PRIME TIMES SPRING

CELEBRATING AGE WITH SENIORS WEEK

THE 23rd Tasmanian Seniors Week, the 11th to be organised by COTA Tasmania on behalf of the State Government, ran from 11 to 17 October.

More than 380 events were on offer state-wide, with more than half of the events happening in the south.

While the overall number of events was still fewer than prepandemic levels, the events on offer were interesting and varied.

The Hobart area alone offered about 70 events, including physical exercise activities such as exercise classes, croquet, petanque, indoor and outdoor bowls, and the increasingly popular e-bike tours.

There were information events, including talks and tours at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, health checks, historical tours and a ‘global gastronomy’ event at Hobart’s Mather’s House.

Entertainment options featured ‘Afternoon at the Proms’ with the popular Army Band, ‘Popular Pipes’ at the Town Hall, a Choir of High Hopes rehearsal, and ‘Hymnfest’.

The truly adventurous embarked on single or multi-day Lady Nelson sailing tours.

Seniors Week retained its tagline of “Discover. Imagine. Together”, which was introduced several years ago and still resonated perfectly with the objectives of the week.

Busy Bisdee showcases services at public open day

GLENVIEW Community Services and the Bisdee Community Centre were able to showcase the services, activities, and opportunities that they offer the local community at a recent Open Day, held this month as part of Seniors Week.

A trusted not-for-profit aged care organisation that opened in 1948, Glenview is a landmark in Glenorchy and offers a range of services designed to help people live life to the full.

Glenview has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community, adding a series of new wings and buildings including the only cottage respite service in southern Tasmania, with hotel-like rooms for low-needs clients, and carers in need of a break.

Visitors to the Open Day were able to tour the respite care rooms, view art and photo displays, stroll through the gardens and enjoy live music, while having their questions answered by staff from Glenview’s respite accommodation, home care and independent living units.

The Bisdee Community Centre is Glenview’s hub of activity, providing a fun and supportive environment where community members can socialise and meet new friends.

The Centre offers a wide variety of activities including arts and crafts, cooking, card games, morning teas and fitness classes, plus exciting outings to a range of destinations.

“The aim of the program is to reduce social isolation,” Glenview executive manager, community services Kirsty Bartlett Clark said.

“It provides opportunities for people aged over 65 to come and meet new people, because it’s not always easy to make new friends as we get older.

“Every Saturday we take a couple of busloads of people out and do all sorts of fun things on our Saturday Socials. We go to festivals, markets, zoos, go fishing and on bushwalks – we try to accommodate whatever our clients want to do.”

To find out more about the services Glenview provides, visit them at 2 – 10 Windsor Street, Glenorchy, phone 6277 8820, email admin@ glenview.org.au or go to www.glenview.org.au

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Motoko O’Keeffe, Glenview support worker visits her client Naomi Hamilton aged 92, nearly every day and helps her to continue to live independently.

Things are better when we’re together!

Bisdee offers activity groups, Saturday Socials, 24/7 respite care, and home support.

Come and join us every Saturday to socialise, meet new friends and have fun.

Saturday Socials depart at 8.30am from 20 Windsor Street, Glenorchy or you can arrange for us to collect you. Choose your adventure from the calendar of destinations here: glenview.org.au/saturdaysocials/ Give us a call at Bisdee to book your seat on 6277 8820.

prime times is published quarterly in the Glenorchy Gazette, Hobart Observer and the Eastern Shore Sun papers - aimed at people over 55. To advertise in this feature contact: justine.brazil@corcomms.com.au

prime times prime times Providing mobility for all

THE best way to get the right home care products or mobility aids is by talking with the experts at Mobility4All.

Located at 23 Derwent Park Rd, Derwent Park, Mobility4All’s showroom is easily accessed with free parking right at the front door and is stocked with a large range of mobility products.

In addition to the wide range of mobility aids, Mobility4All also sell, service and repair mobility scooters, powerchairs, wheelchairs, walkers/rollators and daily living aids, which enable customers to live at home for longer and get the most out of every day.

The staff at Mobility4All understand that everyone has different requirements, and they believe in the importance of discussing your circumstances – this way they can best advise you on which products are most suitable.

As a specialist store, Mobility4All appreciates the value of backing up its products with after-sales service, so if anything goes wrong, the team who know the products inside-out will fix the issue either at the store or visit you in your home if required.

With a range of quality mobility products, Mobility4All boast a huge range of goods and services to make daily living easier and more comfortable.

For more information, phone 6273 8300 or email info@mobility4all. com.au.

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Hearing Australia helping bring back sound

THESE days, when Sherryl thinks back to what dancing was like before she wore hearing aids, she can afford herself a little giggle.

“It’s quite funny, I was probably feeing the beat a lot sooner than I was hearing it,” she said.

“I know that I made up words to songs and they weren’t the right words, but no one ever really told me about that.

“I started to have some irritating sounds coming through my ears and also pain at times and ringing in the ears.”

However, she put off having her hearing assessed, and she was not alone.

Findings from Hearing Australia’s ‘Share your Secret’ survey of Australians over the age 50 show that despite hearing loss potentially hindering the ability of Australians to live life to the fullest, people are not taking action.

One in four older Australians don’t recall ever having received a hearing test and more than one in five haven’t taken a hearing test in more than five years.

This may be a result of outdated views on hearing aid technology.

Despite hearing aids now being modern, small and discreet, nearly all respondents (87 per cent) said they would be too embarrassed to wear a hearing aid, as they were “ugly and unfashionable”.

Sherryl said the only things she noticed about her hearing aids was the positive difference they had made to her life.

“Once I’ve got my hearing aids on, I don’t even know they’re there,” she said.

“They’re a part of my routine of a morning and I don’t think anything of them other than they’re on me, they’re a part of me and I wouldn’t be able to carry on without them.”

If you’re concerned about your hearing, get in touch with Hearing Australia.

For more than 70 years, Hearing Australia have helped a million Australians with hearing loss discover the secret to celebrating the sounds they love.

Their range includes hearing aids that can be so discreet that people won’t realise they’re wearing one, with three device choices that are free for eligible pensioners under the Hearing Services Program.

For more information, visit Hearing Australia’s stores at Hobart (6221 9500) or Glenorchy Plaza (6271 9400), or www. hearing.com.au.

MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERING TO THE COMMUNITY

MEALS on Wheels delivers nourishing meals to the doors of those who need assistance to remain living independently at home, providing not only a wholesome meal, but a friendly catch-up on delivery.

“We not only provide a freshly cooked meal, we also provide a safety check to all recipients and peace of mind for family and friends,” Meals on Wheels Tasmania chief executive officer Rebecca Free said.

“As we deliver to most clients regularly, we get to know our clients’ usual movements, and if we know they’re always home and don’t answer their door when our volunteer arrives to deliver their meal, we take steps to follow up with next of kin to ensure the wellbeing of the client.

“This is what sets Meals on Wheels apart from many other ‘drop and go’ meal providers.

“The social connection, the interaction with the volunteer, the chance to have a chat to a familiar and friendly face is just as important as the delivery of the meal itself.”

Meals on Wheels offers a wide variety of choices in most areas they service, to ensure there is always something that appeals to clients and caters to special dietary, allergy and texture requirements.

“We offer many gluten free options, vegetarian meals and our meals are diabetic friendly,” Ms Free said.

“Our main meals come with the required levels of protein for an older person, five different vegetables that provide important nutrients and most importantly, meet the National Meals on Wheels Guidelines developed in partnership with the University of Wollongong.”

Meals on Wheels encouraged people to reach out to them if they were interested in volunteering.

Volunteering for Meals on Wheels requires a current Tasmanian unrestricted driver’s licence and a current Tasmanian Police Check (which Meals on Wheels pays for).

Branches are located across the south, northern Midlands, north-west coast and east coast of Tasmania.

For more information about receiving meals, or to discuss volunteering opportunities, phone the Meals on Wheels state office 1800 696 325 or email office@mowtas. org.au.

Susan, right, delivering to Cheryl.

With savings at over 550 Tasmanian and interstate outlets, choosing a business in the 2021-2022 Seniors Card Directory has never been easier. Remember to look for the sign or ask if Seniors Card is accepted. To live more and pay less pick up your free copy of the Directory at Service Tasmania, Libraries Tasmania or Visitor Information Centres. You can also access a copy online at seniors.tas.gov.au or by calling 1300 13 55 13.

Tasmania

New clients and volunteers always welcome!

We Nourish. A meal delivered to your door. Nutritious meals can be provided up to 7 days a week for short or long term periods. Services are flexible and can be stopped and started as required. We Care. A safety and wellbeing check. Our trusted friendly staff and volunteers monitor the health and wellbeing of those they service and provide peace of mind for family members. We Strengthen Communities. A service that brings people together. At a time when things are becoming more impersonal, we provide opportunities for people to work, volunteer and help in their own communities.

More than just a meal

Meals on Wheels Association of Tasmania Inc

PH: 1800 MYMEAL (1800 696 325) | Email: office@mowtas.org.au | www.mowtas.org.au

Thank you for trusting us

It has been a challenging 18 months for everyone.

We, at South Eastern Community Care, want to thank our clients for the trust you place in us as we continue to provide services to you. We assure you we are doing all we can to ensure our clients, staff and the community stay safe while we assist you to remain independent in your own home.

We are locals caring for locals! For all enquiries, please call 6269 1200 visit www.secommunitycare.com.au or facebook.com/secommunitycare

Why hearing matters

HEARING Matters has opened its first permanent clinic in Tasmania at 8 Bayfield Street, Rosny Park, providing client-focused services to the people of Hobart.

With 20 locations across both rural and metro South Australia, Hearing Matters is an independently operated audiology practice with a client-first mentality.

The new Tasmanian clinic provides clients with choice and reassurance, including the choice of any make and model of device from around the world.

“We pride ourselves on independence at Hearing Matters, meaning we are not aligned with or owned by hearing aid manufacturers,” senior audiologist Jan Machotka said.

“We are not going to simply endorse our own one product to you, but discuss all of the possible rehabilitation options and give you the final decision based on your own needs and preferences.”

Hearing Matters also allows the customer to make their final decision after a no obligation one month ‘real world’ trial in their own living environments.

They believe this is the only way to make sure that people are getting the absolute best results possible and continue to adjust or trial different devices until complete success and satisfaction is achieved.

“We do not pay commissions, ensuring ethical practice, affordable pricing and no bias,” Mr Machotka said.

Hearing Matters believes in providing the best ongoing support, ensuring their clinicians provide the best care through knowledge and skillsets.

Ruby Hayes is a student audiometrist at the Hobart clinic who has a good understanding of the local community and is committed to providing service that is tailored to the individual.

She said there were many benefits of having hearing aids in conjunction with the service Hearing Matters provided.

“Hearing aids are able to give back the clarity which may be missing in speech,” she said.

“This is one of the main difficulties individuals with hearing loss face.

“They are constantly trying to guess what people are saying, creating mental strain and leading to social isolation.”

Ms Hayes said the staff at Hearing Matters were kind and understanding when dealing with clients.

“Hearing aids provide people with the ability to enjoy conversations, talk on the phone, watch television, and with confidence again,” she said.

“The technology we see in hearing aids is continuously improving and this enables audiologists to create the best outcomes possible.

“There are styles to suit individual preferences – we aim to get it right the first time, but if we don’t, we will work to create the best outcome possible.

For more information, visit www. hearingmatters.com. au/about-us/proudlyindependent.

Ruby Hayes, student audiometrist at the Hobart clinic.

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Residents living life to the full at Queen Victoria Care

THE state’s longest-serving care provider, Lindisfarne’s Queen Victoria Care, is celebrating 130 years of caring for Tasmanians this year.

And the current residents agree that QVC is a wonderful place to spend your twilight years.

Queen Victoria Care began back in 1891, with the opening of The Convalescent Home at Granton. The operation moved to New Town in 1895, before the Victoria Convalescent Home opened in Lindisfarne in 1900.

The organisation turned its focus to meeting the needs of aged persons in the late ‘50s. Major construction and redevelopment began in the 1990s and continue today, with plans for further expansion as more perimeter properties are acquired.

QVC currently operates a residential aged care home that caters for the full spectrum of needs and lifestyles; three designated beds for short-term residential aged care respite; and 48 self-care Independent Living Units, where people can live independently and maintain their quality of life while able to call on support when needed.

Residents Committee chair Maggie Davison said QVC residents are like one big family.

“This home is just wonderful, it’s a very good nursing home,” she said.

“I’ve only been here five years, but the work they’ve done to improve the place in those five years has been amazing.

“You don’t have to do the shopping, you don’t need to go home and cook it, you don’t need to clean your house. "Once you settle in here and realise what’s on offer, it’s amazing – there’s a pool, gymnasium, hairdresser, physiotherapy and podiatry, craft classes, bus outings.

“There’s a lot of happiness here, and don’t you think that’s healthy?”

Queen Victoria Care CEO Moira Laverty recently retired from the role, but not before the organisation managed to attain a major grant from the Commonwealth Government.

“We are engaged in 16 projects to enhance the experience and lives of our residents, as well as ensuring greater efficiencies to ensure we have a financially secure future,” she said.

“These projects will also assist the organisation to embrace the changes that are happening in aged care over the next few years.”

To learn more about Queen Victoria Care, phone 6243 3100 or go to www.qvcare.com.au

Queen Victoria Care residents Pauline Banks, Mary Waldie, Betty Jackson, John Mason and Maggie Davison

Hearing Loss – Why do we wait so long to get help?

AROUND 3.6 million Australians suffer from hearing impairment.

A recent study published in the ‘International Journal of Audiology’ found that only seven per cent of those who need hearing aids actually seek help.

“Often, people are pushed into getting a test as their family is frustrated,” audiologist Nick Modrovich said.

“It is easy to forget that being told you need a hearing aid can be quite confronting.

“For many clients, hearing aids signify the first perception of ageing, it can sometimes be the reason why someone may delay getting help for years.”

The sociopsychological aspects of correcting hearing loss cannot be underestimated.

In Australia, pensioners are entitled to subsidised hearing aids under the Commonwealth Hearing Services Program.

However, a recent independent review found that more than half of all eligible people with hearing loss were not actively taking advantage of the services available.

“Part of the reluctance is thinking that hearing aids are large and very noticeable,” Mr Modrovich said.

“It is part of the stigma of hearing loss and ageing unfortunately.

“Nowadays, hearing aids are discreet and designed in such a way that you can barely see them on the ears.

“It has made our jobs a lot easier, but we would still like to see more people seek the help that they need.”

Recent advances in hearing technology means that people can now stream phone calls directly into their hearing aids, as well as adjust the volume and programs via an app on a mobile phone.

This technology is fully subsidised by the Commonwealth pension program and available at Ability Hearing and Balance.

For more information or to apply for the Hearing Services Program, phone Ability Hearing and Balance on 1300 327 776.

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