace the HACC program from 1 July 2015.

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CDC Sessions - remember to book your session soon

By 1 July 2015 all new and existing Home Care packages, will be Consumer Directed Care packages.

COTA is providing free, interactive Controlling My Own Life: Making the Most of Consumer Directed Care information sessions to enable consumers to prepare for this change.

We have almost hit our quota for the sessions,  each of which runs for approximately one hour. We will endeavour to deliver sessions wherever we are able to arrange for a Peer Educator to attend.

All sessions are supported by resources from Home Care Today.
To book your session, contact Marianne Wright, COTA Queensland Volunteers Coordinator, at bookings@cotaqld.org.au or by phone on 3316 2905 or toll free on 1300 738 348.

Suicide Awareness - Sunshine Coast

Suicide touches the lives of many people and is devastating for family, friends and the broader community.

Free information sessions in the Sunshine Coast area are being delivered by our Peer Educators to raise the awareness and understanding of the risk factors, where to go for assistance, as well as how to reassure isolated communities about the everyday prevention strategies they can implement to reduce the rate of suicide and suicide attempts.

For further information, contact Marianne Wright, COTA Queensland Volunteers Coordinator, at bookings@cotaqld.org.au or by telephone on 3316 2905 or toll free on 1300 738 348.

Grant writing and Information Sessions - Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast Council is  hosting grant Information Sessions held at council libraries in late February and early March. 

These sessions are just an overview of council’s funding programs and will touch on grant writing tips. They understand community groups may be seeking more specific information relating to their project/organisation and will be offering further consultations for those groups. Once they  gauge these groups and themes you may be invited to be involved in assisting them further.

To book your place  book online visit  www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Food Guide for Older People Living with Diabetes

A new resource, Healthy Eating - A Guide for Older People Living with Diabetes provides information about healthy eating and food choices for older people living with diabetes and has just been launched by Diabetes Australia.

As we get older, staying nourished and maintaining healthy eating habits can be challenging. Our lifestyles and appetites can change and chronic diseases such as diabetes can take up our time and energy, and affect our food choices.

This booklet covers topics including nutrition and daily food needs as a person ages, healthy weight ranges for older people, losing your appetite and how to gain weight if you are sick, frail or have lost weight. It has daily meal plans, delicious recipes and tips for shopping and cooking for one or two.

You can view the e-book or PDF version of the Healthy Eating - A Guide for Older People Living with Diabetes booklet here. If you would like hard copy, contact the NDSS infoline on 1300 136 588.