Approximately 130 people attended a forum – ‘Accommodation in Retirement: Considering the Options’ – last month at the Forest Street Uniting Church hall in Bendigo.
The idea for the forum came from Bruce Keeling, a member of St Andrew’s UC Bendigo.
Mr Keeling suggested to the Central Bendigo Cluster Education Committee in August last year that the church should provide an opportunity for people to access information to help them make a decision about accommodation in retirement. A sub-committee consisting of those with a knowledge and interest in the topic was formed.
The discussion included information about in-home support services, a sharing of experiences by a panel of five people who live in a variety of retirement settings, as well as an outline of some of the legal and financial issues that need to be considered.
Speakers included the manager of Community Services for the City of Greater Bendigo, a retired solicitor, a community lawyer from
Seniors Rights Victoria and the Older Persons’ Officer from Centrelink. A number of service providers attended to provide information and answer queries.
Convenor of the sub-committee, Judy Causon, said moving into different accommodation was often a confusing time for many people.
“Our aim was to provide people with some kind of starting point and some questions to ask when they begin to consider this kind of change in their lives, Ms Causon said.
“Judging by the written and verbal feedback we received, we achieved our aim so successfully that many people suggested that we provide further opportunities to learn about the subject.”
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