This week “CityNews” speaks with the people and services passionate about improving the lives of Canberra’s older community.

FROM looking after their health to getting their affairs in order, these Canberra businesses know the importance of helping older citizens in the community.

This expertise allows seniors to balance their priorities with ease, making time for both the necessary and the fun.

“CityNews” speaks with the people and services passionate about improving the lives of Canberra’s older community.

Building connections and confidence

HAVING spent more than 30 years in the travel industry and being very frustrated at not being able to offer solo travellers what they wanted – no single supplements and something specific for solo travellers – Denise Falsay opened Solo Connections in 2015.

“Prior to registering the business, I did a lot of research and found there was a large number of solo travellers that were just too afraid to travel on their own,” she says.

“They may have had a partner that no longer wanted to or couldn’t travel, got recently divorced or became a widow and the thought of travelling again on their own was just too daunting.

“With this in mind I made the decision to create tours that would provide everyone with the sanctuary of their own private room, at least two meals each day and all the must-see sightseeing. I also believed that it was very important to have a host travel with the group to make sure that everyone was being looked after and that everything ran smoothly throughout the tour; someone on hand 24/7 if needed.”

Denise says, put quite simply, she cares.

“What drives my passion is the positive feedback that we receive from clients, the friendships that we see forming on tour and hearing that we have given someone back their confidence.”

Solo Connections. Call 1300 044444, or visit soloconnections.com.au

Capital Nordic Walking needs volunteers

KRISTEN Pratt, founding director of Capital Nordic Walking, says they have taught more than 3000 Canberrans to Nordic walk, and it changes lives every day.

“Nordic walking blends walking with cross-country skiing – it uses the whole body, is low impact, takes strain off your joints, and the poles provide additional stability,” she says.

“For people with painful arthritic joints, ex-runners, people with Parkinson’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis, and older people who’ve lost their strength and confidence in walking – the poles enable them to move safely and easily, and often with a lot less pain.”

Capital Nordic Walking volunteer development guru, Lynn Bloomfield,
says learning to Nordic walk is just the first step.

“What keeps people moving is our Nordic walking community outreach program – where Nordic walkers of all ages and fitness levels get together for a supported walking, talking workout – finishing up with a coffee,” says Lynn.

Kristen and Lynn say Capital Nordic Walking needs more volunteers to enable them to expand their free, supported Nordic walking groups across Canberra so that everyone who wants to join can easily make it.

“Importantly – you don’t need to be a Nordic walker to volunteer with us! Volunteers simply need a love of walking outdoors and chatting” they say.

Capital Nordic Walking. Visit capitalnordicwalking.com.au/pages/volunteers-capital-nordic-walking-angels

Dr Vass offers life-changing hearing help

GETTING help with hearing loss is all about improving communication and gaining clarity, says Dr Vass Hearing Clinic principal Dr William Vass.

Offering professional, independent advice and treatment, Dr Vass says taking the first step with a hearing test can be life-changing.

“We know hearing loss can be linked to anxiety, isolation, anger, relationship issues, work issues and miscommunication in general,” he says.

“After treatment or rehabilitation patients can find it a lot easier to get along with people, don’t have to guess so much and are much more confident in their communication skills, especially with their partner.”

While hearing loss can come with ageing, Dr Vass says it can also often affect young people too.

“Those exposed to loud noises in military and construction fields can experience hearing loss. Some people might be genetically exposed to hearing loss or there could be viral infections,” he says.

“It’s very important to act early. Waiting too long can start to see a disconnect between the brain and the ear.

“We find that those people who put off getting help with their hearing loss for long periods don’t have as successful outcomes as those who seek help earlier.”

Dr Vass says patients have the certainty that they’ll be seeing him when they visit the clinic and that he will provide one-on-one, tailored care and advice.

“It’s rewarding to help people not be so isolated, and help improve their communication with others, especially their loved ones,” he says.

Dr Vass Hearing Clinic, suite 14, John James Medical Centre, 175 Strickland Crescent, Deakin. Call 6282 2717 or visit drvasshearing.com.au

Behind the scenes of Norwood Park Crematorium

NORWOOD Park Crematorium has provided a beautiful and tranquil setting for memorials and ceremonies since 1966, says general manager Michael Bridges.

“Norwood Park has a variety of memorial gardens that provide both peace and tranquillity, and on May 30, we are running a behind the scenes talk and information night”, he says.

“It will start from 5.30pm to 7pm at the memorial chapel, and will include talks from industry leaders and professionals to answer questions.

“We will cover the topics relating to end-of-life care, and we will also be debunking some popular myths as well.

“So, please join us for an informative night about the cemetery and funeral industry, with drinks and light refreshments provided.”

Michael says it’s absolutely essential they receive any RSVPs by the end of the day on May 24.

Norwood Park Crematorium, 65 Sandford Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 3177, or visit norwoodpark.com.au

In-home care provides happier ageing

NURSE Next Door provides in-home care services so that seniors can continue to live in their own homes as they age, says managing director Kylie Williams.

“Our focus is on happier ageing and making lives better,” says Kylie.

“We’re all about holistic care of the individual and focusing on their daily needs as well as their mental health needs.”

Whether it’s meal prep, housekeeping, transport or just providing some companionship, Kylie says the trained team at Nurse Next Door prioritises the needs of their clients.

“We meet with the clients to look at what their requirements are. Then we build a care plan around that,” says Kylie.

“Some clients may engage us for one visit per week, other clients may be every day. It really depends on them.”

Kylie says Nurse Next Door also asks clients what they like doing and builds their hobbies and interests into their care.

“We understand how important social connection is to everybody’s mental health. We are always looking for opportunities for our clients to get out and about in the community,” she says.

“It may be as simple as going down to the local coffee shop, for a walk or to events such as Floriade.”

Nurse Next Door. Call 1300 600247 or visit nursenextdoor.com.au

Individual strategies the ‘forte’ of Greenlight

LOCAL chartered accounting firm Greenlight Super Services is run by owners Vanessa Rae and Danielle Rodda, and senior manager Noelia Pinto.

Specialising in self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF), Vanessa and Danielle have a combined total of 50 years of chartered accounting experience and are accredited specialists by the SMSF Association.

“Being a smaller firm, Greenlight is able to be agile with the changing technology and ever changing legislation to the benefit of its clients,” says Danielle.

“SMSF is an area of accounting that can provide strategies for retirement that greatly minimise tax.

“We provide a personal-service solution, we want to help people get the best out of their superannuation and we care about their futures.”

Noelia says she discovered a passion for SMSFs and providing strategic advice and solutions to assist clients with preparing for retirement.

“It’s very refreshing to work with other like-minded SMSF specialists. There is no other practice in Canberra that has the same breadth of experience as we have combined,” says Noelia.

Together, they say Greenlight takes pride in being able to help others navigate their annual compliance, provide strategic advice for wealth-creation goals and investment structuring.

Located at Marcus Clarke Street in Civic, Greenlight also provides services remotely via its online portal and video calls.

“We understand that no two clients are the same, so individual strategies are our forte. We have the skills, knowledge and process that will make a difference,” says Vanessa.

Greenlight Super Services, visit greenlightsuper.com.au or call 6273 1066.

The importance of getting screened for diabetes

DIABETES Australia operations manager NSW ACT Natalie Smith says that as people get older their risks of diabetes also increase.

“Unfortunately, as we get older the pancreas produces less insulin meaning there’s a higher risk, especially for type 2 diabetes,” she says.

“That’s why it’s so important for us to continue raising awareness, for people to have a conversation with their GP or health-care provider and get screened every year.”

Natalie says that the earlier diabetes is detected, the faster treatment and lifestyle changes can begin to stop or delay complications such as heart disease and amputations.

“There is support out there, and I am seeing more and more stories of people who are diagnosed early that are going into remission,” she says.

“Nationally, 5.6 per cent of people have diabetes, in the ACT there are more than 20,000 living with it too.”

She says Diabetes Australia has an online calculator where people can measure how much risk they’re at of the chronic illness.

“It calculates cultural, genetic and lifestyle factors that contribute, and we encourage everyone to do it,” says Natalie. 

It’s just one of the many services the organisation offers to help people living with the condition, including a membership support package that allows people to learn from others living with diabetes.

“If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, don’t panic, call us. We’re here to help,” says Natalie.

Diabetes Australia, visit diabetesaustralia.com.au or call 1800 177055.

Improving homes in a stress-free way

AS the owner of Renovation Matters, Kim Persson says her love of renovating has seen her take her passion from a hobby to a successful business.

With more than 40 renovations under her belt, she’s got the experience and know-how to transform homes to the best effect.

“If you are finding current times difficult, or struggling with the pressure of cost-of-living or a higher mortgage and you need to sell, we can help you to maximise your sales price,” says Kim.

“Or if you’re looking at moving into the next phase of your life and downsizing, we can help to take the stress away.

“We can also renovate to add in shower rails or seats.

“We can do as much or as little as you like. Some people just hand us the keys and don’t return until the auction.”

Kim says times are changing and it’s important to strategise.

“It’s becoming more important to give your house an uplift, making sure the home is well presented,” she says.

“I’m hearing from some real estate agents that houses that are unrenovated or needing repairs are sitting on the market and not moving.

Renovation Matters offers a “fix up, profit and pay later” process in which they can cover upfront renovation costs before settlement.

“We can fund improvements until settlement,” she says.

“There’s nothing we can’t do to help make the renovation a stress-free experience.”

Renovation Matters, visit renovationmatters.com.au or call Kim on 0427 696662.

Support in navigating aged care services

A NEW service to support older citizens navigate the aged-care system has launched, and Northside Community Service is one of the organisations providing the new Care Finder program in Canberra, says aged-care manager Pema Sherpa.

“Care Finder supports older people who would not be able to arrange aged-care services without intensive support and do not have a family member or friends who can help,” she says.

“We’ve been providing aged-care services in-home for a long time.

“One of the things that we’ve noticed is that Australia’s aged-care system is complicated, and for many older people out there it can be a huge challenge to even know what services they can receive.

“Care Finder is funded by the government through the Capital Health Network to help. The northside team can help people understand what aged-care services are available, set up an assessment and find and choose services.”

Pema says they also help people with access to other supports in the community, and they can help with both accessing services for the first time and changing or finding new services and supports.

“Having someone to actually meet with you, work with you, and help see what support you can get is so important for many older people,” says registered nurse and Northside’s care coordinator Doris Ekwegwo.

“As Care Finders, we are really here to help.”

Northside Community Service, 2 Rosevear Place, Dickson. Call 6171 8000, or visit northside.asn.au

Enlightening people on their legal options

TAKING the first step in estate planning is often an enlightening experience, with many people surprised to find out what they’re actually worth, says KJB Law’s estate planning special counsel Kerstin Glomb.

“I have clients who believe they don’t own much, but then when we walk through things like superannuation and life insurance they’re surprised to find out how much they’re actually worth and what they have to organise,” she says.

“After that initial meeting I find people feel a lot of relief and peace of mind that they’ve started the process.”

Although it can be an uncomfortable topic to approach, Kerstin says estate planning is something everyone should think about and KJB takes pride in helping ease the burden and making clients feel comfortable.

“We guide people through what options they have and what they should address so that they can take charge in providing protection for themselves and their loved ones,” says Kerstin.

“It’s about working out with a client who are the right people in their family or broader surroundings and then structuring their document to reflect that.

“There’s nothing better than when people say after signing that they’re happy to have it in place, feel comfortable and most importantly that they understand what they’ve signed.”

KJB Law, ground floor, 10 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au

 

Exercise options to suit all abilities

ARTHRITIS ACT can support people no matter what type of chronic pain condition they have, says CEO, Rebecca Davey.

“We now have a new, full-time physiotherapist, to help give more access to physiotherapy treatment,” she says.

“It’s important to remain active at all ages, to condition muscles that protect against injury”, and Arthritis ACT has solutions for people of varying abilities.

“We have Nordic Walking classes. We’re teaching people how to walk with poles, which is a great, low-impact aerobic activity for everyone.”

Rebecca says it’s also important to build strength in different areas of the body.

“We now run Pilates from both locations, Pearce and Bruce,” and, as an added benefit for Arthritis ACT members, “we have free, online exercise classes every week from Tuesday to Thursday.”

That’s only the start, Rebecca says, with Arthritis ACT also offering services such as exercise physiology, disability support and meal planning to help people in managing their pain.

“People come to us because we know the condition. About 50 per cent of our staff live with chronic pain, so we understand how chronic pain can affect all parts of a person’s life,” she says.

“No task or question is too big or small for us.”

Arthritis ACT, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

Medical practice expands team with experience

SIAN Medical Centre, which opened in October, provides a wide range of general practice services including, but not limited to, vaccinations (including for COVID-19), help with managing chronic disease, skin cancer excision and skin checks, men’s health and women’s health issues and mental health issues, says Dr Sharin De Silva.

“We mainly focus on preventing chronic disease and improving community health to minimise unexpected presentations to emergency departments,” he says.

“I have worked in different areas of medicine including anaesthesia, emergency medicine and ICU, and I’ve also worked as a rural general practitioner.

“I decided to provide these services, with my experience, to the local community through Sian Medical Centre.”

Sian Medical has just gained a new female practitioner, Dr Iranthi De Silva.

“She joined the practice on April 1,” says Sharin.

“She is a practitioner with 20 years’ experience and she has a special interest in women’s health and contraception.

“She is also an accredited contraceptive devices – intra-uterine and subcutaneous – insertion and removal provider.

“She also speaks fluent Mandarin and Sinhalese, and has a basic knowledge of Tamil.”

Sharin says the practice is a private billing practice, but they bulk bill children under 16-years-old, and people older than 65 with a pension card, on most occasions.

Sian Medical Centre, 89/275 Flemington Road, Franklin. Call 6106 9166 or visit sianmedical.com.au

Keeping retired minds stimulated

UNIVERSITY of the 3rd Age (U3A) in Canberra prides itself on the opportunities it provides for engagement and intellectual stimulation for its members, primarily retirees, says vice president Alex Gosman.

“In addition to a multitude of courses catering to all interests, U3A also runs a number of programs that are open to all members,” he says.

“This includes the very popular ‘walks and tours’ where walks can vary from a few hours to a full day and tours from half a day to a week or more.

“Weekly Tuesday forums (via Zoom) attract a range of leading experts on local events, politics, science, the environment and international events and run for an hour including Q&As.”

Alex says U3A is launching a series of quarterly “topical insights” where members will have the opportunity to hear first hand a range of Australia’s leading commentators and experts discuss and debate issues of relevance to Australian society.

“The first topical insight is to be held on June 7, ‘How history shapes us: Australia Then and Now’,” he says.

“It will examine how responses to major societal issues (environmental, first nations, equality) have changed and shaped us as a nation.”

U3A Canberra, Hughes Community Centre, Wisdom Street, Hughes. Call 6281 6998, or visit u3acanberra.org.au

Aged care living with a multicultural focus

A SPOKESPERSON for Villaggio Sant’ Antonio says the aged-care facility has a focus on multicultural residents, and says “mixing with other cultures is a good thing.”

“It’s good for a lot of the residents to mix, and they are better able to understand each other.”

Villaggio has provided aged-care services and accommodation since 1992, and the spokesperson says the staff focus on promoting and providing activities and entertainment for the residents.

“We have coffee days, we have themed days, we do a lot of things to make them happy. It’s a really homely feeling.

The spokesperson says Villaggio treats residents as if they were “our own family.”

“Villaggio tries to give more of a closeness in looking after people and in personal care, and we try to make their stay here very pleasant. 

“We also try to cater for as much as we can that helps residents enjoy their lives, even if they’re restricted by age or illness.”

Villaggio Sant’ Antonio, 35 Burkitt Street, Page. Call 6255 1794, or visit villaggio.com.au

A high level of care and respect

COMMUNITY Services #1 began in 1987 as Southside Community Services, but changed to Community Services #1 in 2016, says aged-care services co-ordinator Sarah Marshall.

“It was established to support the Canberra community, and over the past year has provided 1.5 million hours of emotional and practical support to thousands of individuals and families across the ACT and NSW,” she says.

“Our ACT programs include aged care services such as home care packages, seniors groups and community transport, and the organisation also offers early education and care, a food pantry, venue hire, social groups and out of hospital care.”

Sarah says it’s their people that make them stand out.

“We consistently receive feedback from clients and their families telling us how much they appreciate the high level of care they receive and that the clients feel respected and heard. It makes us realise we’re doing it right,” she says.

“The reality is that we all know someone, whether it’s a family member or a friend, who is ageing. Ageing can be scary and lonely, and it’s sad to think that there are many Australians going through this alone.

“So our team have a passion for supporting vulnerable, elderly clients who are needing assistance to live safely, happily and independently within their home. It’s also really rewarding knowing that you get to support and improve people’s quality of life.”

Community Services #1, 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah. Call 6126 4700, or visit communityservices1.org

Helping through the complexities of self-managed super

THE Super Co is a self managed super fund (SMSF) accounting firm located in Braddon, says director Joy Kulavong.

“Super Co opened in May 2021 to help people manage their SMSF and make sure it complies with Australian Taxation Office and legislation,” she says.

“I have always worked in SMSF, for more than eight years, but I wanted to grow my own potential so I started Super Co.

“I strive to have a personal approach and connection with my clients, and I want to help others to manage and stay in control of their money.

“It’s especially important to me with new clients that we do a face-to-face meeting, spending quality, and non-restricted, time getting to know them and their situation.”

Joy says the reason personal service is so important to her is that having a SMSF gives people more control.

“So, having that connection helps me to understand why they have decided to manage their super in that way,” she says.

“I am then able to provide the best service possible, whilst ensuring clients understand financial concepts along the way.

The Super Co, Unit 102, level 1, 27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Call 6171 1520, or visit thesuperco.com.au

The importance of an up-to-date will 

CAPON and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators can help clients update their will as they get older to ensure their wishes are respected, says wills and estate-planning lawyer Ashilpa Khanna.

Unfortunately, Ashilpa says some people don’t have a will, which means their possessions are instead distributed by the “rules of intestacy”.

“This distribution means that someone – your spouse or a family member – will have to apply to the court to be appointed administrator before they can handle your estate,” she says. 

This can be costly and time-consuming, she says. 

For seniors, even if they have a will, Ashilpa says it’s important to periodically review it, especially after significant events such as when children get married to their partners or the birth of a grandchild. 

“At the forefront of people’s minds is making sure their financial and legal affairs are in order, so that in the event of a crisis, their loved ones are secure and can be provided for as intended,” she says. 

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators has been helping people with their legal matters for more than 34 years and can also help seniors with a range of legal issues in areas such as family law, children’s matters, conveyancing, and power of attorney.

“We are focused on giving honest and expert advice at all times,” she says.

“Our staff are experienced in their fields and we take pride in knowing that they will always use common sense, respect, courtesy and good judgement when dealing with clients.”

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au