Seniors Feature July 2023

Live a more relaxed life

KENSINGTON Gardens Shepparton is an exciting and secure lifestyle village designed specifically for people over 50. The village offers affordable and quality homes, providing residents with a comfortable and enjoyable living environment.

The village boasts an indoor heated pool and spa, a wellequipped gymnasium, a library, a gold-class cinema, a fully stocked bar, an auditorium, a computer room, a croquet court, line dancing classes, a craft room, and facilities for billiards and darts.

Additionally, there are resident’s workshops for various activities, art classes for creative pursuits, walking groups for exercise, and Tai Chi for relaxation and wellness.

Living in this community allows you the freedom to choose

how much or how little you want to engage with the facilities and activities available. It's a vibrant community that encourages social connections and offers opportunities for personal growth and leisure.

The village also provides convenient amenities for those with recreational vehicles, and boats. There are secure, lock-up caravan sheds available, along with dedicated parking spaces and a wash bay.

One of the advantages of living at Kensington Gardens Shepparton is the maintenance-free lifestyle. You no longer need

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER…There are limited spots left at the picturesque and amenity rich Kensington Gardens. Enjoy low-maintenance living in an activityrich setting. Pictured is village sales and development manager Troy Van Den Berghe.

to worry about mowing your lawn as the village takes care of it for you.

Currently, Stage 6 of the development has only 8 blocks left, and construction is set to begin within the next month. Stage 7 is planned to be available by the end of 2023. As a testament to the popularity of the village, 60 percent of the blocks in Stage 7 already have deposits placed on them.

If you're interested in exploring the facilities and seeing the village firsthand, you can arrange a tour by contacting the reception at 035820 5100 or reaching out to Troy at 0417648286.

It’s time to tackle the issue of hearing loss

ESTABLISHED in 1987, Goulburn Valley Hearing Clinic is an independent practice with a long history of providing comprehensive audiological services.

In addition to our private clinic at 55 Edward Street, Shepparton we are also contracted to provide audiology services to GV Health.

Here for our community, here for you!

Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you require help with Federal Government Matters.

Being an independent clinic means that the practice is owned by a university qualified audiologist, which ensures a high standard of care and advice for hearing issues. The audiologists at the clinic adhere to a strict code of ethics and provide evidence-based care to their clients, prioritising their well-being.

The clinic has expanded its services and now offers cochlear implant (CI) services. This development is significant for the local community, as clients no longer need to travel to Melbourne for their CI appointments; they can now access these services locally, making it more convenient for them.

For individuals interested in learning more about cochlear implants, Goulburn Valley Hearing Clinic is hosting an information

MHA Care – Your local Home Care Package Provider

‘Stay Living at home independently, for longer’

MHA Care is a Not for Profit organisation and your local provider of Home Care Packages.

We have been supporting individuals with their Home Care Packages since 2016 and now employ 6 Care Managers and support 230 individuals across the Moira Shire and surrounds to access services and supports through their Home Care Package.

How does it work?

At MHA Care we work with you to understand your needs and identify your goals, including the most appropriate way to support you to live a more active and independent life. Your Home Care Package funds can be used on a range of 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 Coordinators.

SWITCHED

session on Thursday, July 20 at 10.45 am. They have a few available spaces, and these sessions are conducted periodically to provide valuable information to those interested in CI services. Contact them on 5821 6600 to secure your spot.

MHA Care ‘The Right Care for You’

MHA Care ‘The Right Care for You’

What can you use your Package for?

MHA Care – Your local Home Care Package Provider

MHA Care – Your local Home Care Package Provider

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:

and garden safe)

✓ Personal care (Showering, Grooming)

✓ Nursing and Allied Health

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

‘Stay Living at home independently , for longer’

‘Stay Living at home independently , for longer’

(Assistance with medicines, physiotherapy, podiatry)

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

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

MHA Care is a Not for Pro t organisation and your local provider of Home Care Packages. We have been supporting individuals with their Home Care Packages since 2016 and now employ 6 Care Managers and support 195 individuals across the Moira Shire and surrounds to access services and supports through their Home Care Package.

Services that keep you safe:

How does it work?

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

How does it work?

Services that allow you to interact with your community:

✓ Transport (Community transport, transport to your GP)

MHA Care is a Not for Pro t organisation and your local provider of Home Care Packages. We have been supporting individuals with their Home Care Packages since 2016 and now employ 6 Care Managers and support 195 individuals across the Moira Shire and surrounds to access services and supports through their Home Care Package.

✓ Home maintenance (Help with keeping your home

✓ Social support (Social activities in a communitybased group setting or accompanied activities)

At MHA Care we work with you to understand your needs and identify your goals, including the most appropriate way to support you to live a more active and independent life. Your Home Care Package funds can be used on a range of services, support and equipment that relate to your health care needs.

Is there a cost?

If you would like further information on Home Care Packages please visit My Age Care at www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home or call MHA Care on (03) 5742 1111 or call into our office at 22 Orr Street, Yarrawonga to speak with one of our Care Managers.

At MHA Care we work with you to understand your needs and identify your goals, including the most appropriate way to support you to live a more active and independent life. Your Home Care Package funds can be used on a range of 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 at 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?

MHA care does not charge start up or exit fees. Instead, a at 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 rst 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 sta to talk about your needs on 1800 200 422. Or you can apply online at https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/ assessment/apply-online .

Photo: Deanne Jeffers.

ON... Cochlear trained audiologist Elizabeth Webster with recent cochlear implant recipient, Maureen Cottam. Maureen was Goulburn Valley Hearing Clinic’s first cochlear implant ‘switch on’ at Goulburn Valley Hearing Clinic. Photo: Supplied

Caring for our community

MHA Care is a not-for-profit organisation that has been providing high quality home and community care services across the Moira Shire and surrounding districts since 1999.

MHA Care receives funding from the Victorian State and Commonwealth Governments to provide subsidised services to eligible customers under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home and Community Care Program for Younger People.

MHA Care are approved providers for Home Care Packages, Veterans Home Care, WorkCover and Transport Accident Commission.

In addition to their funded services they also provide services to customers who are not eligible to receive government subsidised aged care services or would rather purchase services privately. Other

organisations may also purchase services from MHA Care on your behalf.

MHA Care has a strong commitment to putting clients first, always, and delivers best practice care to the aged, frail and disabled members of our community. These services are provided

CARING FOR YOU...

Providing high quality home and community care services across the Moira Shire and surrounding districts since 1999, MHA Care is there form those who need it most.

Photo: Supplied

across Yarrawonga, Cobram, Numurkah, Nathalia and Shepparton and the communities surrounding these townships. For further information, visit their website mhacare.org.au or give them a call on 03 5742 1111.

How to avoid scams targeting seniors

SCAMS target people of all ages and backgrounds, however, some scams are more likely to target older people, as they may be seen by scammers as generally less internet and computer savvy or familiar with new technology.

Protect yourself by following these steps:

Check with someone: If you find yourself in a suspicious situation you feel may be a scam,

consult with a younger relative and run it past them.

DO NOT RESPOND: Never respond to phone calls or emails offering financial advice or opportunities, just hang up or delete the email.

Don’t click on any links: If you receive an email or text telling you to ‘click this link’, it is likely a scam and clicking on any such links may result in viruses,

malware, or data breaches.

If it’s too good to be true, it probably is: Be suspicious of unexpected emails or texts advising you how to claim an inheritance or competition prize. Never give out your personal details and seek advice from an independent professional.

Be vigilant: Being wary of people you meet social media or online dating sites who after

With your hearing aids on:

Do you still struggle to hear on the phone?

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 of these questions, you may benefit from attending a cochlear information session. Call us on 5821 6600 to book your place at our next information session on 20 July 2023 Places are strictly limited.

just a few contacts profess strong feelings for you and try to move you away from the site and communicate via chat or email. Block potential scammers: You can block potential scammers via email or mobile phone by clicking on the sender's email or phone number information and select “block”. If you’re unsure how to do this, ask a friend or family member to show you.

Ph: 5821 6600

Fun activities for seniors

ARE you or an older loved one seeking enjoyable ways to stay engaged and make the most of your days?

Engaging in social, mental, and physical activities can significantly contribute to seniors' mental well-being, emotional health, and disease prevention.

Consider these 10 hobbies tailored for seniors who love to stay active and having fun.

Photography: Take up photography as a hobby and capture beautiful moments and scenes. You can explore nature photography, street photography, or just

take your camera to your next family function and capture loved ones. It's a great way to express creativity and preserve memories.

Writing: Start writing your memoirs, short stories, or poems. Writing can be a therapeutic and fulfilling activity. Consider joining a local writing group or taking online writing courses to enhance your skills and connect with other writers.

Volunteer work: Engage in volunteer activities in your community. There are various organisations and clubs that welcome senior volunteers, such as libraries, hospitals, animal shelters, or food banks. Volunteering allows you to make a positive impact while socialising and staying active.

Book clubs: Join a book club or start one with friends. Reading and discussing books with others can be intellectually stimulating and provide an opportunity for social interaction. Choose books from different genres and explore new authors together.

Cooking and baking: Experiment with new recipes and culinary techniques. Cooking and baking can be both enjoyable and rewarding. Try out different cuisines, invite friends over for a themed dinner party, or share your favourite recipes with others.

Arts and crafts: Explore your artistic side with activities like painting, pottery, knitting, or jewellery making. These creative hobbies allow you to express yourself and produce beautiful handmade items. Consider joining local art classes or workshops to learn new techniques.

Yoga or Tai Chi: Practice gentle exercises like yoga or Tai Chi to improve flexibility,

FUN FOR ALL... There are many activities seniors can get involved with that will help keep you active, engaged, and socially fulfilled! Photo: Supplied

balance, and overall well-being. Many community centres and fitness studios offer classes specifically designed for seniors. These activities promote relaxation and can help reduce stress.

Puzzles and games: Engage in jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, card or board games! These activities stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive abilities. You can work on puzzles and games individually or enjoy them with family and friends. Try hosting a games night for an evening of fun!

Music appreciation: Listen to music from different genres, attend live performances, or learn to play a musical instrument. Music has the power to uplift spirits and evoke emotions. Consider joining a community choir or band if you're interested in making music with others.

Travel and day trips: Explore new places and plan day trips to nearby attractions. Traveling allows you to experience different things, meet new people, and create lasting memories. You can join organised tours or simply explore destinations independently.