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COTA CONNECTS

June 12

 
 

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Message from the CEO

Ronda Held CEO

COTA believes that ageing is a time of possibility, opportunity and influence. The Australian Government is beginning to align with this vision, recognising that Australians are living longer and that there is a need to plan ahead for this.

COTA Australia advocated for initiatives in the 2018 Budget that support older Australians to be prepared to live a healthy, independent and connected life with the More Choices for a Longer Life initiative. We continue to work with the government to extend and implement these initiatives.

The Long Live You website can connect with programs that assist you to be healthy, active, connected and independent.

In this edition of COTA Connects we also acknowledge the fantastic work of COTA Victoria’s volunteers and Seniors Awards recipients, who give so much to support our work and the Victorian community in general. They are the backbone of our Victorian community and we showed our appreciation of their contribution at our Volunteer Week event.

 

Elder Abuse: Everyone’s business

June 15: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. "We can stop elder abuse"

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated each year on 15 June to highlight one of the worst manifestations of ageism and inequality in our society, elder abuse.

To find out about WEAAD events in your area, or to register your own, visit WEAAD.

 

What transport systems do we want as we age?

Man reading bus stop timetable

COTA will be holding a Transport Forum posing the question ‘What transport systems do we want as we age?’. We want to hear from you about about ways that public and community transport options can be improved for older Victorians.

To find out more and register your attendance, please visit our website.

 

How to make a complaint in retirement housing

People discussing at a forum

On Monday 14 May 2018, Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG), Consumer Action Law Centre, Residents of Retirement Villages Victoria (RRVV) and Council on the Ageing (COTA) held a forum on how to make a formal complaint to regulators about a retirement housing issue. Approximately 60 retirement housing residents attended and expressed frustration at the current complaints handling framework, and the treatment they had received from operators.

Read more about the workshops, what action you can take and our retirement village campaign with CALC, RRVV and HAAG on the COTA Victoria website.

 

Improving support for older Victorian’s dental health

Icons of dental care related items

COTA and the Victorian Oral Health Alliance are calling for more support from the Government to reverse concerning dental health statistics shown in older Victorians.

Read more about these statistics and what these could mean to you at COTA Victoria website. 

 

Your Choice, Your Life

We want to hear from people of Aboriginal, LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex), CALD (cultural and linguistically diverse) backgrounds, and people living in a rural and/or regional setting, about what would make your lives more liveable.

To find out more about this project, and to contribute, please read more at COTA Victoria website.

 

Supported gyms allow older people to work at their own pace

Older woman using exercise equipment

After recovering from open heart surgery, Derek Cameron has been overwhelmed by the results of the Living Longer Living Stronger TM progressive strength training program.

Find out more about Derek and the Uniting AgeWell program he attended at COTA website

 

Women’s co-housing, co-design project seeks volunteers

Percapita: fighting inequality in Australia

PerCapita are seeking female volunteers aged 65+ to participate in peer interviews, analysis and co-design for a new research project.

This is a co-housing research project, run by the Centre for Applied Policy in Positive Ageing, and aims to develop improved housing policies for older women.

If you wish to participate, you would be required for approximately five hours per month, for 12 months. Expenses and training will be provided.

Contact: Myfan Jordan – m.jordan@percapita.org.au

 

What is My Health Record?

Australian Government and My Health Record

My Health Record is a government initiative that allows all your important health information to be digitally available in one secure location. Information such as allergies, medical conditions, medications, test and scan reports can be stored on an individual’s My Health Record. Having a My Health Record means your doctors, specialists, pharmacists and hospital staff may be able to access your information if they need to, such as in an accident or emergency.

For more information visit: www.myhealthrecord.gov.au

 

Aboriginal Victorians answer your questions – What will you ask?

Deadly Questions. You ask. Aboriginal Victorians answer.

Do you have a question for Aboriginal Victorians? Aboriginal Victoria has recently launched the Deadly Questions campaign, which aims to build better understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

Find out more about this campaign and how to submit a question on COTA Victoria website.

 

Earn $50 to visit a website: a reminder

Earn $50

The Government is offering a $50 bonus to each household that uses the Victorian Energy Compare website between 1 July and 31 December, 2018. You are not even required to take up an offer or switch plans in order to claim your $50.

Find out more here.

 

Electricity embedded network customers gain access to free Ombudsman

Embedded network diagram

As of 1 July 2018, Victorian electricity embedded networks customers will have access to the free dispute resolution services offered by the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria (EWOV).

Read more.

 

Tax avoidance by for-profit aged care companies

Tax avoidance by for-profit aged care companies: profit shifting on public funds

A report commissioned by The Australian Nurses & Midwifery Federation suggests for-profit aged care providers have been exploiting loopholes to maximise profits, while taking advantage of tax-payer funded government subsidies and avoiding tax.

Read more.

 

Volunteer Voices: A focus on living

Elderly woman in wheelchair holds hands with her care worker

‘It is a privilege to make a small contribution to the life of someone by encouraging a positive approach to life.’

A volunteer with Palliative Care South East has shared their story with us at COTA. Read the full story here.

 

COTA Victoria National Volunteer Week celebration

Collage of COTA volunteers

As a part of celebrating National Volunteers Week, COTA volunteers gathered with staff and guests to celebrate and reflect on the work and achievements of our valued Volunteers who have contributed to the organisations work, projects and programs.

Read about the highlights here.

 

Free Information Sessions at COTA

Speaker at an information session

Seniors Information (COTA) Victoria provides information sessions to groups throughout Victoria, as well as in our beautiful office located in the heart of the CBD. These sessions are open to the public and are free of charge. Anyone and everyone can participate! 

See upcoming sessions.

 

Designing a program to improve dementia care

PITCHPromoting Independence Through Quality Dementia Care at Home Help.

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) is a national leader in ageing research, focusing on improving the quality of life and health of older people. They are looking to interview people who receive or provide home care services, including:

- People with dementia
- Family carers of people with dementia
- Home Care professionals

Interviews and/or 2 half-day workshops will be organised.
Respite care or backfill can be provided.

If you or someone you know would be interested please contact:
Dr. Anita Goh
E: a.goh@nari.net.au
T: 03 8387 2377
W: www.nari.net.au

 

Switchboard’s LGBTI Community Visitors Scheme

Out & About is a peer service connecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI) people across Victoria. This is a free service for older LGBTI people aiming to reduce social isolation and loneliness in our community.

Out & About connects friendly peer visitors with seniors accessing aged care services for regular and mutually enjoyable home visits. The program encourages connections to community, intergenerational friendships and pride in identity.

For more information contact:
Ada Castle
Out & About Coordinator
Switchboard Victoria
0466 218 921 / 03 9663 2474
PO Box 21291, Little Lonsdale st Melbourne 8011
W: www.switchboard.org.au

 

The faster you walk, the better for long term health – especially as you age

Man briskly walking with poles - via shutterstock

Some of us like to stroll along and smell the roses, while others march to their destination as quickly as their feet will carry them. A new study out today has found those who report faster walking have lower risk of premature death.

Read the full article on The Conversation.

 

What does it mean to be a grandmother? – Sunday 17 June

Portrait of grandmother, photograph by Elli Bardas

Photograph by Elli Bardas.

Don’t miss this fascinating discussion about the essence of what it means to be a grandmother! This panel will explore the roles grandmothers play within their families and the broader community, as well as examine the intercultural and intergenerational exchange of stories, language, traditions, memories and emotions.

Presented by MMV in partnership with The ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions. Facilitated by Professor Jane Davidson.

When: Sunday 17 June 2018 at 3:00 pm
Where: Jewish Museum of Australia,
26 Alma Rd, St Kilda, VIC 3182
Book your place here.

 

Some highlights from our Facebook page

We’ve featured several well-received videos on the COTA Victoria this month. In case you missed them, we’ve provided links to each below. Make sure you follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss the fun.

 - Nightclub for older people
 - 68 years old woman signs ACDC Highway to Hell

 

IN THIS ISSUE

  1. Share COTA Connects
  2. Message from the CEO
  3. Elder Abuse: Everyone’s business
  4. What transport systems do we want as we age?
  5. How to make a complaint in retirement housing
  6. Improving support for older Victorian’s dental health
  7. Your Choice, Your Life
  8. Supported gyms allow older people to work at their own pace
  9. Women’s co-housing, co-design project seeks volunteers
  10. What is My Health Record?
  11. Aboriginal Victorians answer your questions – What will you ask?
  12. Earn $50 to visit a website: a reminder
  13. Electricity embedded network customers gain access to free Ombudsman
  14. Tax avoidance by for-profit aged care companies
  15. Volunteer Voices: A focus on living
  16. COTA Victoria National Volunteer Week celebration
  17. Free Information Sessions at COTA
  18. Designing a program to improve dementia care
  19. Switchboard’s LGBTI Community Visitors Scheme
  20. The faster you walk, the better for long term health – especially as you age
  21. What does it mean to be a grandmother? – Sunday 17 June
  22. Some highlights from our Facebook page

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COTA Victoria

Level 4, 533 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9655 2100 www.cotavic.org.au