Senior ~ MATTERS ~ Senior
Cygnus atratus
Western Australian ~ MATTERS Senior
Western Australians are known as "Sand Gropers"....Sand, yes!...."Gropers", No!
Did you realise......
"Currently there are 295,566 people aged 60 years or more in Western Australia, representing 15.3 percent of the State's population, a figure that is expected to rise to almost one million by 2050..... "Don't count me in!"
Sections:
Aged and Security in WA.
The incidence of burglary has been slashed in the heart of 'Operation Burglary Countdown territory' - a promising pilot program designed to arrest the rate of home burglaries.To read the latest statement.........Click here for the Premier's statements or to other Cabinet Minister statements.
"The Government will introduce legislation through the Criminal Code (Protection of Vulnerable Persons) Amendment Bill to increase maximum jail sentences in situations where the victim is aged 60 years or more or is suffering from significant intellectual or physical disability:
What is.....
"A vulnerable person"
"physical disability"
"the minimum sentence for the above "proposed" penalties"?
What category does the pensioner/retiree who eats well, and exercises well and the only disability is age....fall in to?
Retirement villages guide (archived) Western Australia
The retirement village industry in Western Australia is currently regulated by the: Retirement Villages Act 1992 (“RVA”); Retirement Villages Regulations 1992 (“Regulations”); and Interim Code of Fair Practice for Retirement Villages 2003 that is prescribed under the Fair Trading Act 1987 (“FTA”). A revised code of fair practice for retirement villages (“2003 Code”) and a revised pre-contractual statement have recently been completed and are expected to come into effect on 1 October 2003.The strengths of the Act are the clarification of the rights and obligations of both residents and operators, the promotion of fair trading practices and an informal and inexpensive dispute resolution system.
A relatively small number of disputes each year is heard by the Tribunal. Only one matter was heard by the Tribunal in 2002/2003.
There are retirement villages in Western Australia that provide “residential care services” under the Aged Care Act 1997 (“ACA”) of the Commonwealth. Residential care services have been excluded from the application of the 2003 Code. Current Commonwealth Government guidelines on admission to Commonwealth funded residential aged care facilities require places to be allocated on a “needs” basis. It is therefore not possible for an organisation providing services to older people to guarantee admission to those facilities.
There are no limits on the legal or title structures permitted in retirement villages. For the purposes of the RVA, a “retirement village scheme” means “a scheme established for retired persons or predominantly for retired persons, under which:
A residence contract is taken to include a warranty as to the correctness of the information contained in the pre-contractual information statement (subject to any written alteration to the statement made with the consent of the prospective resident before the signing of the residence contract) and that this warranty prevails over any inconsistent contractual term; a cooling–off period applies to a residence contract and a rescission of a residence contract under sections 14 or 16 of the RVA must be carried out in accordance with section 75 of the Act.
At least five working days before a residence contract is entered into the management is required to provide the prospective residents with a comprehensive range of information. That must include the pre-contractual information statement, a copy of the residence rules for the village, a copy of the code of fair practice for retirement villages and a notice that explains that a residence contract must be in writing.
If the village is already operating, a copy of the audited or actual accounts for the previous financial year of the village and the operating budget for the current financial year. If the village is proposed or under construction, a copy of the proposed operating budget for the first year of operation.
The pre-contractual statement given to prospective residents also requires information to be provided about existing and future amenities and services. Where a residence contract includes a term that is inconsistent with information contained in the pre-contractual statement, the information in the pre-contractual statement will prevail (subject to any written alteration to the statement made with the consent of the prospective resident before the signing of the residence contract). Penalty for misrepresentation can be up to $20,000.
The retirement village legislation does not attempt to regulate the fees or charges that may be payable by a resident.
The 2003 Code requires the residence contract to state the right of the resident to a refund of the whole or a part of the entry premium on the termination of the residence contract, including the method or calculation used to determine the refund and when it is to be paid; any fees or commissions charged by the village operator and the method or calculation used to determine those fees or commissions; and any other costs or charges that may be deducted from the refund entitlement of the resident.
The pre-contractual information statement requires similar information to be disclosed to prospective residents, as well as additional information about the return due after, say, one, two, five and 10 year so a prospective resident can compare the financial packages offered by different retirement villages. A person is entitled to rescind a residence contract at any time within five working days of the date of the contract; or at any time before the expiration of 10 working days after the date on which the documents required to be given to the prospective resident under section 13 of the RVA are given.
The 2003 Code also requires all promotional or sales material provided about a retirement village to be truthful, accurate and unambiguous; and entirely consistent with the provisions of the Code, the RVA and the FTA.
The DOCEP administers the Retirement Villages Act 1992 and the Fair Trading Act 1987 and will act upon complaints from consumers in relation to retirement villages. The 2003 code allows for residents, by special resolution to request that a registered company auditor independently audit the annual accounts. Residents may also seek to have their request to have the village accounts audited enforce by the Retirement Village Disputes Tribunal.
This article last reviewed September 2003........308
Source: http://www.choice.com.au/goArticle.aspx?id=103938&p=7
The WA Labor Party policy on Seniors Affairs.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Far too often older Western Australians are seen as easy targets. In fact, since 1992 reported offences against people aged 55 years and more has increased almost 145%.
To view Labor Policy.........Click here!
Compare the 'promises' with the results...to date
The Town of Vincent (WA), SENIORS SURVEY:
A survey identified the main areas of concern as being personal/home safety, followed by transport, attitudes towards seniors, physical access and home support.
To read the full article..........Click here!
Gardening.....Western Australian Wildflowers
Many people gain enormous pleasure from being creative....especially growing that special native plant so much treasured by the measure of visitors to this State, to view our wildflowers.This section...now under construction, will feature some of the technicalities and requirements that make the 'joy' successful.
Nature has it, that all requirements are nessessary to be perfect, but all that is planned may not be perfect and as a result some ventures will reflect the effort and expertise of the grower.
The Native Plant Growers Bible.
This document is 'technical' but nevertheless interesting.....especially if your knowledge is limited. To read "'The Bible'" go to........Click here!
Health and Welfare;
HERPES ZOSTER is commonly known as SHINGLES.
Those of you that have had the unfortunate experience of suffering from shingles will know it is characterised by a painful rash with blisters in a limited area on one side of the body.
It is caused by a viral infection called the varicella zoster virus which is also the virus that causes chickenpox. Most of us would have had chicken pox during childhood and as a result the chicken pox virus can lodge permanently in nerve cell bodies without causing any signs or symptoms. It is not known exactly how it does this but it can lay dormant for decades until it detects that the body's immune system is less defensive at times of stress. The virus may then break out of nerve cell bodies and travel down nerve axons to cause viral infection of the skin in the region of the nerve.
Throughout the world the incidence rate of herpes zoster ranges from 1.2 to 3.4 per 1,000 persons among healthy individuals, increasing to 3.9-11.8 per 1,000 persons above the age of 65 years. Herpes Zoster can occur at any age but the vast majority of patients diagnosed are more than 50 years old. It is more likely to occur in individuals with impaired immune systems due to ageing, immunosuppressive therapy, psychological stress or other factors.
The symptoms of shingles cannot be transmitted to another person. However during the blister stage, direct contact with the rash can spread the virus to someone who has no immunity (has never had chicken pox). The newly infected individual may then develop chicken pox, but will not immediately develop shingles.
Once the rash has developed crusts, a person is no longer contagious.
Source: HaveAGo News308
Need Help?
A range of community services to the frail aged, younger disabled and their carers is offered to residents in Rockingham and Kwinana and Mandurah.These services include;
About, assistance or advise....Click here!
Men and Sex.............unexplored territory?
This item is an area of concern for many....to read........Click here!
WA Seniors Concessions.....2005
The Western Australian State Government has released a comprehensive guide to concessions available to holders of the WA Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, State Concessions Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, and DVA Gold Cards for TPI and War Widows.To download and print out.......Click here!
Source: Department of Treasury and Finance.
Rural Communities & Information
This new section is for the supply of information as advised from different areas of WA.There are many visitors to WA's rural communities to wonder at the natural beauties in their isolation...especially the wildflowers and wildlife in areas such as Eneabba, Carnamah, Three Springs, Perenjori to name just a few shires of the Mid West.
During the next week or two information/reports from several shires will be uploaded for interest to visitors and locals alike!.................more coming soon!
The History of Albany, WA
Albany, the site of the first European settlement in Western Australia, was established as a penal colony to circumvent suspected Russian and French ambitions of acquiring territory in this vast region.This remote outpost, being the first safe port beyond Cape Town, prospered from trade with the sailing ships bound for Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and New Zealand, as well as from whalers and sealers. The advent of steamship traffic during the 1850's expanded port activities with a coal bunkering service and the first rail link to the State's Capital, Perth, to speed up the increasing trade in mail, goods and people rushing off to the rich goldfields of the Kalgoorlie region.
Long known for the city's hospitality, Albany is situated off the South Coast of Western Australia. The city is better known for her position as one of the world's major whaling and seal centres. With Whale World, an old whaling station turned museum and excellent fishing and boating conditions; Albany continues to flourish as a true holiday destination.
The region boasts some of the best natural wonders in Australia with a magnificent harbour, The Gap, Natural Bridge and the Blowholes, plus the old gaol and Residency Museum built in the early 1850's.
Source; http://perthd38.albany.wa.gov.au/index2.html
Mid West.
Welcome to the Mid West, Western Australia. We have some great events in store for your entertainment...Events:...........Click here!
Three Springs...."Talc and Cocky country"
Three Springs is 313 klms from Perth and with a population of 900 est. with 500 town residents and about 400 rural residents.The comunity are engaged in wheat and sheep farming also a high quality talc mine is operating nearby.
Community Notes;
About Three Springs....Click here!
Meekatharra;
Meekatharra is working on implementing positive community driven initiatives.
About "Community initiatives".....Click here!
The PEEL REGION;
The Peel Region in located immediately south of Perth, and is comprised of the City of Mandurah and the Shires of Boddington, Murray, Serpentine-Jarrahdale, and Waroona. The Peel Police District is made up of six police stations being Boddington, Dwellingup, Mundijong, Mandurah, Pinjarra and Waroona.
Peel Police District is committed to providing a safe and secure environment
More on the region......Click here!
Perenjori Heritage Trail
also.......Paynes Find, Fields Find, Rothsay
These townships have a wonderful history, especially of the gold rush times in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
In 1869 John Forrest (later Prem. of WA) travelled through the Perenjori region during his unsuccessful search for missing German explorer, Ludwig Leichardt. After gold was discovered at Rothsay in 1894, Forrest recognised the agricultural potential of this area.
Forest also located several water points, one of which he named 'Perangery', the local aboriginal word for waterhole.
In 1894 George Woodley became the first man to strike gold in the Perenjori district, 10 miles east of Damperwah Springs at Rothsay.
By 1897, many of the valuable claims had been acquired by the Glasgow Syndicate and led to the discovery of a gold seam about 200 feet long. Gold was sent to Yalgoo for treatment then transported tp Perth.
Payne's Find was established by Thomas Payne in 1911. He was one of four sons whose parents came from Robe River, South Aust. some years before. All the boys, apart from one were involved in the mining and pastoral industry.
Tom discovered gold in many places, one was at Youanmi and also a good find at an area known as Paynesville. He had numerous leases until his death in 1924.
The Historic Paynes Find Tavern boasts a cellar hand hewn from solid rock and used as a cool store for supplies. It is said that the cellar was used as a mortuary until the undertakers arrived from Perth to take the body away for burial.
Other points are the Paynes Find cemetery, Gold battery, the original safe for storing gold, butchers shop and meat chiller also the bakery.
Source; Tom Moor, Paynes Find
Wyalkatchem....."Strange name - beaut place"
Read about "Beaut place".....Click here!
Heartlands Region....Central South
Woodanilling: "Woodanilling, a place to suit your pace".
The Woodanilling townsite is located 252 klms south of Perth on the Great Southern Hwy.
Accomodation/Caravan Park;
Avalon Park Caravan Park...shady trees, clean ablution block and great hospitality.
Recreation areas are;
Queerearrup Lake - Skiing (when water levels are high), picnic barbeque area and public toilets available.
Martup Pool - Bushwalking, picnic area.
King Rock - Walking, wildflowers, nature reserve.
Wingedyne Nature Reserve - known for its parrots, lorikeets, blue wrens and the crested shrike-tit.
Community Notes......."Woodi Wongi"
To read "Woodi Wongi"....Click here!
Travel;
"Sand Gropers" are great 'migrators'.....travelling North to places like, Kalbarri, Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth and on the the Kimberley (God's country) during the off season in SW WA.Many areas of WA are famous for their wildflowers, most of which bloom from late July through to spring and into early January. The species rich heathlands from Perth to Kalbarri provide a spectacular floral display. Other areas have there own very special attributes, too numerous to mention here, however all Tourist Bureaux are more than helpful and forever keen to assist the travellers.
Fuel can be expensive, distances are long and water can be scarce...but that's what makes it exciting....the isolation between civilisations (towns).
Kalbarri …$150m Flora and Wildflower Development.
A proposed $150 million resort and housing development project is set to stimulate growth in Kalbarri.The plan is to take advantage of Kalbarri's growing reputation as one of WA's best tourist destinations by building a new resort and residential estate at Port Kalbarri, 2km south of the townsite.
The resort that will be called Flora Village Resort will have an eco tourism focused design.
It will feature a clubhouse with various sporting facilities including an oval, botanical garden; children's play centre, restaurant and shopping facilities, privately owned homes and tourist accommodation.
Source: Regional Lifestyle March 2003.
The Kalbarri National Park.
Everything for the tourist....but not "over tourised"To view Kalbarri's attractions; Click here!............... Click your "Back" button to return to this page!
Wittenoom and The Pilbara.
The hottest area of Australia....the driest....the most spectacular....the most foreboding!To read more about the area, and some of its history....Click here!
Natures Calendar for WA.
Western Australia is a year round natural destination. Whether it is whale sharks or wildflowers you are curious about..... there is always something to see or do.Consisting of... Wildflowers, Whales, Coral spawning, Whale sharks, Turtles, Birds, Dolphins, Seals and Sea Lions, Fairy Penguins and Native Wildlife.
To view the Calendar of Nature; Click here!.....To return click your "Back" button.
Western Australia, Land & People
"WA, the whole of WA and nothing but WA".......... A most comprehensive site!To visit this site;Click here! [Click BACK button to return]
Volunteering in WA.
Many seniors are unaware of the extent of some of the benefits and concessions that are available to them. Others are aware but not sure how to go about getting them.That's where the Volunteer Speakers team can help your group or organisation. The team comprises experienced senior presenters who can provide information on a wide range of seniors related issues including retirement, concessions and benefits offered by government and non government agencies, and the implications of changes at the Local, State or Federal levels. Volunteer speakers are also available to speak to organisations about pre-retirement and planning issues. They are willing to address any group, of any size, at any time!
Why not invite a member of the Volunteer Speakers team to present at your next meeting? Call Sue Stewart at the Office of Seniors Interests on 9220 1121 to make arrangements.
Meals On Wheels;
Is a flexible, adaptable national Meals on Wheels service for the frail, aged, younger people with disabilities and their carers in AustraliaThe Australian Meals on Wheels Assoc. promotes the concept of 'care in the community' and encourages and supports the involvement of volunteers in the provision of the Meals on Wheels service in Australia.
Western Australia's frail aged and young people with disabilities will benefit from an extra 51,000 Meals on Wheels, 53,000 hours of personal care and around 150,000 hours of centre-based day care following a $10.2 million funding boost to Home and Community Care services announced recently.
These extra services are amongst many other Western Australian projects to receive support under this increased funding for the Home and Community Care program.
Seniors Telephone Information Service.
The service is staffed by volunteers, mainly seniors, and provides information and referral advice on issues such as accommodation options, education, finance/business, health and lifestyle. On average volunteers handle around 3,000 calls a month.
The Service is housed within the Office of Seniors Interests and operates between 9am and 3pm weekdays. The number to call is 9328 9155 for metro callers and 1800 671 233 for country callers.
Source; http://osi.wa.gov.au/comminfo/index.htm
Mandurah
, Western Australia...... now has it's own special page......go to it now!
