Ageing Well Hub
Bellarine Community Health (BCH) is expanding support services to assist older community members navigate the aged care system.
BCH established a volunteer-run hub in Portarlington last year to try to help people over the aged of 65 connect with My Aged Care. Many people accessing the service have come from the Drysdale/Clifton Springs area, so BCH is expanding the service to include a second site at the BCH centre in Drysdale.
This service will be called the ‘BCH Ageing Well Hub’ and will operate on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from both Drysdale and Portarlington.
BCH Home Care Packages Manager Laura Fitzpatrick said many people want to stay at home as long as possible and maintain their independence as they age, but knowing what to do and how to access supports and services can be difficult.
“In terms of aged care Information and services, there is so much out there. Some of it is irrelevant and outdated and funding or programs are no longer in existence, but on the flip side there is so much information that can assist and guide our local community to age well and remain safe in their homes and communities,” she said.
“We look forward to welcoming more of our locals as well as visitors to our community into the ‘BCH Ageing Well Hub’ and keeping you updated on how we can all play a part in helping people and ourselves age well and remain safe in our own homes and communities,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.
Staying connected, spending time with friends and family and participating in social activities can have a significant impact on all areas of health and happiness as we age. Benefits include boosting memory, physical and mental health, preventing common health conditions, and reducing isolation and loneliness.
“At BCH we have the privilege of assisting our community and their families everyday to access information on ageing well. Our volunteers and I enjoy supporting people to view ageing positively as well as providing relevant resources for people to understand and explore.”
The ‘BCH Ageing Well Hub’ will operate from both BCH Portarlington and BCH Drysdale on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm by either dropping in at Drysdale or making an appointment for either site.
To make an appointment call 1800 007 224.
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