Seniors

Age Friendly Shire

The Shire's Age Friendly Communitiy Plan 2017-21 provides strategic guidance to achieve the goal of remaining an age friendly community. The Plan is based on World Health Organisation (WHO) methodology, the Western Australian Age Friendly Toolkit, and has the aim of ascertaining how age friendly our Shire is in relation to outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, respect and inclusion, social participation, communication and information, civic participation and employment and community support and health services.

Key Outcomes

The Shire supports activities which promote active ageing.  Some activities the Shire supports include:

• Information sessions specifically tailored to older residents
• Supporting the U3A within our shire
• Increasing accessible and inclusive recreational activities within the Shire through the Count Me In Inclusive Recreation and Sporting, and the Living Longer Living Stronger program
• Ongoing feedback and consultation through the Community Access and Inclusion Reference Group.

Improvements are focused on:

• Establishing available, accessible and affordable public or private transport options

• Footpaths
• Safe pedestrian crossings
• Public Seating
• Acessibility of information

Community Access and Inclusion Reference Group

The Shire’s Community Access and Inclusion Reference Group (CAIRG) is open to all members of the community.  The group meets quarterly to discuss all community matters related to access and inclusion.  They range from consultation on new buildings, seniors issues, infrastructure upgrades, playground redevelopment to community events, access to information and the opportunity to raise issues. Please contact communitydevelopment@amrshire.wa.gov.au for more information.

Living Longer Living Stronger

Living Longer Living Stronger™, the premier strength and exercise program for the over 50s in Western Australia is available to seniors at the Augusta and Margaret River Recreation Centres.

Strength training for older people builds muscle mass and increases bone density to improve strength, balance, gait, flexibility and coordination. Research has shown that strength or resistance training not only improves quality of life and well-being, but can also assist in the prevention and management of chronic disease such as arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, depression and osteoporosis.

For information about fitness centres providing Living Longer Living Stronger™ in other areas call COTA WA on 9321 2133, or visit the Living Longer Living Stronger website, or alternatively contact the Margaret River Recreation Centre.

Seniors Week

Seniors week activities are held in November annually.  If you are a community group hosting a seniors event and would like to promote it as part of Seniors Week, please contact communitydevelopment@amrshire.wa.gov.au

Aged care and disability support services

The following aged care services are available in Augusta Margaret River.

Augusta MPS HACC
Phone 9758 3222

Baptistcare
Phone 9282 8600

BESS Home & Community Care
Phone 9757 2333

Leeuwin Frail Aged Lodge Inc
Phone 9758 3279

Mirrambeena
Phone 9758 9600

Disability Services Commission
Phone 9758 7284