Social outings, coffee dates, shopping and more – it’s all in a day’s work for some of Nowra’s seniors.
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Community Gateway has recently relaunched a number of My Aged Care programs.
The government incentive supports the cost associated with social outings and also allows services to link in with the elderly and find them organisations that can provide them with help to get out and about.
Community Gateway’s Kat Munson program developer is hoping to encourage more seniors to become involved with the many opportunities on offer.
She said the activities help reduce mental health issues that can stem from social isolation.
“When I came into working with aged care I noticed a lot of social isolation and depression and a lot of people I talk to just don’t know that there’s services that can help with that,” Kat said.
“Depression has been identified as a clear risk factor for dementia as well so these programs are really important.”
Even when people were aware of programs available, Kat said there was one major issue holding them back.
“For a lot of people pricing was the biggest issue. People couldn’t afford to do an activity that cost money, and then go out to lunch too,” she said.
“They just couldn’t do it on a pension, particularly if they had to travel too.”
My Aged Care subsidies the activities, with the cost coming to just $10 for a range of activities and events.
Kat said research was conducted with many of the region’s seniors to gauge their level of interest in a range of activities.
While the fitness-based programs have been popular, the social activities received the strongest response.
“When I came into working with aged care I noticed a lot of social isolation and depression and a lot of people I talk to just don’t know that there’s services that can help with that.
- Kat Munson
“I’ve found a lot of people have lived in the area for 10 or more years and have no friends, family or social contacts,” Kat said.
“It’s often more so the case, which we hear a lot, when a couple moves here and then one partner dies, the other is left with no social network and it can be very lonely.”
Community Gateway’s not-for-profit cafe has proved to be a hit. The social or fitness programs are often run in conjunction with a $10 lunch and coffee, giving people the chance to relax and catch up.
Kat said the cafe has quickly become a “network for elderly people”.
Other in Hub activities include art, tai chi, exercise, zumba, vocal outrage, pottery and craft.
To be eligible for My Aged Care, people must be 65 years or older. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders must be 50 years or over.
Team leader Rebecca Prince said Community Gateway has a team of case managers that take referrals to My Aged Care if someone has a higher level of care.
“If someone gets initial funding the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, as they age and their needs change they can get a home care package. They can continue the programs but can receive help with personal needs, care, and domestic care,” she said.
Community Gateway is located at 69 Berry Street, Nowra. To see how you can receive services subsidised by the government, call the My Aged Care Service on 1800 200 4222. When making a referral, request that the referral be directly sent to Community Gateway. Community Gateway can also be contact directly on 4428 7309.
October events
- A social outing will be held on Thursday, October 5. Have a look through the English Country Gardens and enjoy a High Tea in the surrounds. High Tea cost is $15. Cost is $10 per person, plus the cost of entry fees/lunches. Meet at Nowra Hub at 9.45am and return to Nowra Hub by 3pm. Call Kat on 4428 7309 to book in.
- Jervis Bay Wild will take everyone out for a day of whale watching on Tuesday, October 10. Come along for a two hour cruise and spot the whales and babies making their way back down south. Cost is $42 per person (inclusive of client contribution and cruise. Lunch at own cost) Meet at Nowra Hub at 9.45am and return to Nowra Hub at 3pm. Call Kate on 4428 7309 to book in by October 3.
- Shopping tour on Wednesday, October 11. First stop is Wollongong Central, followed by Wollongong Bunnings. Lunch is at a local cafe by Belmore Basin. Cost is $10 per person plus lunch. Meet at Nowra Hub by 9.45am and return by 3pm. Call Kat on 4428 7309 to book.
- Ladies Day Out on Friday 13. Enjoy the gardens at Mittagong and a picnic in the park. Garden entry is $6 for seniors. Lunch is $5 per person. Cost is $10. Meet at Nowra Hub by 9.45am and return by 3pm. Call Kat on 4428 7309 to book.
- Blokes Day Out on Friday 13 at Bunnings Warehouse. Come and get your hands dirty with a DIY workshop at Bunnings Ulladulla where the staff will run through a great project. Lunch will be at Tigers Fish and Chips. Cost is $10 plus the cost of lunch. Meet at Nowra Hub by 9.45am and return by 3pm. Call Kat on 4428 7309 to book.
- Bomaderry Groove on October 19. This free monthly event is held at Bomaderry Bowling Club and has live music to listen and dance to. Everyone welcome. Meet at Bomaderry Bowling Club at 10.30am until 12pm. Call Kat on 4428 7309.
- Blokes Day Out on Friday 27. Step back in time and enjoy a lunch at the museum, followed by lunch at Mollymook Golf Club for a $9 special or order off the menu. Museum entry cost is $1.50. Cost is $10 plus lunch/entry fee. Meet at Nowra Hub by 9.45am and return by 3pm. Call Kat on 4428 7309 to book.
November events
- Come for a drive to Wollongong on Thursday 2 to look through the amazing art gallery followed by lunch at Kiama Leagues Club offering a $10 special, or order off the menu. Cost is $10 per person plus the cost of entry fees/lunches. Cost is $10 plus lunch/entry fee. Meet at Nowra Hub by 9.45am and return by 3pm. Call Kat on 4428 7309 to book.
- Shopping bus heading to Shellharbour Stockland on Wednesday 8, followed by lunch at a local cafe. Second stop is your choice. Cost is $10 plus lunch. Meet at Nowra Hub by 9.45am and return by 3pm. Call Kat on 4428 7309 to book.
- Ladies Day Out on Friday 10 at Milk Factory Art Gallery Cafe in Bowral, followed by High Tea at Gibraltar Hotel. Cost is $15 for High Tea. Cost is $10 plus lunch. Meet at Nowra Hub by 9.45am and return by 3pm. Call Kat on 4428 7309 to book.
- Blokes Day Out on November 10. Tell the Hub your fishing hot spots and everyone will try their luck getting a bite. Lunch at the Hub Cafe for a $10 special or order off the menu.Cost is $10 plus lunch/entry fee. Meet at Nowra Hub by 9.45am and return by 3pm. Call Kat on 4428 7309 to book.
- Silos Estate Winery will treat you to a day of wine tasting and lunch in the grounds of the winery in Berry on Tuesday 14. Cost is $30 (inclusive of client contribution) Meet at Nowra Hub by 9.45am and return by 3pm. Call Kat on 4428 7309 to book.
- Bomaderry Groove on November 16. The free event is held at Bomaderry Bowling Club and has live music to listen and dance to. Meet at Bomaderry Bowling Club at 10.30am until 12pm. Call Kat on 44287 7309.
- Blokes Day Out on Friday 24 at Robertson. Visit the Old Cheese factory and Robertson’s famous pie shop. Bring money for lunch. Cost is $10 plus lunch. Meet at Nowra Hub by 9.45am and return by 3pm. Call Kat on 4428 7309 to book.
