October 2024

The University of Western Australia, in co-development with older First Nations people and the Nyoongar Elders Governance Group in Perth, have developed the “Good Spirit, Good Life” toolkit. The package, which includes an assessment tool, instruction booklet and recommendations and strategies, whilst assessing a First Nations client, addresses some of the gaps within the Aged Care and Health Sector, by measuring wellbeing using 12 questions that identify interconnected factors that are important to First Nations people in a culturally-informed practice.  

There are two versions of the assessment tool – a participant version, which can be used for clients who are able to self-report on their own quality of life, and a carer’s version for clients that may have complications with self-reporting.

To access the framework visit - University of Western Australia website.

The Australian Government Attorney-General's Department has joined the Monash University Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, Older Persons Advocacy Network, and the Sunshine Coast University, to undertake a national research project on Elder Abuse within regional, rural and remote communities.  

The research will be undertaken in 4 phases, with phase 2 being the National Online Survey and interviews with advocates and practitioners.  

To be eligible to participate in this survey, you need to have recent experience working, volunteering, or contributing to an agency who conducts work or supports clients in relation to abuse of older adults. The research aims to investigate the prevalence, challenges and forms of elder abuse in RRR Australia.  

The easy-to-navigate survey will take roughly 15 minutes to complete.  

If you have any questions about the project, you can contact the research team on the project email: ElderAbuseStudy@monash.edu or call on (03) 9905 2962

Monash University: Elder Abuse in Regional, Rural and Remote Australia Research Project - TasCOSS

Career Pathways for Carers (CP4C) supports women between the ages of 15 and 64 living in NSW who are in a caring role to re-enter the workforce. Participants of the program receive person-centred career guidance and support to employment in roles and industries that align with their interests and skills.  

Women who are interested in this project can complete an Expression of Interest via a short Expression of Interest form.

Employers interested in building partnerships to create career pathways for carers are encouraged to contact Carers NSW Policy team at policy@carersnsw.org.au.

For more information on the program check out the Career Pathways for Carers | Carers NSW website.

The NSW Government has launched an easy-to-read hub. The aim of the Easy Read Hub is intended to give more people access to information. It uses basic language, simple fonts and images, that help the reader understand the information being told.

Currently there are 36 topics that have been translated into Easy Read. There are guides on Accessible Communities Policy, NSW Disability Inclusion Plan and many more. There are another 10 guides currently being translated to Easy Read.  

Find the translated guides at the Easy Read Hub

The Horticultural Therapy Association of Australia has produced an informative fact sheet on the benefits of Gardening for Older People., with helpful tips and tricks to assist older people to enjoy gardening healthily and safely. 

Find more information about growing your green thumb here at Gardening for Seniors.

Bellingen Shire Libraries are excited to be offering tech assistance drop-in sessions. In partnership with the NSW and Telstra this initiative offers free tech training for seniors, to help navigate the digital world.  

Sessions are held fortnightly. A timetable is available upon request. 

For more information contact the Bellingen Library on (02) 6655 1744 or Urunga Library on (02) 6655 6444.  .

Find out more at Tech Savvy Seniors at Your Library Home of Bellingen Shire

Aged Care Scammer are on the rise, and in particular scammers who are pretending to be Aged Care Providers. They are targeting older people and their families and stealing their money.  

To access some tips on how to protect yourself, or your loved ones, take a look at the easy to read articles at the Aged Care Engagement Hub.

If you think you’ve been scammed, report it. Tell the police and contact your banking institution immediately. If you are able to, report the scam to Scam Watch.

On 17th of October the Minister for Social Services, the Honourable. Amanda Rishworth MP, released the draft National Carer Strategy. The draft has been developed with carers across Australia and more than 750 written submissions and an establishment of an Advisory Committee of lived experience carers.

The discussions have led the government to identify a series of focus areas that will offer to improve carer recognition and support, prioritise carer health and ensure financial and economic security is protected.

All carers, any relevant organisations, and other interested people are invited to share their thoughts on key elements of the draft dtrategy. You can access the draft strategy here. The strategy highlights are available in English as well as 13 other languages and as an easy read option.

You can provide feedback on the draft strategy by:

• completing an online questionnaire
• making an audio or visual submission, which can be uploaded
• emailing a written submission to NationalCarerStrategy@dss.gov.au

Consultation on the draft strategy closes at 11.59pm, Sunday, 3rd November 2024.

Carers who may want more information about understanding the consultation process are able to download the "Have Your Say" Carers NSW three-part series at Have your say | Carers NSW