FEATURE
There are a diverse range of services and programs designed to support and encourage older people.
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SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
There are a diverse range of services and programs designed to support and encourage older people living in the Blue Mountains to participate in community life.
The Blue Mountains population is an ageing one, with the proportion of the population in the older age groups increasing. In accordance with the 2006 census the 60+ age group makes up 13,967 or 18.8% of the population.
It is projected that the number of older people will increase to 4,997 by 2018.
Due to the Blue Mountains population ageing, there will be a substantial increase in the demand for services. Blue Mountains City Council will strive to meet this demand by working in close partnership with the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care and the Department of Health to provide our seniors with access to health services, Meals on Wheels, Respite services, and other vital community care services.
Seniors Card
Applications for a Seniors Card are now available from each of the Library Branches, Blackheath, Katoomba, Wentworth Falls, Springwood, and Lawson. Alternatively, download an application at right.
A Seniors Card is a discount-shopping card for older people. Seniors Card holders are also entitled through this card to a discount in their travel, for eg at the cost of $2.50 seniors can enjoy an all round trip on a ferry, train and bus.
The scheme is free to join. To qualify you must be a NSW permanent resident aged 60 years or over and work no more than 20 hours a week in paid employment.
Each year members are posted a member guide for their region they live in which shows a selection of businesses offering members a discount.
Access and Equity Working Group
Council has an Access and Equity Working Group, the aim of the working group is to promote fairness in the distribution of resources, and to provide an accessible and equitable environment throughout the Blue Mountains Local Government area.
The working group consists of staff representatives from all relevant groups of Council and four community representatives.
Click here to be redirected to the Access and Equity Working Group page.
Community Care Guide
The Community Care Guide is a booklet that lists a number of services available throughout the Blue Mountains that can assist the Frail Aged, Disabled and their Carers to live more independently. Services in this booklet include Meals on Wheels, Respite Care and Home Help.
Click here to be redirected to the Community Care Guide page.
Physical Activity Services Directory
Staying Physically Active is a comprehensive booklet that lists A to Y physical services and activities both at an individual level and group level available in the Blue Mountains that Older People can participate in, whether actively or as a volunteer. The directory also has a monthly planner to help people get started in an exercise program.
The Physical Activity Services Directory can be downloaded at right.
Contact Council's Aged and Disability Services Development Officer on (02) 4780 5546 for more information.
Pets of Older Persons (POOPS) Program
Pets are renowned for their therapeutic ability to heal the sick, the lonely and the isolated elderly.
However age and or disability can often restrict the elderly from caring for their best friend.
Pets of Older Persons or more commonly known as POOPs provides a number of services to assist the elderly with the care of their pet.
This service which is an initiative of the Aged Care Assessment Team and the RSPCA covers clients in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Some of the services provided under POOPS include:
- Monthly grooming
- Treatment by RSPCA vets when required
- Assistance with Pet food if needed.
For further information on the POOPS program download a brochure, at right.