Seniors Services Directory

WEAVING, KNITTING AND WRITING NEEDLEWORK Sutherland Shire Fellowship of Chatelaine Quilters, Sutherland Australian Writers PP 9522 4270 or 9543 0525 PP 9501 2348 WW www.fawnsw.org.au Meets bi-monthly at Sutherland and EE [email protected]  fortnightly at Sylvania. Membership fees apply. Provides meetings and support for writers at all levels. Nifty Knitters Meets last Saturday of the month at PP 9525 2905 Sutherland Library from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Knitting groups. Sutherland Shire Writing Group Southern Quilters, Gymea Bay PP 9546 5284 PP 9548 2842 or 0409 608 446 Writers’ support group. Poems, stories, Meets on Mondays at Gymea Community articles, novels, and family histories. Hall. Share in friendly discussions, peer editing, and group activities. Members work on their own quilts or other handwork projects and share knowledge. Beginners and experienced writers Morning tea provided. New members welcome. Meets each Monday during welcome. school terms at Sutherland Library from 10am to 12pm. Sutherland Shire Spinners and Weavers PP 0419 273 193 WW www.spinnersandweavers.asn.au Spinning and weaving and allied crafts. Meets weekly at Como. Meet on Tuesdays at Como School of Arts from 10am to 2pm. WOMEN’S GROUPS Sutherland Older Women’s Network Wellness Centre PP 9545 3489 WW www.ownnsw.org.au Affordable physical activities, performance, book club and computer classes. The Centre is committed to flexible drop-in attendance, learning from each other, consumer involvement and participation. Open Mondays and Wednesdays at 749A Old Princes Highway, Sutherland. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 49

HOUSING As people get older, housing needs STAYING IN YOUR OWN can change. Some people wish to stay HOME in their family home; others want to downsize to a smaller house, villa or unit. My Aged Care There’s also the option of moving to a retirement village with medical services PP 1800 200 422 and social opportunities on site. WW www.myagedcare.gov.au People requiring greater support may A Government initiative that provides consider residential aged care. There are information on support to stay at home steps involved to enter residential aged provided by the Commonwealth Home care and it is preferable for people to Support Program. Services include: plan ahead and research their options to make sure their choices are met. • domestic assistance • food services Deciding where to live as you get older is • home modifications and maintenance a major decision needing careful thought: • community transport you need to consider the costs involved, • personal care the location, closeness of family • community nursing members or carers, and support services • respite available. • social support What are my options? Home Care Packages are available for people who need more support or If you can live independently, there are a have complex needs. Packages are variety of in-home and community care personalised, coordinated and ongoing. services you can access for support so you can stay in your home (See Care See Care and Support section. and Support section). If you need additional care and support services now, you may consider residential aged care for respite or on a more permanent basis. What should I to know? Whatever you decide there are important legal, social and financial issues you need to know, understand and agree to before signing an agreement, lease or contract. 50 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory

MOVING TO A LEGAL HELP RETIREMENT VILLAGE Seniors Rights Service Retirement Living Council PP 1800 424 079 PP 9033 1900 WW www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au WW www.retirementliving.org.au A community legal center that provides Peak body that provides information about advocacy, legal advice and educational living in retirement villages. services. DPS Guide to Aged Care Including advice about the NSW collective sales process of strata buildings. PP 1300 186 688 WW www.agedcareguide.com.au Legal Aid NSW - Sutherland This service can help you locate local PP 9521 3733 retirement villages and provide information WW www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au about costs, contracts and agreements and village lifestyle. Legal advice to eligible older persons. You can search online or call to request an Aged Care Guide be posted to you. Seniors Housing Online WW www.seniorshousingonline.com.au Provides a listing of retirement villages located in Sydney. PUBLIC HOUSING & LOW COST ACCOMMODATION Housing NSW PP 1800 422 322 WW www.housing.nsw.gov.au Housing NSW offers low cost accommodation for older people and services to assist existing tenants. Miranda Service Centre is located at Level 2, 14-16 Central Road, Miranda. HOMELESS OR AT RISK Link2Home PP 1800 152 152 Homelessness information and referral telephone service. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 51

REGISTERED RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES IN SUTHERLAND SHIRE As listed on My Aged Care June 2017. For additional facilities visit www.myagedcare.gov.au Location Facility Tel Website Bangor 9575 3300 www.baptistcare.org.au BaptistCare Warena Barden Ridge Centre 9532 2888 www.advantagedcare.com.au Cronulla Advantage Aged Care - 9523 3430 www.pathways.com.au/ Barden Lodge cronullaseaside Cronulla 8522 1000 www.pathways.com.au/cronullapines Cronulla Seaside Aged Cronulla Care 8522 1200 n/a Engadine 9548 7777 www.morangroup.com.au Gymea Bay Pathways Cronulla 9524 4954 www.apexagedcare.com.au Heathcote Pines 8508 3300 www.johnpaulvillage.com.au Illawong 9543 7333 www.sirthomasmitchell.com.au Stella Maris Aged Care Jannali 8543 7200 www.anglicare.org.au Moran Aged Care Kirrawee 0402 237 361 www.thepalms.net.au Kirrawee Gymea Bay Aged Care 1800 551 834 www.catholichealthcare.com.au Kirrawee 0428 892 796 www.thomasholt.org.au Miranda John Paul Village 8578 1688 www.ourladyofchina.org.au Miranda 1800 776 112 www.hammond.com.au Miranda Sir Thomas Mitchell 8543 2000 www.stbasils.org.au Miranda Residential Aged Care 9540 0236 www.ibis.com.au/miranda Miranda 9541 3400 www.julianavillage.com.au Miranda Anglicare Chesalon 9525 3210 dohertycare.com.au Care Sutherland 8536 1600 www.bupaagedcare.com.au Sutherland The Palms Aged Care 9521 2855 www.apexagedcare.com.au Sutherland 1800 632 314 www.sccliving.org.au Percy Miles Villa Sylvania 9522 8581 www.arkhc.com.au Sylvania Thomas Holt Villages 9522 2997 www.wesleymission.org.au Sylvania 9532 6222 www.morangroup.com.au Taren Point Alkira Garden 1300 111 278 www.anglicare.org.au Waterfall 8545 4700 www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ Hammondcare Garrawarra St Basil’s Miranda IBIS Care Miranda Juliana Village Miranda Aged Care Facility BUPA Lark Ellen Aged Care Southern Cross Nagle Apartments Ark Health Care Wesley Vickery Lodge Moran Aged Care Goodhew Gardens Garrawarra Centre 52 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory

HOW DO I MAKE People Passion Professionalism COMPLAINTS? Alkira Gardens Aged Care Complaints Commissioner New State of the Art aged care home Full Spectrum of Aged Care Services PP 1800 550 552 Fully Accredited WW www.agedcarecomplaints.gov.au Let Us Care For You! Each aged care facility should make Phone: (02) 8578 1688 readily available a Charter of Rights and [email protected] Responsibilities. 2 Animbo Street, Miranda NSW www.ourladyofchina.org.au If you are concerned about the care or service you, or someone you care for, is receiving you have the right to raise a concern with the facilty. If the issue is not resolved you can contact the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner. Sylvania & Engadine Book a tour today Our beautiful homes offer: Phone us or visit our website to book an appointment today. • Permanent Care We would love to show you around. • Respite Care • Secure Dementia Care  Moran Sylvania  Moran Engadine • Single & Couples Suites T: 9532 6222 T: 9548 7777 morangroup.com.au CARE | LIFESTYLE | WELLNESS Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 53

STEPS FOR MOVING TO A RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITY Residential aged care can assist those a means-tested assessment of your who can no longer live at home due combined income and assets. You should to illness, disability, bereavement or ask aged care facilities to provide you emergency, respite, or simply because with a complete list of fees in writing, residential aged care suits their changing along with any information on payment needs. Facilities can help with day-to-day dates and plans they may offer. You can living, such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, contact My Aged Care to help estimate personal care, medical and nursing the fees and charges you may have to care, and offer a range of social and pay towards residential aged care – this recreational activities. is recommended before negotiating or signing any agreements. ELIGIBILITY APPLYING FOR AN AGED You must undertake a free assessment CARE HOME of your care needs by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to enter into You can apply for as many homes as you an aged care home - call 1800 200 422. like and when a place is available they will After the assessment you will be given a contact you. After accepting a place at a letter if you are approved as eligible for home you will need to fill in an application subsidised aged care services. form that will be specific to the facility. You will need to fill in an income and asset FINDING AN AGED CARE assessment form with Centrelink and will HOME then be asked to sign an agreement with the aged care home. My Aged Care will provide you with the contact details of aged care homes in RESIDENT AGREEMENT different locations via the Aged Care Home Finder. Contact the homes you are As each aged care home is different, interested in and ask for information about each agreement will be different. their fees, services and facilities. The best Agreements are legally binding and cover way to be sure a home suits your needs services, fees, rights and responsibilities, is to visit and compare homes yourself. and when you could be asked to leave. Make sure you make a list of all your Make sure you fully understand all of requirements and bring your ACAT letter. the components and conditions in the Talk to your family, or carers who may be agreement before signing it. You can assisting you, about your requirements request some advice from a lawyer, My and wishes for an aged care home. Aged Care, Legal Aid NSW or Seniors Rights Service if something in the FEES AND CHARGES agreement is unclear to you. The Government subsidises residential MORE INFORMATION aged care, however aged care residents are expected to contribute towards My Aged Care the cost of their care according to their means. There are fees charged for care, PP 1800 200 422 accommodation and daily living costs. You will need to go to the Department of WW www.myagedcare.gov.au Human Services (Centrelink) to undertake ‘Five Steps to Entry into an Aged Care Home.’ 54 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory

TRANSPORT Travelling easily to the services and MOTOR VEHICLES facilities you need and enjoy is vital to remaining independent and active as you Can I keep driving my own car? get older. You can attend driver training and skills Sutherland Shire has good public testing to help you keep up to date transport, including trains, ferries, buses with road rules and retain your licence and private taxis. All can accommodate for as long as possible. Roads and people with limited mobility. Maritime Services may at times require older drivers to have regular medical or Activus Transport (Community Transport) eyesight tests or sit a driving test; you is available for eligible older residents to can also speak to your GP about any provide individual or group transport to concerns. A good resource is ‘A Guide to medical appointments, shopping, social Older Driver Licensing’ at: activities, and more. WW www.rms.nsw.gov.au Wheelchair accessible taxis can be booked in advance and on a regular Calvary Sydney Driver basis. Reduced travel rates for eligible Assessment and Training people with a severe disability are Service available through the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme. PP 9553 3000 Mobility scooters are convenient for short WW www.calvary-sydney.org.au trips. Check with the Roads and Maritime Services about regulations to help you Aims to promote independence in decide if this transport will suit you. driving for older people and can provide assessment, rehabilitation and retraining. Mobility aids such as walking sticks, walkers and wheelchairs can assist NRMA Driver Education Program those with limited mobility to keep active. PP 1300 696 762 Walking or cycling are great alternatives and have the benefit of maintaining PP Deaf or hearing impaired enquiries good health and fitness. There are many 0437 13 1111 (SMS text message cycleways, bush walking and gentle only) walking tracks in Sutherland Shire. WW www.mynrma.com.au Whether you are learning to drive or need a confidence boost or refresher on the road rules, or are approaching your older driver driving assessment, the NRMA deliver driver training to suit your needs. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 55

Roads and Maritime Services - TRAINS, BUSES, Unsafe Driving Report COMMUNITY TRANSPORT AND FERRIES PP 13 2213 OPAL Card for Seniors WW www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/ health/fit-to-drive.html PP 13 6725 WW www.opal.com.au Are you fit to drive? For more information contact the RMS. If you’ve been reported Buy a reusable Gold Senior/Pensioner as an unsafe driver you may wish to seek Opal Card ($2.50 per day) for unlimited advice from the Seniors Rights Service. travel on public transport. Also see Legal and Financial section. Transport Infoline How do I get a disabled parking PP 13 1500 sticker? PP TTY: 1800 637 500 WW www.transportnsw.info Drivers with a disability or carers of a person with a disability may be eligible Transport Infoline makes it easy to get for a Mobility Parking Permit. Contact the reliable and accurate timetable, route, Mobility Parking Scheme at your local ticket and fare information for trains, buses Miranda Service Centre (below) for an and ferries in the greater Sydney area. application form. TRAINS Mobility Parking Scheme Sutherland Shire Railway Stations PP 13 2213 PP 13 1500 WW www.rms.nsw.gov.au WW www.sydneytrains.info Provides parking concessions to people Stations located at Caringbah, Como, with mobility disability. Cronulla, Engadine, Gymea, Heathcote, Jannali, Kirrawee, Loftus, Miranda, Roads and Maritime Services Sutherland, Waterfall and Woolooware. PP 13 2213 Timetables available from the Transport Infoline. WW www.rms.nsw.gov.au NSW Train Link Provides information and services relating to drivers licences, photo cards, road PP 13 2232 rules and safety, vehicle registration, boat PP TTY:1800 637 500 licences and other registrations. WW www.transportnsw.info Miranda Service Centre For help to board the train, contact your departure station: tell staff your needs and PP 13 7788 travel plans so they are ready to assist. WW www.service.nsw.gov.au Arrive at the station well before your train is due and make yourself known to staff. Miranda Service Centre offers many NSW Government services. You can BUSES complete transactions relating to Roads and Maritime Services at this Caringbah Bus Service Centre. Located at Westfield Miranda, 600 Kingsway, Miranda. PP 9524 6636 WW www.caringbahbus.com.au Routes include 977: Miranda – Caringbah - Lilli Pilli, and 978: Miranda – Caringbah - Port Hacking 56 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory

Maianbar Bundeena Bus Service FERRIES PP 9523 8819 Cronulla Ferries WW www.maianbarbundeenabus.com PP 9523 2990 Routes include Bundeena–Maianbar, WW www.cronullaferries.com.au Bundeena Loop, Bundeena–Engadine, and Bundeena–Miranda. Ferries to Bundeena and cruises on the Port Hacking River. Charter buses also available. Sydney Ferries Transdev PP 13 1500 PP 8700 0555 WW www.transportnsw.info WW www.transdevnsw.com.au COMMUNITY TRANSPORT Bus services for South and Southwest Sydney, including night-time services. Activus Transport (formerly Sutherland Shire Community Sydney Bus Service Routes Transport) PP 13 1500 PP 8555 0000 PP TTY 1800 637 500 WW www.activustransport.org.au WW www.sydneybuses.info Door to door transport for eligible residents to medical appointments, shopping and social activities. Bus hire to community groups and private weekend hire available. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 57

TAXIS CYCLING Taxi ranks are located outside most Sutherland Shire Council stations. Secure night taxi ranks are at Cycleway Guides Sutherland, Cronulla and Miranda. PP 9710 0333 Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme WW www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/ PP 1800 623 724 Outdoors/Sport/Cycling WW www.transport.nsw.gov.au/ttss A resource for cyclists. Includes cycling Administered by Transport for NSW. maps, videos of selected routes, tips and Provides subsidised travel, allowing clubs. approved participants to travel by taxi at half fare, up to a maximum subsidy of Austcycle $60 per trip. The scheme assists NSW residents who are unable to use public PP 9339 5873 transport because of disability. WW www.austcycle.com.au Wheelchair Accessible Taxis Whether for fitness, fun or transport, AustCycle gives you the skills and PP 8332 0200 confidence to get on your bike and ride. WW www.zero200.com.au Roads and Maritime Services The central booking office for wheelchair Cycling Maps accessible taxis. When calling to book, you need to advise wheelchair type and WW www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/bicycles number of passengers so that correct type of cab can be booked. Sutherland Shire Australia Cycling Maps Complaints about taxi services WW www.sutherlandshireaustralia.com. PP 1800 648 478 au/about-the-shire/things-to-see-do/ WW www.nswtaxi.org.au cycling This number is for the Taxi Customer Cycleway maps and directions are Feedback Line of the NSW Taxi Council. available. 58 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory

WALKING WW www.visitsutherlandshire.com.au WW www.wildwalks.com Walking for just 15 minutes a day has proven health benefits so make your feet your mode of transport whenever you can. If you are looking for longer strolls, there are many beautiful walks around Sutherland Shire. For suggested routes, including estimated times, distances, and degrees of difficulty see website above. MOBILITY SCOOTERS Transport for NSW PP 13 2213 WW www.roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov. au Information about motorised wheelchairs. ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TOILETS Master Locksmiths’ Association of Australia (MLAA) PP 1800 810 698 WW www.masterlocksmiths.com.au The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) is a universal lock and key to allow people with disabilities 24 hour access to accessible public toilets fitted with the lock. To purchase a key contact the number above. National Public Toilet Map PP 1800 990 646 Toilet Map Hotline WW www.toiletmap.gov.au This website, maintained by the Federal Department of Health, provides public toilet locations across Australia including Sutherland Shire and the location of MLAK facilities. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 59

ACCESSIBLE PARKS IN WHEELCHAIR SUTHERLAND SHIRE ASSISTANCE PP 9710 0333 Beach Wheelchair: Cronulla WW www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/ Beach Outdoors/Walking-Tracks PP 9544 5399 (Cronulla Lifeguard) There is also a number of low impact or Sutherland Shire Council has a beach accessible walking tracks in the Shire. wheelchair available for community use. Parks with paved walking paths include: This gives access to the beach for people who use wheelchairs or who find the • Cooper Street Reserve, Engadine beachfront difficult to negotiate. • Sutherland Shire Centenary Park, The chair is available free of charge Miranda seven days a week at Cronulla Beach. Conditions apply. • Karimbla Road, Miranda NRMA Wheelchair Assistance • Parc Menai, Menai Scheme • Sunnyside Reserve, Caringbah PP 13 1111 • Ferntree Reserve, Engadine WW www.mynrma.com.au • Don Lucas Reserve, Cronulla Emergency service for all wheelchair users in NSW (even if not an NRMA • Marton Park, Kurnell member). Includes repairing flat tyres, electrical or wiring repairs, and • Castlenau Street Reserve, Caringbah jumpstarts. Wheelchair users are entitled to free towing for 8km in metropolitan • Lantana Road Reserve, Engadine. Sydney. 60 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory

FINANCIAL AND LEGAL MATTERS There are many places you can go to CONSUMER for free, confidential, legal and financial INFORMATION help. Companion Card • Find out about discounts, subsides and pensions to make life more PP 1800 893 044 affordable. WW www.nswcompanioncard.org.au • Take the headache out of tax returns For people who always require a with Tax Help. companion to help them to get to venues and events. The Companion Card • Know where to go for free legal enables free entry for a companion with advice. the purchase of one ticket at selected venues and facilities around NSW. • Find out how to spot a scam. Seniors Card • Figure out how to plan for your financial future. PP 13 7788 WW www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au • Get information on guardianship so that your wishes can be identified and A free discount card providing members followed in case of accident or illness. with access to NSW Government transport concessions, travel and • Make plans so your financial and legal business discounts. affairs can be managed if you are unable to do so. Seniors Guide to Consumer Rights in NSW. If you’ve got a finance or legal question, the organisations on the following pages PP 13 3220 are there to help. WW www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au A free publication on how to deal with door-to-door sales and telemarketing, unordered goods, unsolicited services, direct marketing, internet and television shopping and scams. Download and print this information or order a free copy. Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW PP 1800 246 545 WW www.ewon.com.au A free and independent dispute resolution service for all electricity and gas customers in NSW, and some water customers. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 61

Telecommunications Industry Centrelink Bereavement Ombudsman Allowance PP 1800 062 058 PP 13 2300 WW www.tio.com.au WW www.humanservices.gov.au A free dispute resolution service for people who have complaints about their Short-term income support for someone telephone or internet service. whose partner has recently died. Do Not Call Register Financial Service Ombudsman PP 1300 792 958 PP 1800 367 287 WW www.donotcall.gov.au WW www.fos.org.au The Federal Government has set up a ‘Do Not Call’ Register to prevent A free dispute resolution scheme, with telemarketers from calling you. information about what to do if you You can ask to be added to the register are having problems meeting credit by phoning or registering online. repayments due to financial difficulty. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Credit and Investments Ombudsman Centrelink Financial Information Service PP 1800 138 422 PP 13 2300 WW www.cio.org.au WW www.humanservices.gov.au Offers a free impartial dispute resolution scheme to assist consumers to resolve A free information service provided by complaints with participating financial the federal government to help you make services providers. informed decisions about investment and financial issues. FIS does not provide Energy Accounts Payment financial planning, advice or counselling. Assistance Scheme PP 13 7788 WW www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov. au Helps people who are experiencing a short term financial crisis or emergency to pay their electricity or gas bill through a voucher system. MoneySmart PP 1300 300 630 WW www.moneysmart.gov.au Information on budgeting, saving and managing debt. You can try to find lost or unclaimed money from bank accounts, life insurance policies, superannuation, company shares and other sources through MoneySmart. The government website has information about scams involving investments, superannuation, managed funds, financial advice or insurance. 62 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory

SCAMwatch Department of Veterans’ Affairs WW www.scamwatch.gov.au PP 13 3254 WW www.dva.gov.au Providing information about how to recognise, avoid and report scams. Provides income support, compensation and health care to entitled veterans and FINANCIAL COUNSELLING their dependents, and acts as a referral SERVICES agency to other community service providers. National Debt Helpline War Widows Pension – Department PP 1800 007 007 of Veterans Affairs WW www.ndh.org.au PP 13 3254 Helps people experiencing financial WW www.dva.gov.au problems by referring them to free financial counsellors. TAXATION ADVICE Wesley Mission Financial Australian Tax Office Counselling PP 13 2861 for Tax Concessions PP 1300 827 638 (Sutherland) PP 13 1020 for Superannuation WW www.wesleymission.org.au WW www.ato.gov.au Wesley Mission provides financial Tax Help Program counselling to help with developing budgeting skills, managing debts, assessing PP 13 2861 your financial situation and negotiation/ WW www.ato.gov.au advocacy with creditors for those affected by gambling debts. This is a free face-to- Tax Help is a network of community face, confidential and professional financial volunteers who provide a free and counselling service. confidential service to help people complete their tax returns. Appointment required. Salvation Army PP 13 7258 WW www.salvos.org.au The Salvation Army’s Moneycare service provides free and confidential financial counselling. Helps clients in financial difficulty, in a financial crisis situation or wish to avoid financial difficulties. PENSIONS Aged Pensions and Allowances PP 13 2300 WW www.humanservices.gov.au Find out about financial support available. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 63

LEGAL MATTERS Strata Collective Sales and Advocacy Service Advocacy PP 9559 2899 Aged Care Advocacy Service WW www.mlc.org.au PP 9281 3600 (NSW Aged Care Advocacy Provides legal advice, advocacy and Line) educational services for strata owners including advice about the NSW collective Independent advice about your rights and sales process of strata buildings. responsibilities. Advocacy services are available to existing or potential recipients Welfare Rights Centre of Australian government-funded aged care services or their representatives. PP 9211 5300 (Surry Hills, Sydney) PP 1800 226 028 (Illawarra Centre) Seniors Rights Service PP TTY: 13 3677 WW www.welfarerights.org.au PP 1800 424 079 WW www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au An independent community legal centre specialising in social security, policy and Seniors Rights Service is a community legal administrative practice. They provide free centre that provides advocacy, legal advice information, advice and advocacy. and educational services. The advocacy service provides advocacy for recipients Guardianship of all Commonwealth-funded aged-care services. The legal service provides legal Guardianship Division - NSW Civil advice to older people in NSW in areas such and Administrative Tribunal as consumer rights, human rights, elder abuse, financial exploitation, planning for PP 9556 7600 or 1300 006 228 later life, retirement villages, aged care, and PP Toll free 1800 463 928 strata collective sales. WW www.ncat.nsw.gov.au We provide education sessions on the rights The Guardianship Division is a specialist of older people and how the Seniors Rights division that conducts hearings to determine Service can assist. The services are free applications about adults who have difficulty and confidential. making decisions and who may require a legally appointed substitute decision maker. 64 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory

Office of the Public Guardian Law Society of NSW - Community Referral Service PP 8688 6070 PP 9926 0333 PP TTY: 1800 882 889 WW www.lawsociety.com.au WW www.publicguardian.justice.nsw.gov.au A telephone service that provides the Can be appointed as a person’s guardian names of private solicitors who are and may make decisions on behalf of the accredited specialists and prepared to person in areas such as accommodation, receive referrals in certain areas of law. medical treatment, dental treatment or The service also coordinates the Pro Bono services. The Public Guardian is a substitute Scheme which refers people ineligible for decision maker, not a substitute caregiver or Legal Aid who are unable to pay for legal case manager. A decision made by a legally help. appointed guardian should be treated as if it were a decision made by the person under Legal Aid NSW guardianship. The Public Guardian will also advocate for the services and supports PP 9521 3733 (Sutherland Office) needed by the person under guardianship, and provides an information and support WW www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au service for private guardians. Legal advice for criminal, family and civil Legal Services law. Representation in criminal matters in Sutherland Local Court. LawAccess NSW Sutherland Local Court PP 1300 888 529 PP 1300 679 272 PP TTY: 1300 889 529 Sutherland Local Court deals with court WW www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au attendance notices, traffic infringements, general list matters, apprehended violence A free government telephone service orders, civil claims and family law. providing legal information, referrals and advice for people who have a legal problem in NSW. It can be a starting point to help with your legal problem. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 65

AGEING WELL CHECKLIST Don’t let accidents and emergencies force hurried decision-making - take control and plan early! This checklist will guide you when planning your future needs. Add or change the questions to suit your individual circumstances. CARE AND SUPPORT …… Did you know older people can get help at home with housework, cleaning, meals and personal care? (Eligibility criteria apply) …… If you are caring for someone, did you know there are respite services to help give carers a break, and carer support services available? …… Do you know where to go for low cost home modifications and maintenance (e.g. installing handrails or ramps and maintaining your home)? STAYING HEALTHY …… Keeping healthy can be fun, social, and low-cost. There are exercise options specifically designed for seniors, such as Tai Chi, stretch classes and walking groups. Do you know what is available locally? …… Do you know Council runs free seminars on many health-related topics, such as dementia, stroke, diabetes, vision, hearing, falls and more? …… Do you know where to find information to prevent or slow down the progression of age-related diseases? Do you get regular check ups by your GP? BEING INVOLVED …… Feeling blue? Social isolation can lead to poor health and depression. Do you know there are many groups and activities available to get involved in, and local support services available? …… Sutherland Shire needs your help! Everyone has skills and expertise they can offer through volunteering. There’s something for everyone and it’s a great way to keep connected. Volunteer for Council or a local community group near you. …… Did you know there are many hobby and recreational groups in your local area, from gardening to woodwork, craft to computer clubs - they are always looking for new members. 66 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory

TRANSPORT …… Have you thought about how you might get around when you can no longer drive? …… Did you know there are community transport options to help eligible people get to medical appointments, shopping, or social activities? …… Do you know that Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal Card holders can go anywhere in a day for $2.50 by train, bus and ferry? Have you thought about your next adventure? …… Walking and cycling are free, fun and healthy transport options. Have you thought about how you could incorporate these activities into your weekly routine? HOUSING …… How suitable is your house in meeting your needs as you get older? Have you considered downsizing to a villa or unit? …… Have you considered retirement living? It could suit your needs and even improve your social life. …… Do you know what the steps are to enter residential aged care? Have you planned ahead to make sure you have choice and control? FINANCE AND LEGAL …… Do you know what financial advice and support is available to help you plan for the retirement you want? …… Is your will current? Have you made provisions for enduring guardianship and enduring power of attorney? Do people know what you want and when? …… Do you know your rights and responsibilities and where to go for independent advice, advocacy and support? …… Do you have an Emergency Plan? Complete the Emergency Plan on page 69 in this Directory and be prepared! Early life-planning strategies ensure you retain independence and choice over important decisions that, inevitably, we all have to make. Be prepared and informed. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 67

EMERGENCIES EMERGENCY CONTACTS EMERGENCY PHONE: Police, Fire or Ambulance 000 Mobile phone 112 Police For non-life threatening 13 1444 Assistance or critical emergencies 13 2500 Line Storms and floods SES Bushfire 1800 679 737 Information Line Poisons 13 1126 Information Line Sutherland 9540 7111 Hospital Crime 1800 333 000 Stoppers 1800 022 222 Health Direct Australia Elder Abuse 1800 628 221 Helpline Lifeline 13 1114 2SSR Local radio - for local 99.7FM emergency warnings and alerts 68 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory

MY EMERGENCY PLAN Do you have a plan for what to do in the case of a flood, storm, bushfire or other disaster? Take five minutes and complete this list to make sure you are prepared for an emergency. It could save your life! …… Do you know what to do in an emergency? Are you prepared? (First-aid kit, fire extinguisher) …… Do you know who to contact in an emergency? …… Do you know where to go for up to date information? (Emergency warnings or alerts) …… Are you prepared to leave your house quickly? (Emergency survival kit packed and ready to go) …… Do you know where you are going to go if you need to evacuate? …… How are you going to get there? (What if you can’t drive) …… Who are you going to tell? (Family, carer, friend, and/or neighbours) Person: Tel: …… Do you have limited mobility or special needs and require assisted evacuation? If yes, have you made arrangements for help to evacuate? Person: Tel: …… What is your plan for anyone you care for? …… What is your plan for your pet/s? …… Know your neighbours: (Have their contact details handy) Person: Tel: …… Do you have a back-up plan? (Do you have contingency plans for you/your family) …… Have you shared this plan with others? (Family, friends, carers and/or neighbour/s) Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 69

SUTHERLAND SHIRE SENIORS SERVICES DIRECTORY 4-20 Eton Street, Sutherland NSW 2232 Tel 9710 0333 Fax 9710 0265 www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au