'Switched-On Seniors' Bendigo

‘Switched on Seniors’

State-wide services come to Bendigo to share morning tea

‘Switched on Seniors’ is a two-day community event, providing important information about affordable housing, legal rights, consumer rights, home-based and community care services,  and retirement options for older people in regional Victoria.  We acknowledge that a greater percentage of older people are being faced with issues such as homelessness or mortgage stress after having lived in their homes for the majority of their lives. We have set up a one-stop-shop to make access to our free services simple, engaging and ‘yummy’. Over seven organisations, state-wide and local, will be available for a chat over a cup of tea and scones. 

While eating and mingling, each table at Switched on Seniors will have the opportunity to ask questions to a staff member from organisations such as:

• Seniors Information (COTA) Victoria
• Housing for the Aged Action Group (Home at Last)
• Victoria Legal Aid
• Seniors Rights Victoria
• Consumer Affairs Victoria

Switched on Seniors takes place over two days:

• Monday, 17 November at the Bendigo Library, Hargraves St for morning tea at 10.30 am and afternoon tea at 1.30 pm
• Tuesday, 18 November at the Rotary Gateway Park, 22A High St, Kangaroo Flat at 10.30 am for morning tea and at 1.30 pm for afternoon tea.

We are asking our participants to please RSVP on 9654 7389 to secure their place.

One of the organisations, Home at Last, is a state-wide housing information and support service. Staff of this service will be present to answer questions about affordable housing options.

’We would like all older people struggling with their housing to come along to the information sessions,’ Jeff Fiedler from Housing for the Aged Action Group said. ‘Alarming recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows a 50% increase in the numbers of older people living in private rental housing in the Bendigo region (2006: 1,048 compared to 2011: 1,563). With lowering numbers of older people owning their home and reductions in public housing, more older people are trapped in private rental housing that is insecure, expensive and not adaptable as they age. Contacting Home at Last can change lives by connecting older people with long term affordable housing.’

Ruth Hoskins, herself a very switched on senior is delighted to be involved with project. Ruth encourages seniors  and  their adult children to attend  Switched on Seniors, ‘Give thought to your planning to date. Have you any gaps in your plans?  Which service providers do you want to question and what additional information do you need? While we don’t choose to age, this period has become quite complex because of regulations, requirements and costs. We are encouraged to be proactive in order to enjoy our twilight years.’

For media inquiries and further information contact Gemma White on 0424 259 009 or gemma.white@oldertenants.org.au