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There are many great stories to read in the Spring edition of the Bendigo Advertiser's Seniors Magazine, stories to inspire you to get out of your armchair.
It doesn't matter if your destination is just to the corner of the street as you take your morning constitutional, or packing up the caravan for a six month around Australia tour, the main thing is 'social connection', or as we know it, having a yarn to someone.
You can always find a common interest, be it gardening, woodworking, knitting, or crossword puzzles, and once you flick that spark between you, the wonderful world of a good conflab opens up.
There is much in the magazine you can use as a touchstone, like a bit of humour about the 'new' medical dictionary, a reminisce about minding your kids dogs for the umpteenth time, or the idea of Julie Loomes hanging pictures of vintage cars on her wall as a teenager, when you were probably hanging up film stars and pop groups.
Of course there is some serious reading as well, like the great My Aged Care content compiled by our own Ruth Hosking. Ruth says, amongst very necessary advice, that as a retiree the range and cost of aged care services can be a minefield.
Ruth Hosking is a Volunteer Aged Care Services' Advocate, and a Member of the Council of the Ageing (COTA) Vic. Per Ed.Group, ans she has prepared this helpful list on the changes to Centrelink Forms for Income & Asset for Residential Care, Income for Home Care Package scheme and for the website My Aged Care, (all re-formatted and all for the better.)
The My Aged Care website format has been completely changed, updated, is easier to use and contains additional information not only re 'care' services (domestic assistance, Home Care package, residential etc.) but information for services to assist those who have long term health or chronic issues.
- Ruth Hosking
Phone contact re My Aged Care Services is still 1800 200 422 and you are encouraged to ring as frequently as you need information.
If you or a loved one are considering or entering residential care, pensioners and part pensioners, including DVA clients need only complete the now named 'Residential Aged Care Property' details Form (SA 485) which can be downloaded or obtained from a Centrelink Office. This change is because Centrelink already has your income information and your details.
Self- Funded Retirees still need to complete the Residential Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care and accommodation Form (SA 457). This form's format has been changed and number of pages reduced from 32 to 25. You should also appoint a representative and nominee when registering.
Pets
Our mates can usually include a pet or two, and whether you live in a retirement village and 'share' a pet, or you have your own dearly beloved, they are a source of endless entertainment and yes, comfort.
House sitting
If you are planning a trip away, the question of just who deserves the priviledge of minding your babies is always top of mind. Do you pop them in a boarding kennel, or go with visiting 'dog walkers' or maybe get a professional 'house sitter'? There are so many choices and pros and cons for both.
Only you know what will suit your fur babies so it is a thought provoking exercise. Our story on house sitting will hopefully help you decide.