Christmas: Time to pause and reflect
Opinion Piece from former CEO, Richard Hearn
In our diverse society, Christmas is a time of celebration. It has particular significance for Christians. It is a time when we reflect and celebrate relationships, of being part of a family, a community and acknowledging the contributions made by individuals in building our community – workers, friends and volunteers; of lives well lived.
With Christmas now over, we welcome in the new year, and new beginnings. The summer break is an ideal time to pause, rest and reflect. I encourage you to take time to give particular acknowledgement to the contributions made by older members of our community. If this includes you, reflect proudly on all that you have achieved throughout your life and continue to do so.
With more time to spend with family, you may notice day to day activities for some individuals have become more difficult to manage. It may be time to consider what type of options are available to sustain quality of life, such as support services that assist people to stay as independent as possible as they age.
Living healthy, active lives into old age, and its breadth of years, are goals for us all. Indeed, most people continue to live well at home, some with support from family and some working with service providers. This support at home is increasingly being chosen and shaped by the person themselves, having control to make their own decisions about their life and lifestyle. Only a small percentage of people over the age of 65 years, around 5%, are accessing residential aged care, which is an invaluable option when needed.
Good information and comprehensive, needs-based assessment services are essential. People need to know about, and have access to, the services available to support their lifestyle and wellness goals.
For free information about the variety of aged care options available, I encourage you to access Resthaven’s Agedcare Alternatives. Volunteer Options Guides spend time working through each individual situation, either on the phone or face to face. Phone 8271 3888 or visit www.agedcarealternatives.net.au for details.
Throughout the year, the Australian Government continued to reform the aged care system, aiming to improve responsiveness, flexibility, choice and access to services. The government-run ‘My Aged Care’ contact centre is the ‘gateway’ for all aged care services. For details, phone 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au.
Enjoy the festive season with your loved ones, and the time to pause and reflect.