CityNews talks to some of Canberra’s experts in care, compassion and health for seniors.

More than 4.2 million Australians are aged 65 and over. This is 16 per cent of the Australian population. 

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of people aged over 85 is expected to reach more than one million in 2042. That’s three per cent of the population, compared with 2017’s two per cent. 

This feature meets some of the experts in care, compassion and health for seniors.

Sociable classes with a healthy difference

Ageing can be a lonely process, says Arthritis ACT CEO, Rebecca Davey. 

“Not only do some new aches and pains arise, but there can sometimes be a level of distress to changes related to ageing,” she says. 

“That’s the really nice thing about coming to group exercise therapy.”

With classes ranging from as little as $8, Rebecca says a lot of members treat the classes as a way to increase their social networks. 

“In this cost-of-living crisis, it is our mission to ensure that Canberrans have the opportunity for quality health care that is affordable,” she says. 

“We are giving them a new community where they don’t have to explain themselves, because they are surrounded by peers who are going through similar things.

“Many of the people in our class now meet up in the outside world for coffee and lunch. They’re creating friendships.” 

Offering programs such as tai chi, chair yoga, pilates, hydrotherapy and strength/balance classes, Rebecca says their services have steadily grown in response to the needs of the community. 

With classes only requiring an appointment with an exercise physiologist to ensure participants aren’t pushing themselves, Rebecca says they can get people enrolled within the week. 

“Our classes aren’t only for those with a fatiguing condition or a doctor’s referral to access the services,” she says. 

Arthritis ACT, Pain Support & ME/CFS ACT, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

New, ‘elegant’ aged-care facility opens

The new and elegant Arcare Aranda is a “premium aged-care residence that brings together compassionate care, luxurious surroundings and a strong sense of community,” says head of marketing, Katrina Rigby. 

Katrina says the new facility is part of the Arcare Aged Care group, one of Australia’s largest family-owned aged-care providers, and Arcare Aranda “represents the next step in the organisation’s commitment to delivering exceptional residential care.”

“With nearly 60 residences across the country, Arcare will continue to expand its presence in the ACT, with two more residences currently in development in Wright and Gold Creek,” she says. 

With private suites with ensuite bathrooms, landscaped gardens, a boutique cafe, hair salon, theatre and communal spaces, Katrina says beyond their state-of-the-art facilities, they are renowned for their “relationships-first approach”, ensuring each resident is “not only well cared for, but known and valued”. 

“From our welcoming interiors to the dedication of our professional team, Arcare Aranda sets a new benchmark in aged care living in Canberra’s north,” she says.

Arcare Aranda. 1 Bindel Street, Aranda. Call 1300 292378 or visit arcare.com.au

In-home nursing adds to home-care support

Recently launching its comprehensive in-home nursing services, Goodwin Aged Care Services continues to enhance its home-care support for clients, says executive manager, Jamie Fillingham. 

“For many, the thought of leaving the familiar comforts of home as you age can be daunting,” he says. 

“Goodwin’s in-home nursing services offer a vital lifeline, delivering professional and compassionate clinical care.”

From medication management and wound care to post-operative support, Jamie says their care is delivered by qualified and dedicated nurses. 

“This high level of personalised care ensures complex health needs are met without the disruption of moving to a residential facility, providing peace of mind for both seniors and their families,” he says. 

Beyond specialised nursing, Goodwin also offers a variety of home care services designed to assist daily life. 

From personal care assistance, meal preparation and transport, Jamie says their services are tailored to individual needs. 

“We believe everyone deserves to age with dignity and comfort in their own home,” he says. 

“Our in-home nursing and expanded home-care services in our retirement villages provide that crucial support, ensuring clients can continue to enjoy their independence within their familiar surroundings.” 

Goodwin’s retirement living clients are offered the same services, which Jamie says gives their residents an added layer of support should their needs evolve.

“This integrated approach embodies our commitment to supporting seniors through their ageing journey, allowing them to ‘age in place’ with dignity,” he says.

Goodwin Aged Care. 35 Bonney Street, Ainslie. Call 6175 5650 or visit goodwin.org.au

Working together to make retirement work

David Luke Retirement Planning specialises in advising those coming up to, or already in retirement, says director David Luke.

“I can help maximise your Centrelink entitlement, minimise tax exposure, set up income streams and offer investment advice and implementation,” he says.

“I have been a financial planner in Canberra and surrounding regions for 23 years, exclusively advising on retirement,” he says, and has run his own business for the last five years.

David says financial rules are daunting when you look at them for the first time.

“I can lead you through the process of the ATO, Centrelink, and investment markets, to make them work for you and achieve the retirement you want,” he says.

“You don’t need any prior knowledge with the rules or with financial planning, just an idea of what you want to achieve.”

He says he will break down the issues so you understand how it all fits together.

“I have no relationship with any product providers – I am on your side and I’m a one-person operation so you will always deal directly with me,” says David.

“I’m more than happy to visit you at home, after hours or on weekends.

“Don’t let the complexity of the system make you think it’s all too hard. Make it work for you instead.”

David Luke Retirement Planning, Level 1, 33 Allara Street, Canberra City. Call 0404 857242, or visit davidlukeplanning.com.au