Volunteering websites Wellbeing for Women over 50 Volunteer doing something you love. WW www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au You are warmly invited to join the WW www.govolunteer.com.au Older Women's Network Sutherland WW www.volunteer.com.au Wellness Centre's range of affordable WW www.dosomethingnearyou.com.au classes offered in a supportive & WEAVING, KNITTING friendly environment. AND NEEDLEWORK Classes include ukulele, Zumba, exercise, Chatelaine Quilters meditation, etc. PP 9522 4270 or 9543 0525 Mondays & Wednesdays (9am - 2pm) Meets bi-monthly at Sutherland and Where: Seniors Centre, 174 Old Princes Highway, fortnightly at Sylvania. Membership fees Sutherland. Please contact Pat 0416 304 352 or apply. call in for a program. Nifty Knitters www.ownnsw.org.au PP 9525 2905 attendance, learning from each other, Knitting groups. consumer involvement and participation. Open Mondays and Wednesdays at 749A Southern Quilters Old Princes Highway, Sutherland. PP 0409 608 446 WRITING Meets on Mondays at Gymea Community Sutherland Shire Fellowship of Hall. Members work on their own quilts Australian Writers or other handwork projects and share knowledge. Morning tea provided. New PP 9501 2348 members welcome. WW www.fawnsw.org.au EE [email protected] Sutherland Shire Spinners and Weavers Provides meetings and support for writers at all levels. PP 0419 273 193 WW www.spinnersandweavers.asn.au Meets last Saturday of the month at Sutherland Library from 12.30pm to Spinning and weaving and allied crafts. 3.30pm. Meets weekly at Como. Sutherland Shire Writing Group WOMEN’S GROUPS PP 9528 5165 Sutherland Older Women’s Network Wellness Centre Writers’ support group. Poems, stories, articles, novels, and family histories. PP 8502 3265 Share in friendly discussions, peer WW www.ownnsw.org.au editing, and group activities. Affordable physical activities, line Beginners and experienced writers dancing, book club and meditation. The welcome. Meets each Monday during Centre is committed to flexible drop-in school terms at Sutherland Library from 10am to 12pm. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 49
HOUSING As people get older, housing needs can STAYING IN YOUR OWN change. Some people wish to stay in their HOME 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 PP 1800 200 422 retirement village with medical services 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 plan Support Program. Services include: ahead and research their options to make sure their choices are met. • domestic transport Deciding where to live as you get older is assistance • personal care a major decision needing careful thought: you need to consider the costs involved, • food services • community nursing location, closeness of family members or carers, and support services available. • home modifications • respite What are my options? and maintenance • social support If you can live independently, there’s a • community variety of in-home and community care services you can access for support so Home Care Packages are available for you can stay in your home (see Care and people who need more support or have Support section). complex needs. Packages are personalised, coordinated and ongoing. If you need additional care and support services now, you may consider residential See Care and Support section. aged care for respite or on a more permanent basis. MOVING TO A RETIREMENT VILLAGE What should I know? Retirement Living Council Whatever you decide there are important legal, social and financial issues you need PP 9033 1900 to know, understand and agree to before WW www.retirementliving.org.au signing an agreement, lease or contract. Peak body that provides information about living in retirement villages. DPS Guide to Aged Care PP 1300 186 688 WW www.agedcareguide.com.au This service can help you locate local retirement villages and provide information about costs, contracts and agreements and village lifestyle. Search online or call to ask for an Aged Care Guide be posted to you. Seniors Housing Online WW www.downsizing.com.au Provides a listing of retirement villages located in Sydney. 50 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory
PUBLIC HOUSING & LOW HOW DO I MAKE COST ACCOMMODATION COMPLAINTS? Housing NSW - Department of Aged Care Quality and Safety Family and Community Services Commissioner PP 1800 422 322 PP 1800 951 822 WW www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing WW www.agedcarequality.gov.au The Dept’s Housing assistance offers low cost Whether you’re concerned about quality of accommodation for older people and services your care, how you’re treated by staff, the to assist existing tenants. Miranda Service accuracy of invoices, or choice of activities Centre, Shop G120 (entrance on Kiora Rd), provided by your aged care provider, you Miranda Westfield shopping centre. have the right to make a complaint. REGISTERED RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES In Sutherland Shire as listed on My Aged Care 6/2019. For more facilities: www.myagedcare.gov.au Location Facility Tel Website Bangor BaptistCare Warena Centre 9575 3300 www.baptistcare.org.au Barden Advantage Aged Care - 9532 2888 www.advantagedcare.com.au Ridge Barden Lodge Cronulla Cronulla Seaside Aged 9523 3430 www.pathways.com.au/ Care cronullaseaside Cronulla Pathways Cronulla Pines 8522 1000 www.pathways.com.au/cronullapines Cronulla Stella Maris Aged Care 8522 1200 n/a Engadine Moran Aged Care 9548 7777 www.morangroup.com.au Gymea Gymea Bay Aged Care 9524 4954 www.apexagedcare.com.au Bay Heathcote St Vincents Care Services 1800 778 767 www.svcs.org.au Jannali Mildred Symonds House 8543 7200 www.anglicare.org.au Kirrawee The Palms Nursing Home 9521 2963 www.thepalms.net.au Kirrawee Catholic Healthcare Percy 1800 551 834 www.catholichealthcare.com.au Miles Villa Miranda Alkira Gardens 8578 1688 www.ourladyofchina.org.au Miranda Hammondcare 1800 776 112 www.hammond.com.au Miranda St Basil’s Miranda 8543 2000 www.stbasils.org.au Miranda IBIS Care Miranda 9540 4799 www.ibis.com.au/miranda Miranda Juliana Village 9541 3400 www.julianavillage.com.au Miranda Miranda Aged Care Facility 9525 3210 www.dohertycare.com.au Sutherland BUPA 8536 1600 www.bupaagedcare.com.au Sutherland Lark Ellen Aged Care 9521 2855 www.apexagedcare.com.au Sutherland Southern Cross Nagle 1800 632 314 www.sccliving.org.au Apartments Sylvania Carino Care at Sylvania 9522 8581 www.carino.care Sylvania Wesley Vickery Lodge 9544 7844 www.wesleymission.org.au Sylvania Moran Aged Care 9532 6222 www.morangroup.com.au Taren Point Goodhew Gardens 1300 111 278 www.anglicare.org.au Waterfall Garrawarra Centre 8545 4700 www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ Garrawarra Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 51
LEGAL HELP Exceptional aged care services Seniors Rights Service St Vincent’s Care Services Heathcote (locally known PP 1800 424 079 as John Paul Village) is a welcoming and supportive WW www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au Catholic community offering retirement living, in-home A community legal center that provides care and residential aged care. advocacy, legal advice and educational Delivered with compassion, justice, integrity and services. Including advice about the NSW excellence, our services are tailored to meet your needs. collective sales process of strata buildings. 1800 778 767 Legal Aid NSW - Sutherland [email protected] PP 9521 3733 www.svcs.org.au WW www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au Legal advice to eligible older persons. HOMELESS OR AT RISK Link2Home PP 1800 152 152 Homelessness information and referral telephone service. 52 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory
Retire in the Shire ANG5266 Enjoy maintenance-free retirement ������������1300 544 944 living in a friendly community of social retirees. Stay healthy and active with a variety of onsite facilities and services. Pursue new interests. Connect with others. Nurture your faith. Live in a tranquil yet convenient setting, close to shops and public transport. Choose from our waterfront Woolooware Shores village in Taren Point (new stages coming) or Donald Robinson Village in Kirrawee. Book a village tour and view our accommodation. 1300 111 278 anglicare.org.au/retirement MORAN Sylvania & Engadine Permanent Care • Respite Care • Specialised Dementia Care • Single & Couples Suites Book a tour today and discover what makes Moran the choice for over 300 Sutherland Shire families. AGED CARE EXCELLENCE SINCE 1956 morangroup.com.au 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 Driver Assessment and basis. Reduced travel rates for eligible Training Service people with a severe disability are available through the Taxi Transport PP 9553 3000 Subsidy Scheme. WW www.calvarycare.org.au Mobility scooters are convenient for short trips. Check with the Roads and Maritime Aims to promote independence in Services about regulations to help you driving for older people and can provide decide if this transport will suit you. assessment, rehabilitation and retraining. Mobility aids such as walking sticks, NRMA - Safer Driving walkers and wheelchairs can assist those with limited mobility to keep active. PP 1300 696 762 Walking or cycling are great alternatives WW www.nrmasaferdriving.com.au/ and have the benefit of maintaining senior good health and fitness. There are many cycleways, bush walking and gentle Whether you need a confidence boost, walking tracks in Sutherland Shire. a refresher on the road rules or are approaching your older driver driving assessment, the NRMA deliver training to suit your needs. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 55
Roads and Maritime Services - Mobility Parking Scheme Unsafe Driving Report PP 13 2213 PP 13 2213 WW www.rms.nsw.gov.au WW www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/ Provides parking concessions to people health/fit-to-drive.html with mobility disability. Are you fit to drive? For more information Roads and Maritime Services contact the RMS. If you’ve been reported as an unsafe driver you may wish to seek PP 13 2213 advice from the Seniors Rights Service. WW www.rms.nsw.gov.au Also see Legal and Financial section. Provides information and services relating How do I get a disabled parking to drivers licences, photo cards, road sticker? rules and safety, vehicle registration, boat licences and other registrations. Drivers with a disability or carers of a person with a disability may be eligible for Miranda Service Centre a Mobility Parking Permit. PP 13 7788 Contact the Mobility Parking Scheme at WW www.service.nsw.gov.au your local Miranda Service Centre for an application form. Miranda Service Centre offers many NSW Government services. You can complete transactions relating to RMS at this centre. Located at Westfield Miranda, 600 Kingsway, Miranda. TRAINS, BUSES, COMMUNITY TRANSPORT, TAXIS AND FERRIES OPAL Card for Seniors PP 13 6725 WW www.opal.com.au Buy a reusable Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal Card ($2.50 per day) for unlimited travel on public transport. Transport Infoline PP 13 1500 PP TTY: 1800 637 500 WW www.transportnsw.info Transport Infoline makes it easy to get reliable and accurate timetable, route, ticket and fare information for trains, buses and ferries in the greater Sydney area. 56 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory
TRAINS Sydney Bus Service Routes Sutherland Shire Railway PP 13 1500 Stations PP TTY 1800 637 500 WW www.sydneybuses.info PP 13 1500 WW www.sydneytrains.info FERRIES Stations at Caringbah, Como, Cronulla, Cronulla Ferries Engadine, Gymea, Heathcote, Jannali, Kirrawee, Loftus, Miranda, Sutherland, PP 9523 2990 Waterfall and Woolooware. WW www.cronullaferries.com.au Ferries to Bundeena and cruises on the Timetables available from the Transport Port Hacking River. Infoline. Sydney Ferries NSW Train Link PP 13 1500 PP 13 2232 WW www.transportnsw.info PP TTY:1800 637 500 WW www.transportnsw.info For help to board the train, contact your departure station: tell staff your needs and travel plans so they are ready to assist. Arrive at the station well before your train is due and make yourself known to staff. BUSES Caringbah Bus Service PP 9524 6636 WW www.caringbahbus.com.au Routes include 977: Miranda – Caringbah - Lilli Pilli, and 978: Miranda – Caringbah - Port Hacking Maianbar Bundeena Bus Service PP 9523 8819 WW www.maianbarbundeenabus.com Routes include Bundeena–Maianbar, Bundeena Loop, Bundeena–Engadine, and Bundeena–Miranda. Charter buses also available. Transdev PP 8700 0555 WW www.transdevnsw.com.au Bus services for South and Southwest Sydney, including night-time services. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 57
COMMUNITY TRANSPORT approved participants to travel by taxi at half fare, up to a maximum subsidy of $60 Activus Transport (formerly per trip. Sutherland Shire Community Transport) The scheme assists NSW residents who are unable to use public transport PP 8555 0000 because of disability. WW www.activustransport.org.au Wheelchair Accessible Taxis Door to door transport for eligible residents to medical appointments, PP 8332 0200 shopping and social activities. Bus hire to community groups and private weekend WW www.zero200.com.au hire available. The central booking office for wheelchair TAXIS accessible taxis. When calling to book you need to advise wheelchair type and Taxi ranks are located outside most number of passengers so that correct stations. Secure night taxi ranks are at type of taxi can be booked. Sutherland, Cronulla and Miranda. Complaints about taxi services Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme PP 1800 648 478 PP 1800 623 724 WW www.nswtaxi.org.au WW www.transport.nsw.gov.au/ttss This number is for the Taxi Customer Administered by Transport for NSW. Feedback Line of the NSW Taxi Council. Provides subsidised travel, allowing ACTIVE TRANSPORT Many Australians are not getting sufficient physical exercise and as a consequence are increasingly at risk of heart disease and other diseases which can shorten life expectancy. The Heart Foundation (www. heartfoundation.org.au/active-living/get- active) recommends that 30 - 45 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week. Being active will make you feel more energetic, have stronger bones and muscles, make you feel happier and more relaxed. Sutherland Shire offers many beautiful walks and cycling routes to help you keep active. 58 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory
CYCLING ACCESSIBLE PARKS IN SUTHERLAND SHIRE Sutherland Shire Council: Cycling PP 9710 0333 WW www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/ WW www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/ Outdoors/Sport/Cycling Outdoors/Walking-Tracks This webpage provides comprehensive There is also a number of low impact or information with regard to community accessible walking tracks in the Shire. cycling events, places to ride, clubs, Parks with paved walking paths include: videos of selected routes, maps etc. Also see Council’s tourism website Visit • Cooper Street Reserve, Engadine Sutherland Shire at: • Sutherland Shire Centenary Park, WW www.visitsutherlandshire.com.au/ Miranda cycling-trails • Karimbla Road, Miranda • Parc Menai, Menai LEARN TO RIDE A BIKE • Sunnyside Reserve, Caringbah • Ferntree Reserve, Engadine Rideability • Don Lucas Reserve, Cronulla • Marton Park, Kurnell WW www.rideability.com.au/services/ • Castlenau Street Reserve, Caringbah learn-to-ride/ • Lantana Road Reserve, Engadine. Want to learn how to ride a bike or ride more confidently and safely? Rideability provides courses in Sutherland Shire. WALKING Visit Sutherland Shire WW www.visitsutherlandshire.com.au/ walking-trails Visit Sutherland Shire has a selection of great walking trails in the Sutherland Shire to be explored. Bushwalking Clubs WW www.sutherlandbushwalkers.org.au Trail Running WW facebook.com/groups/BillysBushies MOBILITY SCOOTERS Transport for NSW PP 13 2213 WW www.roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au Information about motorised wheelchairs. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 59
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TOILETS Beach Wheelchair: Cronulla Master Locksmiths’ Association Beach of Australia (MLAA) PP 8522 2100 (Lifeguard Headquarters) PP 1800 810 698 WW www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/ WW www.masterlocksmiths.com.au Community/Community-Support- Services/Beach-Wheelchairs-and- The Master Locksmiths Access Key Mobi-Mat (MLAK) is a universal lock and key to allow people with disabilities 24 hour Sutherland Shire Council has two beach access to accessible public toilets fitted wheelchairs available for community use. with the lock. To purchase a key contact This gives access to the beach for people the number above. who use wheelchairs or who find the beachfront difficult to negotiate. The chair National Public Toilet Map is available free of charge seven days a week at Cronulla Beach. Conditions PP 1800 990 646 Toilet Map Hotline apply. WW www.toiletmap.gov.au Mobi Mat This website, maintained by the Federal PP 8522 2100 (Lifeguard Headquarters) Department of Health, provides public toilet locations across Australia including WW www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/ Sutherland Shire and the location of Community/Community-Support- MLAK facilities. Services/Beach-Wheelchairs-and- Mobi-Mat In addition to the Beach Wheelchair, Council also has a Mobi Mat available for booking which allows for smooth access to the sand and waters edge. It is free of charge and is available on request seven days per week 8am-4pm in Summer, and 10am-2pm in winter. Bookings can be made online, or by contacting the Lifeguard Headquarters. A support person is required to assist with use. NRMA Wheelchair Assistance Scheme PP 13 1111 WW www.mynrma.com.au Emergency service for all wheelchair users in NSW (even if not an NRMA member). Includes repairing flat tyres, electrical or wiring repairs, and jumpstarts. Wheelchair users are entitled to free towing for 8km in metropolitan 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 FINANCIAL INFORMATION Ombudsman Centrelink Financial Information PP 1800 062 058 Service WW www.tio.com.au PP 13 2300 WW www.humanservices.gov.au A free dispute resolution service for people who have complaints about their A free information service provided by telephone or internet service. the federal government to help you make informed decisions about investment and Do Not Call Register financial issues. FIS does not provide financial planning, advice or counselling. PP 1300 792 958 Centrelink Bereavement WW www.donotcall.gov.au Allowance The Federal Government has set up PP 13 2300 a ‘Do Not Call’ Register to prevent WW www.humanservices.gov.au telemarketers from calling you. You can ask to be added to the register Short-term income support for someone by phoning or registering online. whose partner has recently died. Australian Financial Complaints Authority PP 1800 367 287 WW www.fos.org.au A free dispute resolution scheme, with information about what to do if you are having problems meeting credit repayments due to financial difficulty. Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme PP 13 7788 WW www.servicensw.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 62 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory
involving investments, superannuation, Department of Veterans’ Affairs managed funds, financial advice or insurance. PP 13 3254 WW www.dva.gov.au SCAMwatch Provides income support, compensation WW www.scamwatch.gov.au and health care to entitled veterans and their dependents, and acts as a referral Providing information about how to agency to other community service recognise, avoid and report scams. providers. FINANCIAL War Widows Pension – Department COUNSELLING SERVICES of Veterans Affairs National Debt Helpline PP 13 3254 WW www.dva.gov.au PP 1800 007 007 WW www.ndh.org.au TAXATION ADVICE Helps people experiencing financial Australian Tax Office problems by referring them to free financial counsellors. PP 13 2861 for Tax Concessions PP 13 1020 for Superannuation Wesley Mission Financial WW www.ato.gov.au Counselling PP 1300 827 638 (Sutherland) WW www.wesleymission.org.au Wesley Mission provides financial counselling to help with developing budgeting skills, managing debts, assessing your financial situation and negotiation/ advocacy with creditors for those affected by gambling debts. This is a free face-to- face, confidential and professional financial counselling service. 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 who 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
Tax Help Program Seniors Rights Service PP 13 2861 PP 1800 424 079 WW www.ato.gov.au WW www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au Tax Help is a network of community volunteers who provide a free and Seniors Rights Service is a community legal confidential service to help people complete centre that provides advocacy, legal advice their tax returns. Appointment required. and educational services. The advocacy service provides advocacy for recipients LEGAL MATTERS of all Commonwealth-funded aged-care services. The legal service provides legal Advocacy advice to older people in NSW in areas such as consumer rights, human rights, elder National Aged Care Advocacy abuse, financial exploitation, planning for Program (NACAP) later life, retirement villages, aged care, and strata collective sales. PP 1800 700 600 WW www.agedcare.health.gov.au We provide education sessions on the rights of older people and how the Seniors Rights NACAP is funded by the Australian Service can assist. The services are free Government and provides free, independent and confidential. and confidential advocacy support and information to older people (and their Strata Collective Sales and representatives) receiving, or seeking to Advocacy Service receive, Australian Government funded aged care services. PP 9559 2899 WW www.mlc.org.au Provides legal advice, advocacy and educational services for strata owners including advice about the NSW collective sales process of strata buildings. Welfare Rights Centre PP 9211 5300 (Surry Hills, Sydney) PP 1800 226 028 (Illawarra Centre) PP TTY: 13 3677 WW www.welfarerights.org.au An independent community legal centre specialising in social security, policy and administrative practice. They provide free information, advice and advocacy. Guardianship Guardianship Division - NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal PP 9556 7600 or 1300 006 228 PP Toll free 1800 463 928 WW www.ncat.nsw.gov.au The Guardianship Division is a specialist division that conducts hearings to determine 64 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory
applications about adults who have difficulty Legal Aid NSW making decisions and who may require a legally appointed substitute decision maker. PP 9521 3733 (Sutherland Office) Office of the Public Guardian WW www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au PP 8688 6070 Legal advice for criminal, family and civil law. Representation in criminal matters in PP TTY: 1800 882 889 Sutherland Local Court. WW www.publicguardian.justice.nsw.gov.au Sutherland Local Court Can be appointed as a person’s guardian PP 1300 679 272 and may make decisions on behalf of the person in areas such as accommodation, Sutherland Local Court deals with court medical treatment, dental treatment or attendance notices, traffic infringements, services. The Public Guardian is a substitute general list matters, apprehended violence decision maker, not a substitute caregiver or orders, civil claims and family law. case manager. A decision made by a legally appointed guardian should be treated as if it were a decision made by the person under guardianship. The Public Guardian will also advocate for the services and supports needed by the person under guardianship, and provides an information and support service for private guardians. Legal Services LawAccess NSW PP 1300 888 529 PP TTY: 1300 889 529 WW www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au A free government telephone service 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. Law Society of NSW - Community Referral Service PP 9926 0333 WW www.lawsociety.com.au A telephone service that provides the names of private solicitors who are accredited specialists and prepared to receive referrals in certain areas of law. The service also coordinates the Pro Bono Scheme which refers people ineligible for Legal Aid who are unable to pay for legal help. Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 65
PLANNING TO BE PREPARED 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 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 prevention, financial planning in retirement and many 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 services, 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, or craft to computer clubs - they are always looking for new members. 66 Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory
ACTIVE AGEING CHECKLIST TRANSPORT
Have you thought about how you will 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 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 as an older person, 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!
Do you know who to contact if you feel financially insecure, physically unsafe or being taken advantage of? There are people who can provide you with confidential support. 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? (Do you know there are programs to help care for your pets in the event you aren’t able to?)
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 share this plan with others? (Family, friends, carers and/ or neighbours/s) Sutherland Shire Seniors Services Directory 69
SUTHERLAND SHIRE SENIORS SERVICES DIRECTORY 4-20 Eton Street, Sutherland NSW 2232 T 9710 0333 F 9710 0265 sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au
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