Ageing Well December by The Adviser

Where carers canfindsupport

Home Care, Only Better.

Senior Helpers

Shepparton

Our

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Marbles, boardgames and the golden years

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New Aged Care Act

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Calvary team helping Isobel and others remain independent and at home

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Stay connected this Christmas

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In Conversation with Jacinta Kennedy

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Preparing yourself or a loved one to enter residential aged care

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Empowering home care in the Goulburn Valley

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Personalised support for every need

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Village living a winner when it

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Interlinking NDIS care

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Help shape the star rating system

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Discovering hidden talents in retirement

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A master approach to community safety

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Aloha from Wakiki!

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ABS sheds data on Aussie longevity

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We are all the same age inside

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Measures to ensure fairness for retirement village residents

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Christmas in the Goulburn Valley Crossword 8 16 6 15

New Aged Care Act the blueprint for a more compassionate, equitable and sustainable aged care system

Key beneﬁts of the new Aged Care Bill for elderly Australians:

Rights-based approach: Older Australians are guaranteed their right to quality care, safety, and the ability to voice concerns without fear of penalty, ensuring dignity, respect, and fairness in the care process.

Statement of Rights: The introduction of a Statement of Rights ensures that older people are treated with respect and have clear avenues to seek assistance or report grievances.

Assistive technology and home modiﬁcations: The bill provides funding for assistive technology and home modiﬁcations, making it easier for seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Stronger regulatory oversight: A tougher regulatory framework will enforce higher standards of care, providing more transparency and accountability for aged care providers.

Support at Home program: The expansion of the Support at Home program, with a $4.3 billion investment, will help older Australians remain in their homes longer, promoting independence and reducing the need for institutional care.

More home care places: The creation of 300,000 new home care places over the next decade will address long wait times and increase access to essential services for older Australians.

THE passing of the long-awaited and much necessitated Aged Care Bill in the Australian Senate on November 25 marks a signiﬁcant moment in the country’s aged care sector. Promising to transform the quality and accessibility of care for older Australians, the new Bill addresses decades of underinvestment and criticism in the sector as well as responds to key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Following a robust and extensive consultation process with consumers, providers, unions, workers, accountants, economists and members of parliament, the new Aged Care Act will take e ect from July 1, 2025. Placing the future and wellbeing of older Australians at the heart of the reforms, the new Aged Care Act takes a rights-based approach which places the dignity, respect and fairness owed to aged care recipients front and centre.

Flexible home care services: There will be no caps on essential services such as cleaning and gardening under the Support at Home program, providing greater ﬂexibility for elderly people to maintain their homes and lifestyles.

Improved quality of care: The new Aged Care Quality Standards focus on more person-centered care, tailored to the individual needs and preferences of care recipients.

address long wait times for services, this program will provide funding for home care services, assistive technology, and modiﬁcations to homes, while also creating 300,000 additional home care places over the next decade.

Enhanced consumer choice: The shift towards a consumerfocused system ensures that elderly people have more control over their care, allowing them to make informed decisions about their services and providers.

Improved safety: The bill strengthens protections for elderly Australians, ensuring their safety in care settings, with better safeguards against neglect, abuse, and exploitation.

to stay in their homes and communities as they age, maintaining their lifestyles and dignity.

Through the introduction of a Statement of Rights, the new Act will ensure the right of older people to receive quality care, guaranteeing their safety and enabling them to voice any concern or complaint free from retribution. Crucially, this rights-based approach marks a transformative shift away from a system focused on providers to one that puts the needs and entitlements of consumers ﬁrst. In addition, the Act will operate under a tougher regulatory framework, ensuring a higher standard of care whilst operating with greater transparency and accountability.

Investing $4.3B in the expansion of the Support at Home program, the new Act will also support more older Australians to live at home for longer. Designed to reduce the pressure on the existing system and

The program will also remove caps on essential services like cleaning and gardening, o ering more ﬂexibility for older Australians to maintain their independence and quality of life at home. This is particularly important as many seniors wish

With a largely welcome response from aged care providers, the New Aged Care Act will nonetheless require a lengthy and complex transition period. Nevertheless, the new reforms are a long-overdue step in the right direction paving the way for an aged care sector that is more equitable, compassionate and sustainable.

Calvary team helping Isobel and others remain independent and at home

ISOBEL Harrison is preparing to celebrate her 93rd birthday and feels lucky to be living independently and close to her daughters.

“My daughter said to me the other day that I’m so lucky and I agree. The Calvary Home Care team has made life so much easier,” Ms Harrison said.

In 2017, Isobel thought she’d lose her independence after major surgery. Calvary Home Care stepped in to provide the support she needed.

“Initially, Calvary Home Care helped me with the cleaning but, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started receiving more support,” Ms Harrison said.

“After a few falls, the support workers now help me with my daily showers and getting dressed in the morning. Once a week, they come and do my grocery shopping. The team do such a brilliant job.”

Calvary Home Care Shepparton Service Manager, Scott Bohun said Ms Harrison was one of about 1,300 clients across Greater Shepparton, from Echuca to Yarrawonga, Nathalia to Seymour, and over to Benalla.

“It is important to us our clients feel supported, especially when their needs increase. We know how important it is for them to stay in their own home as long as they can,” Mr Bohun said.

98 Maude St Shepparton | 5821 2811

LUCKY TO BE LIVING INDEPENDENTLY... with the support of Calvary Home Care to assist with daily tasks and grocery shopping, 92 year old Isobel Harrison is e usive about the ‘brilliant job’ that her care provider a ords, particularly from support worker, Hollie Magill who is also pictured. Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

Ageing Well

Stay connected this Christmas

AS temperatures soar and festive decorations are placed around the region ahead of Christmas, many people can feel apprehensive about the holidays and the impending New Year. What is seen as a time to be spent with friends and family can also be a challenging and lonely period—but it doesn’t have to be.

For seniors, there are many ways to stay connected and ﬁnd joy during the festive season. Community centres often host Christmas lunches or special events, providing an opportunity to socialise and meet new people. Many neighbourhood groups and churches also organise festive gatherings, which are a great way to build connections and share in the holiday spirit.

Christmas for Those Alone is held each year on Christmas Day so that people in the community that do not have family or friends nearby can enjoy a meal in

the company of others. This free service is returning to the McIntosh Centre, Shepparton, 11am to 2pm on December 25, 2024. Enquiries or booking can be made by phoning 0456 125 237, or email cftavolunteer@gmail.com

This free service is run entirely by a volunteer committee who recruit a team of volunteers to assist them to provide lunch in a safe and friendly environment. Everyone is welcome.

Staying connected doesn’t have to mean big events, either. A simple phone call or video chat with a friend or family

member can make all the di erence. Consider joining local clubs, attending craft workshops, or volunteering—these activities can bring a sense of purpose and community. Some organisations even o er virtual gatherings, allowing those who can’t leave home to participate in group activities. Remember, Christmas is a time for kindness and compassion. If you know someone who might be feeling isolated, reaching out with a card, a call, or an invitation to join in holiday festivities can brighten their day—and yours as well.

Do you still struggle to hear on the

Are you withdrawing from social events because you can’t hear conversations?

Are you often asking people to repeat themselves?

If you’ve answered yes to any

Downsizing?

Ageing Well

In Conversation with Jacinta Kennedy Aged Care Coordinator at Wyndham House Clinic

IN our ﬁnal article of the year, I think it’s a good time to reﬂect on the reality of the current experience of aged care and the exciting future of nurse management of aged care in General Practice.

As far back as the late 2000s, it was suggested that demographics of society would create a Tsunami of the Elderly, with the baby boomers being aged over 65 from 2011. Time and time again, it was suggested we prepare for this explosion of people requiring aged care services. However, we have fallen well short. As I describe it now, the tsunami has well and truly hit the beach, is up into the trees and heading for the hills.

The impact of this is that today, we are faced with dramatic shortages in the availability of beds in aged care, particularly respite, which is often very urgently needed by our carers, limited resources for home care provision and long waiting times for assessment for all these services.

When I started in this position 18 months ago, there was a waiting time of approximately 2-6 weeks for Aged Care Assessment; it has now blown out to 16 weeks. The ﬂow-on e ect of this are incredibly burdened carers and an overwhelmed acute health system as they struggle with providing support and care to those unable to have their needs met by aged care services, and broadly speaking,

the response to put the onus back on this already incredibly stressed cohort to manage their own care.

However, there is a good news story amid this dilemma; some help is on its way.

Fortunately, it has been recognised that the program that I have been involved with at Wyndham House has been e ective in assisting our patients, their families/ carers experiencing ageing here in Shepparton. Our service has lightened the load for stakeholders – patients, GPs, aged care facilities, and other associated services – providing a continuum of care on the journey, as well as resources and support.

With the assistance of funding through the Murray Primary Healthcare Network and the Department of Health and Aged Care, we are not only able to continue our work but also grow and develop our program even further.

Having worked with external consultants, we will formalise and standardise our practices. Employing a further experienced aged care nurse and administration support will allow me to devote time to developing stronger structured relationships with aged

care facilities and other services, sharing information and resources to strengthen our already developed associations while continuing to do our day-to-day work in the clinic. Once we have our own program established and functioning e ectively, I then hope to engage other GP practices in the same activities.

I’m proud to be part of a team that has recognised that something needs to be done and can be done and is now positively contributing to change in this area.

Although it is by no way an entire solution to the problems faced in aged care, I’m proud to be part of a team that has recognised that something needs to be done and can be done and is now positively contributing to change in this area.

Jacinta Kennedy Aged Care Coordinator at Wyndham

I thank the Department of Health and Aged Care, Murray PHN, Medical First, Wyndham House Clinic, all the Goulburn Valley Residential Aged Care Facilities, Goulburn Valley Health, local Pharmacies and Allied Health Services for their dedication to improved Aged Care and

giving me the opportunity to pursue my goals in this area.

I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy 2025.

SUPPORT EXPANDING... Aged care coordinator at Wyndham House Clinic, Jacinta Kennedy, reﬂects on the positive changes happening at the clinic in aged care and the work that still needs to be done to support older residents considering aged care. Photo: Emma Harrop

House Clinic

Preparing yourself or a loved one to enter residential aged care

AGED care is changing next year. To understand the changes and subsequent impacts, we asked accredited aged care professional Myles Martin from OzPlan Financial Services at MB+M what families considering aged care should give thought to.

What planning is required to move into residential aged care?

Early planning and good advice can minimise the stress for everyone. Getting older is one of life’s harshest realities, and you will be faced with many personal and ﬁnancial decisions. Aged care professionals exist to help make the journey as smooth as possible through tough and emotional decisions.

Can our family afford to enter residential aged care?

The aged care sector and the fees

associated are extremely complex. Are you eligible for government subsidies? If mum and dad both need to enter residential care, is it best to enter at the same time? What should you do with the family home? There are so many variables that you can easily lose money and create more stress if you tackle it alone. Having an accredited aged care professional on your side takes the guesswork out. What are the new aged care reforms? Does it affect me? The reforms come into place

Aged care professionals exist to help make the journey as smooth as possible through tough and emotional decisions.

Myles Martin

on July 1, 2025, for new residents entering aged care. Most likely, you will be required to pay more for care. Therefore, it’s crucial you seek professional advice to understand the impact of these changes, such as the room price cap, and 10 per cent retention being applied to RADs (if over ﬁve years).

If you require further information, please visit MB+M at 120 Nixon Street, call 5821 9177 or email us: mbmozplan@ mbmgroup.com.au

This column contains general advice only and does not take into account the needs, objectives and situation of any individual. You should consult with a

and

obtaining personal ﬁnancial advice prior to making any decisions about aged care.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE... With changes being introduced to aged care, we spoke to accredited aged care professional Myles Martin from OzPlan Financial Services at MB+M to understand the impact and how people can prepare themselves or someone they love if considering aged care. Photo: Supplied

Empowering home care in the Goulburn Valley

SIMPLY Helping Goulburn Valley provides personalised, ﬂexible home care for NDIS participants, Home Care Package consumers, and TAC and Workcover Attendant Care and Private clients. Covering Shepparton, Nagambie, Broadford, Echuca, Bundalong, Eildon, and surrounding areas, their focus is on o ering choice, empathy, privacy, respect, well-being, and full participation in care decisions.

Certiﬁed support workers and domestic assistants undergo mandatory and are encouraged to do additional training via an E-learning platform. They take pride in their work, with positive feedback reﬂecting the quality and respect they bring to each client.

Simply Helping GV is a family-owned business. Jo, along with her daughters Leah and Jenna, ensure high standards of care. Jo brings 26 years of healthcare experience, while Leah has an executive administration background, and Jenna is a registered nurse with home and acute care expertise.

The team recently moved to a larger, welcoming o ce, and enjoy meeting with the community. Receptionists Marg and Margo o er a warm welcome, and case managers Lee and Julie are available to assist with queries.

Service users feel safe knowing they provide a high standard of care in line with the NDIS and Aged Care Standards. They were audited by Aged Care in October 2023 and NDIS in April 2024, achieving full compliance in all areas with no recommendations for improvement.

“We are very proud of this outcome given the stringent auditing process which involves our service users and employees.

The auditors were extremely impressed with the responses they received from all concerned,” Jo shared.

For inquiries, contact them at gvenquiry@ simplyhelping.com.au or 03 5795 1635. If you're looking to work in aged or disability care, and have a relevant certiﬁcate, send your resume to gvhumanresources@simplyhelping.com.au.

You can also visit their website at: simplyhelping.com.au/goulburn-valley-victoria/

A HELPING HAND... Simply Helping Goulburn Valley prioritises safety and choice when it comes to providing personalised, ﬂexible home care for NDIS participants, Home Care Package consumers, and other people requiring a helping hand. Pictured are Lois (a client) and support worker Robyn. Photo: Supplied

Personalised support for every need

WHEN it comes to in-home care, ﬁnding a provider that is both personal and empowering can make all the di erence.

GV Complete Care is here to do just that. As a registered NDIS provider, they o er a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. Whether you need personal care, assistance around the home, or support for social and community participation, GV Complete Care is equipped to help.

With over 30 years of experience in the disability and community sectors, this locally owned and managed business understands the importance of high-quality, personalised care. Their services cover everything from individual care and household duties to transport assistance, short-term accommodation and Supported Independent Living (SIL), ensuring clients feel supported and empowered.

GV Complete Care is committed to cultural inclusivity, ensuring all clients, regardless of background, receive care that is respectful and mindful of their needs. Every sta member is fully trained and meets NDIS standards, ensuring that safety and the highest levels of care are at the forefront of their service.

To learn more about GV Complete Care’s services, get in touch on weekdays between 8am and 5pm by calling 0458 000 721 or 4831 8688. You can also reach them via email at admin@ gvcompletecare.com.au, or visit their website at www.gvcompletecare.com.au

Empowering In-Home Supports

As a registered provider of the NDIS we ensure that our person-centred approach and diverse supports assist with increasing your independence and maintain your well-being, and helps to pursue your goals.

• Personal individual care • Supported community access

• In home supports • Skill building • Short term accommodation

ASSISTANCE TO THRIVE… As you grow older, like many older people, you may prefer to remain living independently at home. Some extra help and support can make this possible. GV Complete Care provides a very wide range of ﬂexible inhome care and other services to help you thrive. Pictured from the GV Complete Care team are Fletcher Everard, Will Clonesy, general manager Jodie Clohesy, Hadeel Kilab, Hanan Kilab, Claire Edwards and Grant Searle. Photo: Deanne Je ers

Village living a winner when it comes to wellness

A NEW study has found retirement living residents have a better quality of life than other older Australians, while renters fared the worst. The Catalyst Research Report summarises feedback from over 12,000 Australians aged over 60, comparing groups by age, sex and where they live.

Those in a Retirement Community score signiﬁcantly higher on the Catalyst Wellness Index (77.5) compared with the average for all older Australians (71.3).

Catalyst Research managing director Kevin McCreton presented these results at the recent Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) National Conference.

“It’s clear that retirement communities o er a range of beneﬁts for older Australians,” Mr McCreton said.

“Retirement community residents have superior wellness than those who don’t move from home as well as those who downsize to a smaller property.”

Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) CEO Tom Symondson said retirement villages

o er a place to thrive and connect within a supporting community.

“Retirement villages empower older Australians to live conﬁdently, pursue their passions and embrace new opportunities. They create a sense of belonging and purpose, o ering not just a home but a vibrant environment where people can truly ﬂourish,” Mr Symondson said.

Tom Symondson ACCPA CEO

Retirement village residents rate their wellness far more favourably in

terms of safety, companionship and access to support.

Those living in lifestyle-oriented communities are happier again in terms of independence, activities, mental wellbeing and thoughts about the future.

Those living in a rental have the lowest wellness index of any group.

McCreton said, “It’s clear that renters su er housing insecurity. They also rate

their ﬁnancial wellbeing far lower than other Australians.”

Those over 80 report much higher satisfaction with their ﬁnancial well-being than those under 66 years of age. This reﬂects property appreciation, lower expenses and lower spending amongst many Australians over 75.

Women have a slightly lower Wellness score (70.8) than men (71.8). Financial wellbeing is the main predictor of this di erence, suggesting women have not beneﬁtted from wealth accumulation or superannuation beneﬁts as much as men.

MEASURING WELLNESS... Older Australians living in retirement villages have scored signiﬁcantly higher on the Catalyst Wellness Indicator. This is due to various factors, including safety, companionship and access to support. Photo: Supplied

Ageing Well

Marbles, boardgames and the golden years

ALTHOUGH it would be delightful to quip as wittily as Oscar Wilde or write with the perceptiveness of Jane Austen, there is one truth we can all embrace, we have the power to preserve the “marbles” we’ve been gifted and carry them into our golden years, simply by incorporating brain workouts into our routine, through games, challenges, and play.

You don’t need to be a chess grandmaster or a rocket scientist to keep your mind sharp, but there are countless enjoyable and e ective ways to maintain cognitive health as you age. With an abundance of research supporting the beneﬁts of a brain-healthy lifestyle, it’s worth considering a few proven strategies to stay mentally agile well into your later years.

Treat your body like a temple

It doesn’t take a genius to know that a healthy body supports a healthy mind. A brain-healthy lifestyle encompasses taking care of your body through proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest.

One diet that stands out for its brain-boosting beneﬁts is the Mediterranean diet. Rich in whole foods, healthy fats (like olive oil), ﬁsh, fruits, and vegetables, this diet has been linked to improved longevity, reduced risk of chronic disease, and even a slower rate of cognitive decline.

Regular exercise is also vital for both physical and mental health. Keeping your heart healthy through cardiovascular activity helps improve blood ﬂow to the brain, which is essential for mental clarity and focus. Plus, physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Don’t overlook the importance of sleep, either. Getting enough restorative rest helps with memory consolidation, cognitive function, and mood regulation. A good night’s sleep contributes to sharper focus and better decisionmaking during the day.

Build brain power through games and play

From chess and Monopoly to crosswords, cards, sudoku, and even video games, these activities do more than entertain. They’re powerful tools to keep your brain engaged, ﬁring on all cylinders. Engaging with

BUILDING BRAIN POWER... as we march into the golden years is as simple as maintaining a healthy lifestyle through good new nutrition, restorative sleep, exercise and socialisation. But to keep our neurons ﬁring on all cylinders, it’s a good idea to have fun by regularly engaging in games, whether it be board games, cards, sudoku or even video games. Pictured is Shepparton Chess Club member, Joe Commesso and then, four-year-old, Isaac Pearce.

games helps improve concentration, memory, problemsolving, and creative thinking. Even better, regular mental stimulation helps stimulate the growth of new neurons, which can slow cognitive decline over time.

In addition to boosting brain function, games o er a social outlet, whether you're playing with family, friends, or online opponents. Socialising regularly has been shown to support cognitive health by reducing feelings of isolation and stress. So, next time you’re feeling bored, pick up a board game or challenge a friend to a round of cards!

Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

Interlinking NDIS care

THE independence to get out in the garden, go for a walk or do the simplest task of washing the dishes is so often taken for granted. Such things are usually considered chores. But for many people with disability, it is the ability to do these simple tasks that can o er more joy, self-worth and ease on mental health.

Community Interlink has more than 30 years' experience providing disability and in-home aged care supports. Today, it is a registered NDIS Support Coordination Provider, assisting locals to navigate the complex NDIS world.

Community Interlink’s dedicated NDIS Support Coordinators work to help people with disability understand their NDIS funding, the services available to

them and how to access them.

Community Interlink is also a registered Home Care Package Provider, assisting Seniors to access services and equipment to help them remain living independently at home.

For friendly advice about NDIS Support Coordination and Home Care Packages, call Community Interlink on 1300 203 203, or email info@interlink.org.au.

world. Photo: Supplied

OLDER people, carers and families, as well as aged care workers, providers, experts and peak organisations are invited to have their say on how Star Ratings for residential aged care across Australia are calculated.

Star Ratings can help older people and their families compare the quality of aged care homes and make more informed decisions.

Following the commencement of the new Aged Care Act, the Government is changing the way some of the ratings are calculated.

Feedback is sought on how Compliance ratings are calculated, how the Sta ng rating is calculated, and additional changes based on early feedback, through an online survey.

To get involved, learn more or to respond to the survey, go to the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care website or type this link into your browser: https://bit. ly/4g8MJzy

On the website, you can read the consultation paper, complete the 15-minute survey, lodge a written submission, and register to participate in a consultation session until December 6. The survey will close on at 5pm on December 13.

Your insights and feedback are critical in shaping the policy and future design of Star Ratings.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME... Downsize and stay active, engaged and entertained at Lifestyle Villages Shepparton. Here you can create, knit, build, discover new talents and hobbies, and be as active and sociable as you like, while enjoying free holiday Villas for short getaways and much, much more. Pictured is woodworker and artist Keith Craine at Lifestyle Shepparton’s recent Christmas Craft Market. Photo: Supplied

Discovering hidden talents in retirement

WHILE you don’t need to be retired to downsize to a home at Lifestyle Shepparton, many Lifestylers have discovered the freedom to explore new hobbies whether they are still working or not. The Over 50s homeowners see their community as a permanent holiday resort which o ers abundant facilities and activities.

An Art Studio was added last year, complementing the existing woodworking space, and between the two there’s a proliﬁc output of new creations. Creative crafters, knitters, line dancers and a music group have all found hidden talent when trying something new.

The croquet court has fostered a talented team of players who made the Grand Final of Lifestyle’s intercommunity Spring Carnival, conceding the prize to Lifestyle Ocean Grove after a dream run to the ﬁnals.

Add to this two pools (indoor and outdoor), spa, cinema, garden group, a gym and an exercise pavilion

with a variety classes, a singing group, cards and billiards players, bowls, pickleball, tennis and a group that explores local areas with their weekly walking group, many wonder how they ever had time to work.

When you add in the free holiday Villas available for short stays on the Bellarine peninsula, retirement has become an active, life-long holiday for Lifestyle Shepparton Homeowners.

For a tour of the Lifestyle Shepparton community and to view available homes for sale, call 1300 50 55 60 to book in a time.

Ageing

A master approach to community safety

By Deanne Je ers

SAFETY in the community is a team e ort, which is perhaps best known and supported by volunteers at Neighbourhood Watch Greater Shepparton. The group's president, Cathie McMaster, recently received Neighbourhood Watch's Awards of Honour 2024, highlighting her decades of tireless service to crime prevention in Greater Shepparton.

Cathie joined Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) in 2001 when she retired from teaching. At the time, there were around 12 NHW groups in the region, which amalgamated into NHW Greater Shepparton. The service organisation is perhaps best known locally for its safe plate days, where volunteers install anti-theft screens into car registration plates to deter thieves.

NHW Greater Shepparton also assists local police o cers in crime prevention e orts and community engagement, mainly distributing information about local crime and initiatives that make our communities safer, such as the CoolHeads young driver program and keeping school grounds free from crime during school holidays by engaging neighbours.

about personal safety ﬁrst and foremost because if you can't keep yourself safe, how can you keep anyone else safe? Then it is about raising your awareness of what is happening around you, how you can protect your vehicle, your home, and your community."

Neighbourhood Watch is about safety and crime prevention in the community

Cathie McMaster

"Neighbourhood Watch is about safety and crime prevention in the community," Cathie said. "It is

Little common-sense practices like telling your neighbours if you're going to be away, locking your house when you're not home and not keeping valuables in the car go a long way to avoiding being a victim of crime and reducing crime in the area.

Next year, NHW Greater Shepparton will celebrate its 40th anniversary. The group meet on a bi-monthly basis at the North Shepparton Community Centre to share insights and reinforce community safety. New members are always welcome, and various skills, experiences and

availability can be accommodated. Aligning with NHW can boost your capacity to notice and deter criminal activity while contributing positively to the community overall.

A dinner was held on Tuesday night at the Mooroopna Golf Club for Cathie's recognition, where she was presented with the State Award of Honour by NWH. If you’d like to get involved with NHW, contact Cathie McMaster on 0434 343 327 or catmcmaster@bigpond.com

“Moyola is a community where age is not a barrier. You have a voice to be heard and understood.”

•43 bed facility

•Friendly and supportive environment providing 24 hour care

•12 bed memory support unit

•Respite care services available

•Central location only a short walk/scooter ride to the main street

•Access to medical and allied health services on-site

•Physiotherapist on-site for pain management, mobility, individual programs and exercise groups

•Gardening projects including vegetable, herb and flower gardens

•Pet therapy

•Sustainable partnership with Dementia Australia which sees the introduction of new projects to enhance the lives of residents with dementia

•Scooter friendly

HONOURED... Cathie McMaster, president of Neighbourhood Watch Greater Shepparton, has received Neighbourhood Watch’s 2024 State Award of Honour for her decades of service to crime prevention in Greater Shepparton. Photo: Deanne Je ers

Aloha from Waikiki!

ANNE Moloney from Shepparton has generously shared her stunning travel photos from here recent trip to Waikiki, Honolulu, in Hawaii. She travelled with her mother, Jennifer Moloney, from May 9 to May 20, 2024, and they stayed at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.

"It was a fantastic holiday, even though it rained a bit, the tempuratures were around 27°C,” said Anne. Her favourite part of the trip was spending time in the water.

At 59 and 80 years old, respectively, Anne and Jennifer also enjoyed shopping together and highly recommend the Cheesecake Factory for lunch.

The mother-daughter duo frequently travel together, and Anne plans to return to Waikiki next March. So far, she has visited Hawaii around six times and highly recommends it as a holiday destination.

We love hearing about our readers'

adventures! If you have travelled recently exploring parts of the region, country or globe, we would love for you to share your experiences and travel photos with us.

Please send your photos and information on social media to The Shepparton Adviser or email editorial@ sheppartonadviser.com.au with the subject 'Travel Photo Submission'.

Make sure to include the destinations you visited, dates, names of those pictured, and any other details you're comfortable having published, along with your contact information.

stay living at home, independently, for longer

How

services, support and equipment that relate to your health care needs.

Is there a cost?

MHA care does not charge start up or exit fees. Instead, a flat fee is charged to cover our costs. By keeping our fees as low as possible, we ensure you are able to maximise the funding available to purchase the services you need or want.

What do you need to do?

The first step to access government-funded aged care services is to check your eligibility for a face-to-face assessment. You can call the friendly and knowledgeable My Aged Care contact centre staff to talk about your needs on 1800 200 422. Or you can apply online at www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment/apply-online. Further information can be found at www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment. You can also call MHA Care directly on (03) 5742 1111 and ask for assistance from one of our Home Care Package - Care Managers.

What can you use your Package for?

Depending on the level of your Home Care Package you can use your Package to get assistance with services such as:

Services to keep you well and independent:

✓ Personal care (Showering, Grooming)

✓ Nursing and Allied Health (Assistance with medicines, physiotherapy, podiatry)

✓ Meals preparation and diet (help with feeding and meal preparation)

Services that keep you safe:

✓ Household jobs (assistance with cleaning, Laundry and other basic Domestic chores)

✓ Home maintenance (Help with keeping your home and garden safe)

✓ Home modifications (minor modifications to your home to improve safety and access (ramps and rails)

✓ Assistive equipment and technology (walking frame, shower chair)

Services that allow you to interact with your community:

✓ Transport (Community transport, transport to your GP)

✓ Social support (Social activities in a community-based group setting or accompanied activities)

Anne Moloney with the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku statue. A bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku welcomes visitors to Waikīkī with open arms. Duke was a true Hawaiian hero and one of the world’s greatest watermen. Photos: Supplied

Looking from Waikiki towards Diamond head.

ABS sheds data on Aussie longevity

THE holy grail for all humanity must surely be the secret to a long and healthy life. Tireless in their pursuit of longevity’s elixir, researchers generally agree that a combination of good genes, a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, restorative sleep, social connections, and a dose of daily laughter can signiﬁcantly increase the chances of living into your eighties—or beyond.

While Australians champion the research, marking the nation as one of the highestranking OECD countries for high life expectancy from birth, recently released data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates a slight fall in the country’s life expectancy for second year running, as well as dropping in its global ranking.

According to the ABS, the life expectancy for an Australian girl born today is 85.1 years, while for a boy its 81.1 years. These statistics reﬂect a slight dip, down by 0.1 years for males and 0.2 years for females for the period 2021- 2023 and is largely due to the continued impact of COVID. While the pandemic certainly took a toll, particularly in 2022 when nearly 20,000 additional deaths occurred,

the overall trend over the past decade, nevertheless remains positive.

In fact, life expectancy has increased steadily since 1993, with males living 6.1 years longer and females 4.2 years longer. This reﬂects decades of medical and public health progress, and while the pandemic caused a temporary setback, the long-term trajectory remains upward.

Globally, Australia has the fourth highest life expectancy at birth amongst OECD countries and is equal with Spain at 83.2 years. Australia previously sat above Spain in third place.

Unsurprisingly, Japan remains the country with highest life expectancy rates globally at 84.1 years, followed by Switzerland at 83.7 years and South Korea at 83.6.

Servicing Euroa, Seymour, Shepparton, Echuca, Kyabram and surrounding areas

Ageing Well

By Natasha Fujimoto

SPOTLIGHTING and celebrating the continued vibrancy, curiosity and remarkable contributions of the region’s senior citizens, the 2024 Seniors Festival in Greater Shepparton was, yet again, an enormous success. Setting the bar high, curating over 110 events locally for our oldest and wisest residents to enjoy, the festival’s theme of Explore. Engage. Evolve was fully embraced by event attendees, as they participated in a rich and diverse program of activities, talks and entertainment.

From online cardio to Tai Chi in the library, the local Seniors Festival was replete with barbeques, movie sessions, singalongs, endless activities in the park as well as opportunities to try out croquet, meet new friends, have a laugh and so much more. From elder advocacy talks to craft and co ee, this year’s Greater Shepparton Seniors Festival not only encapsulated the spirit of older Victorians but was an exceptional display of community and camaraderie.

Undoubtedly one of the standout events,

the Early Melbourne Cup at the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre (MEAC) saw around 30 enthusiastic senior citizens don fascinators and jockey hats, ready to race on their hobby-horses in what was a lighthearted and joyful take on the iconic Melbourne Cup.

The event featured four preliminary races, with participants competing for the coveted MEAC Cup trophy. Laughter echoed through the hall as trivia questions and horse racing games provided extra fun between races. The occasion not

only showcased the playful side of the region’s seniors but also emphasised the importance of having a laugh and staying active, regardless of age. Afternoon tea, complete with punch and sandwiches, gave everyone a chance to relax and mingle while prizes were awarded for "Fashions on the Field,” a ﬁtting tribute to the event's Melbourne Cup theme.

In another corner of Shepparton, the Centennial High Tea was held at the Woolshed, a beloved venue that o ered the perfect setting for this special occasion. This event was dedicated to honouring the region’s oldest residents with an afternoon of music, conversation and delectable treats. A highlight of the afternoon was the performance by Frank Powell, whose

nostalgic jingles and guitar-playing invited attendees to sing along, sparking fond memories and smiles. The afternoon reached its pinnacle when Joyce Oxenbury, at nearly 102 years old, was invited to cut the Centennial Cake.

Looking ahead to 2025, there is much to be excited about. The Victorian Seniors Festival will return in a bigger, bolder format, spanning an entire month of activities that celebrate older Victorians across the state. For Shepparton, this means even more opportunities to create lasting memories with a packed calendar of events, set to further challenge perceptions of aging as well as promote healthy, active lifestyles for seniors.

AN AFTERNOON OF SHEER DELIGHT… Enjoying delectable treats, tea and fabulous company, Melanie Spencer shared a very special afternoon with her father, 95 year-old Bill Andrews at the Centennial High Tea on Tuesday, October 29. Hosted by Greater Shepparton City Council, the event was a joyful culmination of a month long series of curated events to celebrate Seniors Festival, which took place throughout October. Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

RESTORING FAIRNESS AND TRANSPARENCY... The new Retirement Villages Amendment Bill will initiate stronger protections for older Victorians living in retirement villages. Ensuring the standardisation of contracts, the new bill will assist residents to make more informed decisions through simplifying terms and making them clearer, while also supporting individuals to resolve disputes. Photo: Supplied

Measures to ensure fairness for retirement village residents

FOLLOWING a comprehensive review of the Retirement Village Sector, the Victorian Government initiated stronger protections for older Victorians living in retirement villages on November 24, introducing the Retirement Villages Amendment Bill. With reports of some operators gouging residents with exorbitant exit fees and punitive contracts containing unfair and unreasonable clauses such as mandatory medical examinations, no pets without permission and compulsory renovations, the new reforms will restore transparency to contracts, enabling residents to make more informed choices about where and how they live.

Ensuring the standardisation of contracts, by simplifying terms and making them clearer, the Bill will also introduce stricter regulations around exit fees, and mandate annual contract reviews so residents are always clear on their obligations. With some operators reportedly charging 60 per cent of the retirement home’s purchase price in exit fees when residents choose to sell, these measures are long overdue.

In addition, the new legislation will require retirement villages to establish emergency management plans and conduct regular evacuation exercises, addressing safety concerns in case of an emergency. The introduction of an alternative dispute

resolution service will also help resolve less complex issues between residents and operators, providing a faster and more accessible avenue for resolving conﬂicts.

Highlighting years of work and planning, the Minister for Consumer A airs Gabrielle Williams said, following the introduction of the Bill, “Older Victorians in retirement villages should be conﬁdent that their contracts are fair and transparent –so they can focus on enjoying their retirement.

“These reforms will empower residents to make informed decisions, support them to resolve disputes and promote best practice in retirement village management.”

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