Life Begins At.....
Issue link: http://ebook.aprs.com.au/i/23233
Seniors Wise SA Stronger together with Seniors As we age ‘gracefully’ (or otherwise), our needs and priorities will change, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly. Most of us are going to need some assistance of some sort, for ourselves or our partner, in the future regarding a ‘senior’s issue’. It may, for example be regarding home support and/or health services or merely help filling out one of those ‘damn forms’, all of which seem to be getting longer and more complex as we get older. And more organisations need to be aware of seniors’ issues such as ease of access to their premises, assistance for hearing-impaired etc. Who can help with all this? Seniors Wise SA is a free, volunteer- based service that will provide a one- stop shop for older people in South Australia. The first program of its type in Australia and based on a successful model from the USA, it is managed by Seniors Information Service. Seniors Wise SA has three main functions: • Information, referral and support for seniors • Increasing community awareness of ageing issues • Accrediting businesses as ‘Senior Friendly’ Building upon the experience and expertise of Seniors Information Service gained over many years, trained volunteers will provide presentations to groups of seniors on a range of issues such a home support options and retirement accommodation. This will include referral to appropriate services and one to one support if required. Volunteers will also provide home visits to assist clients with the completion of any forms or applications with which they may be having difficulty. Seniors Wise SA will also strongly promote community awareness of ageing issues. Staff and trained volunteers will conduct talks and seminars on a variety of topics including ageing awareness. The Senior Friendly Business Certification Program will help businesses to better serve older clients by focussing on access issues, shop layout, customer service, and where applicable, website design. THE RETIREE SUMMER 171