Winter 2020

Winter 2020banyule.vic.gov.au

Staying connected

This edition of the Age in Focus is filled with practical tips on how to stay connected, informed and entertained during the cooler winter months.

You may be feeling worried, anxious or overwhelmed by changing information and media coverage regarding the spread of COVID-19. In these difficult times, Council is providing extra services for older people who are experiencing new challenges. We are also encouraging you to keep safe, healthy and to stay connected with friends and family.

Winter 2020

Staying connected 1

Age-friendly Champions 2

What’s on 4

Support services 5

Banyule Age In Focus

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Staying connected

The Banyule Age-friendly Champions are made of Banyule residents who have an interest in keeping older adults active and engaged in their community.

Learn how the age-friendly champions are spending their time, and maybe try something yourself.

Remaining kind

This is an idea to create something wonderful, fill in some time, help others and feel connected-all from your armchair. Banyule and the library services would love to see anyone interested dive into their stash of old balls of wool, and knit some squares. You can use any stitch or colour you like-but they need to measure 15cm square. We will later ask volunteers to join the squares into larger blankets so they can be passed on to those who need them, through various welfare organisations committed to keep vulnerable people warm. If you are running low on knitting supplies, contact Lauren Brooker, Age Friendly Officer on 9490 4365 or email her at lauren.brooker@banyule.vic.gov.au

Here are some examples taken from the Banyule Age-friendly Champion group:

Banyule Age-friendly Champions

‘On ANZAC Day we had the TV and lights on in front of our house. During the dawning, we met new neighbours who had recently moved into our neighbourhood. We shared stories of our backgrounds, and will now be friends for many years.’

‘I received the contact details in our mailbox of a neighbour, who wanted to offer any support she could with helping organise shopping, supplies or a lift to an appointment. Most helpful in difficult times.’

‘One of my kind neighbours fixed my front gate - it was hanging by a very loose brace’

‘A very kind friend made a vegan carrot cake for my son’

‘Friends in their 70s had such a lovely surprise the other day: their youngest daughter and young grandson visited at morning tea time last week. At a safe distance out the front of the house they shared takeaway coffee from the local cafe, cordial, and homemade cake. It was the highlight of the week, perhaps of the month!’

‘People with cars are asking their neighbours whether they need anything up at the shops.’

‘It’s been a fantastic time to put in extra effort in the garden, and share bits and pieces with neighbours’.

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Remaining busy

Here are some how to keep busy ideas from the Banyule Age-friendly Champion group:

‘My suggestion for a good book is ‘The hundred year old man who climbed out the Window and disappeared’, written by Jonas Jonasson.’

‘Think about your story during this pandemic - what story would you like to tell? Use that future narrative to help you remain positive and productive while indoors.’

‘On Facebook, Medibank Live present a free daily Medibank Live Better at Home – Daily Meditation. The presenter Emily Toner is fabulous.’

‘Spending extra time outdoors is such a mood-booster.’

‘Keeping a regular routine is so important, waking up, eating and going to bed at the same time as you usually would’.

‘Use Zoom or other apps to talk to your contacts. My regular exercise class now meets on Zoom to keep in touch, and also to do a little supervised exercise.’

‘Visit museums and art galleries online. You can explore the National Gallery of Victoria exhibitions online, and hear from behind the scenes.’

‘Melbourne Zoo have live streaming of all their animals available online.’

‘We are so fortunate in Banyule to have access to such lovely parks and walks.’

‘One observation I’ve made since being home is the number of people out walking in the local neighborhood. I hope this continues when restrictions are reviewed. This is a positive to have come out of COVID-19. On Monday I walked over to the Montmorency shops to pick up a few things and passed 31 people on the walk, normally I can do this and not see anyone!’

‘We have found a new passion, bike riding! We now try to ride for 20-25 km each week and enjoy the freedom and recovery the next day!

‘To do something special and raise my spirits I order a take away dinner from my favourite restaurant in Ivanhoe once a week. Before the virus I would only go out on special occasions. I am able to get the dishes I enjoy and it’s cheaper! It supports a local business, and once a week it is a special treat in a tough time.’

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What’s onWorldwide Knit in Public Day

Calling Banyule knitters!

Saturday 13 June, 2pm - 4pm

Celebrate Worldwide Knit in Public Day with us online. Join in with other likeminded knitters for a friendly chat, and share what you are currently knitting. Prizes to be won, and all are welcome.

Please register your interest at https://www.trybooking.com/BJOEH

For any further information contact the Banyule Older Adults team on 9490 4365.

Victorian Seniors Festival Reimagined 2020 - Into the grooveThis year we are bringing the Festival to you through online performances, zoom interviews and story-telling, with three new broadcasts a week from 30 April.

2020 is the Festival’s 38th year. We invite you to get in the groove - with performances from many of your favourites and some new performers for you to enjoy.

Working to social distancing rules, hosts Tristan and Bec meet the performers from the comfort of their own homes using technology in ways we never knew were possible.

There are new themes, artists and entertainers each week, running all the way to October. Make sure you tune in! Check out the ‘VicGovDHHS’

YouTube channel, and the ‘2020 Seniors Festival’ playlist.

World Elder Abuse DayEvery year, 15 June marks the United Nations internationally recognised World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder abuse can happen in family or relationship, when someone in a position of trust causes harm to an older person. This harm can be through neglect or physical, emotional, sexual, social or financial abuse.

It is upsetting to see or think about an older person you care about being taken advantage of or mistreated-but there are things you can do to offer help or support.

Any of the following could be a warning sign of elder abuse:

• The older person seems fearful, worried or withdrawn.

• They seem nervous or anxious with certain people.

• Family and or friends are denied access to the person.

• They no longer go out socially or get involved in activities.

• Unexplained injuries such as bruises, broken bones, sprains, cuts etc.

• Unpaid bills, unusual activity in bank accounts or credit cards.

• Changes to a Will, title or other documents• Disappearance of possessions• Poor hygiene or personal care• Absence of needed health items: hearing

aids, dentures, medications

Seniors Rights Victoria can help any Victorian aged 60+, or any Indigenous Victorian aged 45+, on matters relating to elder abuse and ageing.

If you, or someone you know may be experiencing elder abuse, contact our free, confidential helpline on 1300 368 821.

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Winter 2020Support services

LivelyAre you interested in receiving some extra help to get online, or fix a problem?

Lively is an organisation with a vision, where all young and older people feel valued, connected and supported. You can access free and flexible technical support from Lively during this challenging time on 9070 4746.

Banyule City CouncilWe are providing extra services for older people who are experiencing new challenges due to Covid-19. We are encouraging all community members to keep safe, connected and healthy.

Do you, or someone you know, need help with:

• shopping for essential items

• delivered meals

• understanding and accessing other government support

• welfare checks for vulnerable older people.

Contact us on 9422 8388 for delivered meals or 9457 9972 for all other support service inquiries.

We also continue to offer the following services for older people in Banyule:

• domestic assistance

• personal care

• respite care

• property maintenance

Banyule Council can also connect you with a digital mentor, who have received training to support people to get online. Call Lauren Brooker on 9490 4365 or email lauren.brooker@banyule.vic.gov.au.

Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service

Members of the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service (YPRL) can still access the library service online, anytime. You don’t have to visit a library building to access membership benefits. Carry your library card in your pocket so that it is only ever a few taps away.

Use the YPRL ‘read later’ and ‘place on hold’ features to actively note the books you’re looking forward to reading, or try YPRL’s links to free music online.

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Banyule Leisure

Members of Banyule Leisure are now able to keep active in new ways, from the comfort and safety of their own homes, receiving access to:

• 800+ free workout subscription to Les Mills on demand portal – ability to workout at home and follow group fitness class sessions online.

• Technogym T-Wellness app – workout from home with three new workouts every day and ongoing featured programs.

• Hard copy/digital home exercise programs emailed or hand delivered to our Senior members.

• Spin bike hire arranged and supplied to members.

• Remote personalised exercise and programming advice (email and phone).

• ZOOM meetings with our older adults to stay in touch.

• Equipment provision to our older adult participants to encourage exercise while isolated.

The broader Banyule community now have access to:

• Online workouts filmed and posted to Facebook – Pilates, Yoga, Barre Sculpt, Senior Strength and Stretch, LLLS, Cycle and HIIT/Metafit

• Search Ivanhoe Aquatic on Facebook, or Banyule Leisure on YouTube, to access the range of videos for free! There is something for everyone.

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Banyule Community HealthBanyule Community Health is still open and always here for you.

At Banyule Community Health we’re committed to maintaining access to services and support for our clients and staff, however the way in which we provide these services may look a little different.

The following services are still available:

• Medical

• Physical Health - Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Speech Pathology

• Mental Health

• Alcohol and Drug Support

• Gambling Support

• Community Legal Service

• Social Support – including Emergency Relief, Social Work Support, Financial and Material Support and Himilo Community Connect.

• Emergency Dental

To access services or if you have a question, please call on 9450 2000.

West Heidelberg Community Legal We have been providing free legal services to the community for more than 40 years.

We can help you navigate a range of legal issues that can arise or get worse during this time.

If you have any questions or want to find out if we can assist you, give us a call on 9450 2002. If we’re not the best service for you, we will connect you with the one that is.

Age in Focus - FeedbackOn the back of this newsletter, there is space for you to provide feedback on the Age in Focus newsletter. We would love to hear what information you would like to see included in future editions, and any other thoughts you may have to help us improve this newsletter.

Also, if you want to receive this newsletter electronically please complete the form on the reverse and send it to us at:

Aged Service PO Box 94 GREENSBOROUGH VIC 3088

or alternatively call us on 9490 4222 or email us at agefriendly@banyule.vic.gov.au

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How to contact your councilFor all enquiries or information about any Council service:

Telephone: 9490 4222 Email: enquiries@banyule.vic.gov.au Website: banyule.vic.gov.au

If your hearing or speech is impaired, you can call us through the National Relay Service on 133 677 (TTY) or 1300 555 727(ordinary handset) and ask for 9490 4222.

Postal Address: PO Box 94, Greensborough 3088 Council Service Centres: Greensborough: Level 3, 1 Flintoff Street (inside WaterMarc)

Visit Council’s website for other centre locations.

Office Hours of Opening: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm Rosanna - Mon - Fri 10am - noon and 1pm - 4pm

Interpreter service: If you need an interpreter, please contact TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be connected to Banyule Council on 9490 4222.

Join the mailing list or provide feedbackEvery suggestion is an opportunity for improvement which will help us enrich our newsletter.

Contact Banyule City Council - Aged Services PO Box 94 Greensborough Vic 3088

phone: 9490 4222 email: agefriendly@banyule.vic.gov.au

Please complete the following form and return it to Aged Services. Alternatively you can call on 9490 4222.

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