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 local services allow seniors to balance their priorities with ease, making time for both the necessary and the fun.

Denture experts at the cutting edge

Fringe Dentures is a direct-to-the-public denture clinic that helps with dentures plus mouthguards and other services such as denture cleaning. 

“We’re embracing new technology to make sure we get the best service and quality of work, and a better customer experience,” says owner Terry McHugh.

“We’ve transitioned to digital denture and mouthguard manufacturing, which has revolutionised our processes. 

“We were doing high-quality work before, and we’re doing even higher quality work now because of the new technology that we’re using.”

Terry says that the business has expanded to include another clinic in Hawker, as well as expanding to other regional locations such as Jindabyne and Gundagai.

“We’re still servicing the industry through a lot of partner dentists,” says Terry. “And you can claim through your health funds.”

“The most important thing, and the most enjoyable thing is seeing happy customers walking out with their new dentures. 

“Customer satisfaction is our reward.”

Fringe Dentures, 3/24 Iron Knob Street, Fyshwick, 6/108 Hawker Place, Hawker. Call 6239 2534 or visit fringedentures.com.au 

‘Comprehensive’ radiology services

“I-Med is Australia’s largest diagnostic imaging network, we cover all metropolitan areas and quite significant parts of rural and regional Australia,” says Sue Kloet, national marketing manager.

“Overall, wexa’ve got about 240 diagnostic imaging clinics across Australia, so that means we perform around six million patient exams every year,” she says. 

“There’s about 400 specialist radiologists working and about 4000 staff, so it’s a significant imaging provider.

I-Med Radiology has four diagnostic imaging clinics in Canberra, and Sue says each of them offer comprehensive services, with MRI services available at each.

“There are specialist radiologists,specialist technicians and specialist doctors working,” she says.

“A technician runs the machine, then we have radiographers, who are university qualified people, and then behind the scenes is a doctor who reports the examination.”

Sue says that patients must have a referral from their doctor before making appointments. 

I-med Radiology clinics are at 90 Corinna Street, Woden; 40 Cameron Avenue, Belconnen; 167 Soward Way, Tuggeranong and 161 Strickland Crescent, Deakin.

Law firm with a focus on wills and estates

As one of Canberra’s largest independent law firms, MV Law delivers a comprehensive range of specialised legal services. 

Multiple award-winning MV Law Partner, Tanya Herbertson, and her team offer a wealth of experience in wills and estate planning and disputes. Tanya says she’s been in the industry for more than 20 years and loves connecting with her clients.

“Personal law is just that: personal. All the expertise in the world doesn’t mean anything if you don’t also have the emotional IQ to truly put yourself in someone else’s shoes,” she says.

Tanya says that their focus is on estate planning, making wills, and organising people’s power of attorney, as well as answering questions about guardianship issues and tribunal issues. 

“I love the people side of it, I love hearing people’s stories, hearing their issues or problems and helping them to work out a path forward.”

MV Law, Level 2, 121 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic. Call 6279 4444 or visit mvlaw.com.au

Guided physiotherapy to get rid of aches and pains

“As we get older, we often notice deterioration in our ability to carry out normal daily tasks. There is also the risk of falling and sustaining a serious injury,” says Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic director Roy Daniell.

“We don’t notice it from day to day, but ageing happens to all of us.”

He says that without guided intervention, many people lose muscle bulk, bone density, balance, mobility and strength, with many middle-aged and older people also heading towards type 2 diabetes.

“Exercise really is the magic bullet,” says Roy.

“Our passion at Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic is working together with our patients to improve their quality of life.” 

While they work with people of all ages, Roy says the team loves to help older Canberrans improve their lives with personalised exercise programs.

“It’s so good to see people of almost any age get stronger, healthier and happier,” says Roy. 

“It takes a bit of commitment and instructions from our physiotherapists, but it almost always works.

“We work with people to help them reach their individual goals.

“Many people know they should do something, but don’t know how to start. That is where we come in. 

“Lots of people walk, but the best results come from adding appropriate level balance and strength exercises.”

Belconnen Physiotherapy Clinic, 1/20 Purdue Street Belconnen. Call 6251 3487 or visit belconnen.physio

Exercise options to suit all abilities

No matter what type of chronic pain condition people may have, Arthritis ACT can offer support, says CEO Rebecca Davey.

“It’s important to remain active at all ages, and particularly as we age, we need to ensure we maintain our balance and strength”, she says.

“Our strength and balance classes run across Canberra and are a great introduction to people who maybe haven’t exercised intentionally in many years.

“For something different, for those that don’t like structured classes, we offer Nordic Walking instruction. 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 do Pilates and Tai Chi for falls prevention at both of our 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. We also offer a dance class for seniors – Sassy Seniors. No previous dance experience is required!”

She says Arthritis ACT also offers services such as exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and a broad range of education and support groups 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, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

Kim’s passionate about improving homes

Kim Persson, owner of Renovation Matters, is passionate about helping seniors to renovate before selling their home, to ensure they move on to the next stage of their life with more money.

She says there are many reasons why older Canberrans may be moving, to be closer to loved ones, to downsize, to move into a retirement village, relieve financial distress or their home has too many hazards, such as too many stairs.

“We can help you renovate to ensure your house is sold quicker and for the best possible price,” says Kim.

“We also ensure you have good reliable traders that will not rip you off or take you for a ride.

“We manage it all and remove the stress of having to do it yourself.”

 Kim says they can fund the renovations until settlement with their Fix Up, Profit, Pay Later option or provide a pay-as-you-go option.

“We want our seniors to feel valued and looked after in the renovation space and not taken advantage of,” she says.

“We also would like to relieve the stress for anyone needing to move to a smaller, more affordable property, resulting in reduced expenses, increased cash flow, and enhanced financial security. Allowing them to enjoy their retirement.” 

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

Retirement village with a warm Italian accent

Villaggio Sant’ Antonio was established by the Italian community for older Australian Italians to maintain links with the Italian community, says general manager Katrina Cubit.

“Now nearly 40 years on from initial inception, Villaggio welcomes all cultures and nationalities,” she says.

“The board of directors, chaired by Mr Dominic De Marco, works closely with the management team to continuously improve the quality of care and services delivered to permanent and respite residents living both in the residential aged-care facilities and in the 60 independent living units.”

Katrina says the facility, located close to Belconnen shops, is set among beautiful, landscaped gardens and boasts a contemporary new wing with 29 generously proportioned single ensuite rooms.

“The facility offers a chapel and hairdressing salon, and our lovely hairdresser ensures each resident looks their best for regular events catered for by our onsite kitchens delivering fresh and tasty meals,” she says.

“Villaggio has two buses to offer planned outings to places of interest throughout the Canberra region. Residents enjoy the services of 24-hour registered nurses, a qualified team of care staff plus physiotherapists, a dietitian, speech therapist and podiatrist.

“Everything we do is driven by our universal mission to enhance the lives of ageing adults and their families.”

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

Law team with a focus on helping seniors

From buying and selling properties to new relationships, separations and general family law advice, seniors can face the same legal situations as younger people, says KJB Law’s estate planning special counsel Kerstin Glomb.

“While my area of expertise is estate planning, wills and enduring powers of attorney, as well as superannuation, [which includes] ensuring the proper nominations go where it should, there are many occasions where the legalities of a situation applies to any age,” says Kerstin, who is also a notary public.

Kerstin says KJB Law looks after people’s affairs, including grant of probate, wills and family trusts, too. 

KJB Law says it has invested in specialised solicitors and staff to practice across a range of areas including estate planning, family law, conveyancing and commercial law to ensure that it’s always able to provide prompt attention and high-quality legal services.

Its principals, Andrew Freer, Des Moore and Jo Twible, say they present the human side of the legal profession making the law more approachable and easier to understand. 

And, Jo Twible has expertise in retirement village contracts, including aged-care entry and exit, and inter-family transfers.

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

Support with navigating vision loss

The Eyes For Life Canberra initiative helps people with vision impairment, vision loss and things such as age-related macular degeneration, says Heather Fitzpatrick, board member for Canberra Blind Society and volunteer at Eyes For Life Canberra. 

“We offer things like an outreach service, occupational therapists and counselling to help people navigate the changes in their eyesight,” she says.

“It’s a pretty devastating thing when your eyes deteriorate and you’re not able to see things the way you used to. 

“I am blind myself and so I feel passionate about helping other people who are experiencing a loss in vision or a change in vision and to help them navigate these changes.

“It’s always nice to have an ear to talk to about how you can adjust to living in this new way.”

Heather says they also have a retail outlet with numerous items that are helpful for people with low vision, located in their main office. 

The services at Eyes For Life are available for anyone needing support, and Heather says it is easy to make an appointment with the outreach officer, who will assist in deciding what is the best thing for clients.

To help raise funds for clients who don’t have the resources to help themselves, Heather says Eyes For Life Canberra will run an Easter egg raffle, with a four kilogram egg as the first prize.

Raffle tickets can be purchased on their website, with the draw at the end of March.

Eyes For Life Canberra, 20 Genge Street, Canberra. Call 6176 3470 or visit eflc.org.au

Empowering independence in Canberra

Open Mobility provides high-quality mobility and accessibility equipment, says Kim Nelson, Belconnen and Tuggeranong showroom manager. 

“We are assistive technology specialists and authorised DVA equipment providers, NDIS registered, MND partners and much more,” she says Kim 

“We stock an extensive range of equipment and a range of brands including Afikim, Canterbury Concepts, DeVilbiss, Invacare, Karma, Merits, Otto Bock, Pride, Kcare, Theorem and more.

“With our service area, 300km from any of our showrooms, Open Mobility offers free delivery on all purchases over $50.

Kim says their lowest prices policy applies to any lower price on an item that is in stock and available for delivery or collection on the same day from a competitor’s physical store in Australia. 

“It applies where our competitor’s price, including GST and delivery charge, is lower than our price,” she says.

“Open Mobility is committed to providing cost effective, easy to use and fit for purpose, assistive technology equipment to our customers.”

Open Mobility, 32 Cohen Street, Belconnen and 310 Anketell Street, Greenway. Call 6108 3899, or visit openmobility.com.au

The importance of an up-to-date will

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators helps clients wishing to update their will, says director Ken Hubert. 

“This will often mean completing an enduring power of attorney as well as a will,” he says.

“If people don’t have a will, it means their possessions are instead distributed by the rules of intestacy.

“This distribution means that your spouse, family member or friend will have to apply to the court to be appointed administrator before they can handle your estate.

“This can be costly and time-consuming. 

“Completing an enduring power of attorney to address later-in-life challenges, as well as a will, assists loved ones to care for you in the manner you wish when the time comes.”

Ken says Capon and Hubert have been helping people with their legal matters for more than 35 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.

“Our team is focused on giving honest and expert advice at all times,” says Ken.

“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.” 

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

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. Visit drvasshearing.com.au or call 6282 2717.

 

Protecting seniors from discrimination

“Senior Canberrans are protected from discrimination and unfair treatment under ACT law,” says Discrimination, Health Services, Disability and Community Services Commissioner at the ACT Human Rights Commission, Karen Toohey.

“This means that you or someone you care for doesn’t have to put up with discrimination or unfair treatment because of age, where you live, disability or family and carer responsibilities.”

The Commission can help seniors with matters relating to discrimination in employment, housing and accommodation, provision of health services, issues with residential aged care providers or in-home aged care services, physical or psychological abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.

“We are told that some older people do not want to report abuse or exploitation because they are concerned about the impact on family relationships or the care and support they receive,” says Toohey.

“The benefit of our process is that it can be anonymous. We work towards the outcome the older person is seeking – that might be the return of money or assets, or for a person to move out of their home so they feel safe.

“Where the older person wants the relationship maintained we work with them, and the other people involved, to make arrangements for the ongoing relationship.”

Commissioner Toohey also says that people sometimes think their issue is too small or too individual to make a complaint. 

“Or they think a matter would need to go to court or involve the police, so they may prefer not to raise their concerns,” she says. 

“We know these types of issues impact on people’s health and wellbeing and their participation in public life so we encourage people to give us a call and talk about their options.”

All services are free and confidential.

ACT Human Rights Commission, call 6205 2222 or visit hrc.act.gov.au

When hearing aids aren’t enough

“By age 65, one in three people will have hearing loss – an experience associated with social withdrawal, depression, anxiety, and is an independent risk factor for dementia,” says Deakin ear, nose and throat surgeon, Dr Tim Makeham.

“But there is something you can do to manage this risk and maintain your quality of life.”

Dr Makeham says the NextSense Cochlear implant program has supported more than 5000 people to access a better world of sound, making it Australia’s largest and most comprehensive program.

“At NextSense, you have access to leading surgeons, an expert team of health professionals, and the latest technologies – often with no out-of-pocket costs,” he says.

“If you are over the age of 50, it is important to have regular hearing tests with an audiologist who can manage your hearing loss in a timely manner,” Dr Makeham says.

Because NextSense is local, people can have their Cochlear implant surgery, and associated therapy in Canberra. 

Clients are referred to a local ENT surgeon with consultation rooms in Deakin, and the team of qualified audiologists, speech pathologists and other staff are there to support people before and after surgery.

Alan Edwards’ life has completely changed after receiving a Cochlear implant. 

When Alan’s hearing loss increased over time, he became distant, withdrawing from society and his family. He had virtually no hearing left and described himself as “desperate” for a solution. Hearing aids were no longer working for him.

He now has Cochlear implants in both ears.

“NextSense helped me understand my hearing loss and I really felt confident with the professionalism,” Alan says.

“The impact it has had on me and my life is beyond measure.”

NextSense, Equinox Business Park, Equinox 4 Level 1, 70 Kent Street, Deakin. Call 1300 581 391 or visit nextsense.org.au

Nordic walking offers a gentle, effective workout

Nordic walking is one of the most affordable and fun ways to get moving, and stay active and healthy, so seniors can keep doing all the things they love, says Kristen Pratt, of Capital Nordic Walking. 

“Exercise, when done properly, is proven to boost health,” she says.

“Even a few minutes every day can strengthen the immune system, improve brain function, reverse the effects of ageing in the heart, and may even improve your memory.

“Exercise can also be a boon to mental health.”

Nordic walking is an incredible fitness activity, Kristen says, it’s fun, super effective, and convenient.

“It suits all ages and fitness levels and is suitable for people with health and mobility challenges like Parkinson’s, arthritis or balance problems,” she says.

“It’s a low-impact, total-body workout – as gentle as walking – but delivering results that are proven to be way better than walking, jogging or cycling. 

“It doubles the number of muscles being worked to over 90 per cent, can blast as many calories as running, strengthens your upper body and core, improves your posture, and takes a huge amount of strain off your legs, hips and back. 

“Best of all, it’s fun to do with friends and family.” 

Capital Nordic Walking is with you all the way, says Kristen.

“We offer all of our graduates access to our wonderful Community Outreach Program of free supported Nordic walks across Canberra every week; a ‘Nordic-Walkie-Talkie’ followed by coffee… what’s not to love?”

Capital Nordic Walking. Email hello@capitalnordicwalking.com.au, or visit capitalnordicwalking.com.au

Changing aged care with personalised in-home support

The way we look at aged care is changing, especially with the push towards personalised, in-home support, says the team at Northside Community Service. 

“Seeing the difference this kind of care makes to people, particularly those using their National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) packages, has been incredibly rewarding,” they say. 

“The NDIS has been a game-changer, allowing people to tailor their care to their unique situations.

“We aim to make navigating the NDIS simpler.” 

For the staff at Northside Community Service, it’s all about understanding what each person needs and helping them find the right support. 

“Our approach is all about offering care that not only meets basic needs but genuinely enhances lives, promoting independence and allowing individuals to flourish at home and in their communities,” they say.

“Our mission,” to put it simply, “is to turn challenges into opportunities,” they say. 

“We focus on creating personalised care plans that are flexible and adapt to changing needs. 

“For those managing their own NDIS packages, we’re here to offer expertise and support, helping them to live their lives to the fullest.

“As we move forward, our commitment is to keep evolving our services to meet the changing needs of our clients, building a care partnership based on choice, respect, and independence.” 

They say the goal at Northside Community Service is to continue to innovate, and provide care that’s not just about support but about making a real difference in people’s lives.

Northside Community Service, 2 Rosevear Place, Dickson. Call 6171 8088, or visit northside.asn.au

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 risk 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.

“If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, don’t panic, come and talk with us,” says Natalie.

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