CONFIDENT LIVING BOOKLET | Greater Shepparton City Council

Business hours: 8.15am to 5pm weekdays

In person: 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton

Mail: Locked Bag 1000, Shepparton, VIC, 3632

Phone: (03) 5832 9700 SMS: 0427 767 846 Fax: (03) 5831 1987

Email: council@shepparton.vic.gov.au Web: www.greatershepparton.com.au

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Interpreter service available.

GREATER SHEPPARTON CITY COUNCIL

CONFIDENT LIVING

BOOKLET

Contents

Introduction

............................................................................................3

Section 1

.................................................................................................4

How to Take Care of Yourself

...........................................................4

Preventing Injury at Home

................................................................4

Looking After Your Health

.................................................................6

Companionship and Social Support

................................................9

Assistance at Home

....................................................................... 10

Section 2

.............................................................................................. 12

How to Stay Safe in Your Home

.................................................... 12

How to Improve the Security of Your Home

................................. 12

Fire Safety

....................................................................................... 13

What to do in Emergency Situations

............................................ 14

Section 3

.............................................................................................. 17

Personal Safety and Security

........................................................ 17

Personal safety

............................................................................... 17

Financial Safety and Consumer Rights

........................................ 19

Abuse, Mistreatment or Neglect of Older People

........................ 20

Section 4

.............................................................................................. 22

How to Travel Safely

....................................................................... 22

Tips for Safe Travel in Victoria

...................................................... 22

Section 5

.............................................................................................. 26

Other Services that May Assist Older Victorians

........................ 26

Seniors Card

................................................................................... 26

Home Modication and Renovation Services

.............................. 27

Legal Assistance and Personal Advocacy

................................... 27

Resolving Disputes with Neighbours and Family

....................... 28

Assistance with Meeting your Household Costs

........................ 28

Victims of Crime-Assistance

......................................................... 29

Introduction

This booklet was developed by the Greater Shepparton Positive Ageing Advisory Committee

in 2019 on behalf of the Greater Shepparton City Council. This booklet was updated in March

2020.

This booklet is generalist in nature. If you live in a retirement village or are renting, please

check with your maintenance manager or landlord where appropriate. Please note that

information is subject to change.

Calls to toll free numbers from mobile phones may incur additional charges.

This booklet provides important information about safety and security to help older residents

to enjoy life to the fullest. It includes simple tips and key contacts that will assist with:

• Taking care of yourself

• Improving the security of your home

• Travelling safely and affordably

• Gaining access to services that will enhance your wellbeing and independence

• Managing your finances and other legal issues

While this booklet has been prepared to help older people to live more comfortably and

independently it is also an important information source for carers.

The key contents have been divided into sections with specific areas of interest. A

comprehensive list of contacts is located at the end of each of the sections.

Section 1

How to Take Care of Yourself

Falls and accidents can be easily

avoided by taking simple precautions

Injuries in the home are most commonly

caused by slips on paths, steps, baths and

showers, hot water and electricity, gates

and fences and ingesting poisons.

Ensure that your home is well lit

•

Install bright lighting around the home,

including good lighting in your kitchen

to prevent accidents. Keep your lamp

switch close to your bed and a torch

handy in case of power failure.

•

Remember light bulbs that fail are often

too hot to touch (if you try to replace

them immediately after failure). If you

have difficulty with your balance, ask a

neighbour, family member, friend or

carer to replace it for you.

Avoid unnecessary climbing, stretching

and bending

•

Store frequently used household items

between hip and eye level.

•

Ensure beds and chairs are at a

comfortable height.

• Keep a low stepladder around the

house, rather than using a chair for

reaching, climbing or changing light

bulbs.

Be aware of electrical and fire hazards

• Keep heaters away from furniture,

clothing and curtains.

• If you smoke, use a deep ashtray that

won’t allow butts to roll out and don’t

smoke when you are lying down or

sleepy.

• Install a smoke alarm that runs off

mains electricity with a battery back-

up. Change the battery annually.

• Replace appliances that have

damaged cords or plugs.

• Replace damaged power points using

a qualified electrician.

• Use power boards rather than double

adapters.

• If you can smell gas, get out of your

home immediately and contact

emergency services on 000

Preventing Injury at Home

As we age, we are at a greater risk of injury in the home. The risks are

different

depending

individual

health

circumstances

including

eyesight,

balance, muscle strength, bone density and the medications being taken by

individual.

Do these quick safety checks around your home:

• Clearly mark hot and cold taps.

• Ensure hot water temperature is controlled to below 50 degrees.

• Ensure hard floor surfaces are non-slip.

• Check carpets are well laid. Look at removing small rugs, which may cause falls.

• Check walkways are clear of obstructions.

• Ensure poisons are clearly labelled and stored in a safe location.

• Store medications separately from poisons and in a safe location.

• Check your first aid kit regularly. Ensure that it is well-equipped, easy to find and its contents

have not passed their expiry dates.

• Ensure stairs, glazing, balconies and spas comply with current building regulations.

For more information

Contact Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services on 1300 650 172.

Local calls free within Victoria, except mobile phones.

Interstate and mobile callers: (03) 9096 0000

Email: [email protected], or visit

Website: https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/ageing-and-aged-care/supporting-independent-

living

Looking After Your Health

Looking after your physical and mental health and keeping socially active are

all important ways to help maintain your mobility and independence.

Staying active helps everyone feel healthier and have more energy to enjoy

life. Staying active and doing regular physical activity helps prevent and

manage disease, maintain mobility and independence and reduce stress.

Subject to your doctor’s advice, at least 30 minutes of moderate physical

activity per day is recommended for most people.

Walking regularly and briskly if you can manage it is a good way to begin

exercise. This can be incorporated into a weekly program of activities. An

exercise program can also include training to improve bone strength. Tai chi,

yoga and dancing are good activities to improve balance and to prevent falls.

Following the tips set out below, and seeking advice from medical or nutrition

experts, can help you live a long, healthy and active life.

Tips to help you look after your health:

Stay fit and healthy

• Choose some form of regular, appropriate exercise that you will enjoy.

• Aim to undertake at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day.

• Have regular medical check-ups, especially if you are starting a fitness program.

• A mix of activity types is recommended, including endurance, strength and balance

activities.

• Maintain a well-balanced diet.

Monitor smoking, alcohol and medication

It is never too late to get help to quit smoking. Contact Quitline on 13 78 48 or visit

www.quit.org.au.

If you drink, drink moderately to help avoid complications associated with heavy alcohol

consumption.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the medication you are taking.

For more information:

The Better Health Channel has information about keeping fit and eating well. Contact via

email [email protected], visit the website

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au or contact Greater Shepparton City Council on

(03) 5832 9700. Local councils, community health centres and GPs are also a great

source of information about how to get more active.

Tips to help you expand your

social network:

You could explore further education.

Learning a new skill or gaining new

knowledge contributes significantly to the

enrichment of the intellectual, social and

cultural life of both yourself and your

community.

See what the Centre for Adult Education is

offering. Contact them on

Tel: (03) 9652 0611

Toll free 1800 601 111 (from outside

Melbourne) or www.cae.edu.au

Join a book club through your local library

Goulburn Valley Library

1300 374 765

Become a volunteer. Use your life

experience and knowledge to contribute to

your community by volunteering to help

others or your environment. Contact

Greater Shepparton City Council

(03) 5832 9700

For more information:

Greater Shepparton City Council has

information about community groups and

activities for older people

(03) 5832 9700, or you can contact

Seniors Information Victoria on

1300 135 090 or visit

www.cotavic.org.au/seniors

The following groups also provide

information for older people wanting to

expand their social networks:

Association of Neighbourhood Houses and

Learning Centres

(03) 9602 1228 or visit

www.nhvic.org.au

Life Activities Club Victoria

(03) 9655 2106 or visit

www.life.org.au

The University of the Third Age (U3A)

Network

(03) 5821 3333 or visit

www.gvu3a.com.au

Companionship and Social Support

Maintaining social contact with family, friends, and places of worship, interest

groups or sports clubs is an important ingredient to maintain a happy and

positive outlook on life.

Building and maintaining a supportive network of social contacts can help you

feel more safe, secure and connected.

Care and meal assistance

My Aged Care is the new centralised first port of call for older people (over 65 or over 50 for

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) wishing to access services.

Following an assessment you may be eligible to receive services such as:

Help at home

• Personal care e.g. help with showering

and getting dressed

• Modifications to your home, such as

hand rails or ramps

• Nursing, physiotherapy and other care

• Meals and help with cooking

• Household jobs like cleaning

• Equipment e.g. walking frames

• Social activities

To find out more Contact My Aged Care on

1800 200 422 or visit

www.myagedcare.gov.au/contact-form

Independent living assistance

• Home maintenance can improve your safety

by helping with small jobs around your

home such as installing hand rails,

changing light globes and checking smoke

alarms.

• Trained volunteers can assist you at your

home and spend some time with you.

Health assistance

• A registered nurse, your GP or

chemist can provide advice about

managing your health issues or

concerns.

• The Nurse-On-Call Service is a phone

service that provides immediate,

expert health advice from a registered

nurse, 24 hours a day, and seven

days a week. 1300 606 024 or visit

www.health.vic.gov.au/nurseoncall

for more information.

You may need this service when:

• You or someone for whom you are

caring for is feeling unwell

• You are not sure if you should seek

medical help

• You are away from home or situated

a long way from medical help

• You simply want advice or

information about health services in

your area

Assistance at Home

There are a wide range of services available to older people who may be experiencing

difficulty in managing daily tasks.

Carers assistance

Support is also available for those who care for

older people.

FamilyCare provides family services, carer and

disability support services including respite,

home and personal care to people in the

Shepparton area.

FamilyCare Shepparton can be contacted on

(03) 5823 7000.

Carers Victoria provides information, referrals,

support and resources that include:

community care services in your area, financial

entitlements, care support services, legal

issues for carers, health and wellbeing, respite

and disease or condition-specific

organisations. Carers Victoria can be found at

www.carersvictoria.org.au or by calling

1800 514 845 or TTY (03) 9396 9587

National Respite for Carers Program

coordinates access to respite services in your

local area. They can give you advice about

respite services and find the service closest

to you. Find more information at

www.health.gov.au or 1800 052 222

Greater Shepparton City Council has

information about community groups and

activities for older people:

(03) 5832 9700

Useful telephone numbers

ARPA Over 50s Association

(03) 9650 6144

Beyond Blue

1300 224 636

www.beyondblue.org.au

Commonwealth Carers Respite Centres

1800 059 059

www.health.gov.au

Life Activity Clubs

(03) 9655 2106

[email protected]

www.life.org.au

Lifeline

13 11 14

www.lifeline.org.au

National Relay Service

TTY/voice calls 133 677

Speak & Listen 1300 555 727

SMS relay 0423 677 767

www.relayservice.gov.au

Greater Shepparton City Council

(03) 5832 9700

www.greatershepparton.com.au

GV Health

(03) 5832 2322

www.gvhealth.org.au

Rumbalara Elders Care Facility

(03) 5820 0000

www.rumbalara.org.au

Salvation Army

13 72 58

www.salvationarmy.org.au

Volunteering Victoria

(03) 8327 8500

www.volunteeringvictoria.org.au

Vision Australia

5831 9400

www.visionaustralia.org

Carers Gateway

1800 422 737

https://www.carergateway.gov.au

Section 2

How to Stay Safe in Your Home

Tips to help keep your home secure:

Keep all windows and doors locked but

ensure that you can still get out quickly and

easily in an emergency:

• Never deadlock yourself in your home

(when you are home, keep a key in the

lock on the inside of the door).

• Do not hide any keys outside your house.

• Make sure windows and doors are not

obscured by a fence, bushes or trees.

• Lock your front and back doors if you are

outside working around your house or in

your garden.

Keep your house safe by keeping the roof

space safe

• Remove all access to ladders and tools

outside.

• Attach a lock to the ceiling manhole if you

have one.

Consider installing

• Burglar alarms, light switch timers, safes,

window locks, security doors, door locks,

chains and door viewers. Ensure that you

can easily open security devices from the

inside in an emergency.

If you go away or your house is unoccupied

for a while

• Ask a trusted person to collect your mail,

bring in garbage/recycling bins and to

keep an eye on your house.

• Do not leave a message on your, or

anyone else’s door. It indicates you are

not home.

• Set timer switches on lights so they can

turn on for a while during the evening.

Tip for keeping your possessions secure

• Mark valuable property. It makes it easier to

identify and therefore, less attractive to

thieves. One of the best ways to do this is to

engrave your driver’s license number,

preceded by your state (for example

V=Victoria).

• If you do not have a driver’s license, you

can obtain a form for a Proof of Identity

Card/Key Pass from your local police

station or by calling 1300 304 614.

The key pass is a good form of official

identification should you need it.

• Photograph or keep written log of

possessions of significant value.

• Keep receipts of items with significant

monetary value.

• For more information about engraving

your possessions visit

www.neighbourhoodwatch.com.au

How to Improve the Security of Your Home

A safe and secure home is a fundamental requirement for confident living.

Good planning will help you to identify potential risks and put in place

preventative measures to improve the security of your home.

Tips to help reduce the risk of fire in your home:

Equipment you must have

• Since February 1999, all residential

buildings must have a smoke alarm

installed. The Country Fire Authority

recommends that smoke alarms should

be vacuumed monthly. Batteries

should be replaced at least once a year

to ensure correct operation. It is a good

idea to change the batteries when you

change your clocks for daylight saving.

• Always use a fire screen with an open

fire.

Equipment you should have

• Keep a fire blanket and fire extinguisher

in your home.

• Protect your home with an electrical

safety switch.

• If you leave the kitchen during cooking,

turn off the burners.

Store flammable materials carefully

• Store flammable liquids away from

heaters, hot water service pilot

lights and other naked flames.

• Keep clothing, curtains and

furniture at least one meter away

from heating appliances.

• Keep matches and cigarette lighters

out of the reach of children.

• Do not leave cigarettes unattended.

Put out all smoking materials before

you walk away.

Fire Safety

It is important to be aware of potential fire hazards in your home such as

threats posed

electrical

and

gas

appliances,

cigarettes

and

matches

and

other

commonly used items. All homeowners should be prepared for fire and

take some simple precautions to prevent

it.

Tips to help you prepare for emergencies:

Preparing yourself

•

Have an emergency plan, including being

prepared for an evacuation.

•

Listen to local ABC radio station 97.7FM or

ONE- FM 98.5FM or watch local TV for

information and follow all emergency

authority advice.

•

Check that neighbours know of the

emergency warning.

•

Check food and water stocks.

•

Prepare an emergency kit (water, torch,

candles, and matches, portable battery

powered radio, spare batteries, first aid kit,

emergency contact numbers and plastic

bags).

•

When you are home, keep keys in doors

that have been locked to ensure you can

get out in an emergency.

•

Ensure that all windows and doors can be

opened easily from the inside.

•

Make sure your house number is easy to

see so emergency services can find your

home.

If you decide, or are advised, to evacuate

Listen to, and act on, official emergency

information and warnings.

Take with you:

- important medication

- mobility aids

- prescription glasses

- personal identification,

wallet/purse

•

If you have a companion animal(s),

prepare:

- appropriate transport (cage/box)

- pet food

- water

- plastic bags

- restraint devices (leads, muzzles)

What to do in Emergency Situations

By planning ahead and being organised, you can get through an emergency

situation.

Preparing your home

To help avoid fire and storm damage:

• Trim tree branches well clear of houses.

• Ensure your gutters and roof is regularly

cleaned.

• If possible, have someone secure or stow

away items such as outdoor furniture and

BBQs.

• Bring pets inside during a storm and

comfort them.

• Check home roofing is in good condition.

If a flood is expected:

• If possible, have someone stack furniture

and possessions above likely flood level on

beds and in the roof (electrical items on

top).

• Move garbage, chemicals and poisons to a

high place.

• Secure objects that could come loose and

cause damage.

• Check with your local council if your

residence is in a flood prone area and if it

is, how often it floods.

• For emergency assistance in a flood or

storm contact VIC SES on 132 500 or

visit www.ses.vic.gov.au

If a fire breaks out:

• Your first priority is to leave the house.

Know two separate ways to leave your

home, and practice your home escape plan

regularly.

• If possible, close doors behind you as you

go to help you control the fire.

• When leaving your home due to fire,

if possible, get down low and crawl

beneath the smoke.

• To check if it is safe to move out of a

room, check the door knob or door for

heat (use the back of your hand).

• If your clothes catch fire, stop, gently

drop to the ground, cover your face

with your hands and roll back and

forth until the fire is out.

In a bushfire prone area:

• Prepare yourself and your property.

• Seek advice from your local CFA fire

brigade. Call them in advance of the

fire season for advice on how to

prepare your home and family in the

event of a bushfire.

• On high risk days, decide early to stay

and defend or leave your property

dependent on the preparations you

have made for your home and on the

severity of the situation.

• Listen to the local ABC radio station

for regular updates on local bushfires.

To find out your local frequency, visit

www.abc.net.au/radio/frequencyfin

der

• Get a battery-operated radio so you

get public advisory information if the

mains electricity supply is damaged.

• Listen and act on official emergency

information and warnings.

• The CFA and the Department of

Environment, Land, Water and

Planning have established a Victorian

Emergency Hotline for the most up to

date information on bushfires and total

fire bans. The number is 1800 226

226.

If you suffer a burn:

• The most effective way to treat a burn is to

run it under cool water for 20 minutes. If

the burn is severe, always seek medical

treatment.

Emergency Services

(Ambulance, police or fire brigade)

When you ring 000 for emergency services, try

to give them the following information:

• The service you need (police, fire

brigade or ambulance).

• The location of the emergency including

the closest intersecting streets to the

incident.

• The telephone number you are calling

from.

• What happened.

• How many people need help and their

condition.

• What help is being given.

Any other information for which they ask.

Useful Telephone

Numbers:

ABC Local Radio

www2b.abc.net.au/reception

frequencyfinder

Country Fire Authority

(03) 9262 8444

www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Key Pass

1300 304 614

Neighbourhood Watch

www.neighbourhoodwatch.com.au

Victorian Emergency Information Line

1800 226 226.

Victoria State Emergency Service

(storms or floods)

132 500

Section 3

Personal Safety and Security

Tips to help you increase your personal safety:

Disclosing personal information

• Always be careful about sharing private

information. Be discreet about discussing

financial and living arrangements.

• Do not let strangers know how many people

live in your home or when the house will be

unoccupied.

• Be careful about giving too much information

on your answering machine. A simple

message might say: “We cannot answer the

phone at this time, please leave your

details”. If you are living alone, using the

word ‘we’ instead of ‘I’ in your recorded

message is preferable as it indicates to

strangers that there may be multiple

members of the household.

• Consider installing a personal alarm.

Personal alarms ensure that you receive

emergency assistance at the push of a

button on a pre-programmed telephone, a

household alarm or a personal alarm worn

as a pendant.

• The Victorian Government’s

Personal Alert Victoria service is free

to at risk people (subject to eligibility

criteria). For more information, visit

the Victorian Government’s Aged

Care Services website at

www.health.vic.gov.au/agedcare/s

ervices/pav/

To check whether you are eligible for

this service contact Greater

Shepparton City Council on

(03) 5832 9700. Those not

eligible for the free service can gain

access to a private personal alarm

service through a variety of different

providers and Council will be able to

assist with providing this information.

For more information:

Information on how to feel safer and

more secure can be found at

www.neighbourhoodwatch.com.au

or by contacting Greater Shepparton

City Council on (03) 5832 9700.

Personal safety

Feeling safe and secure is important for everyone, especially in the

home.

Red Cross Telecross

• Red Cross deliver a service called

Telecross. It provides you with a daily

phone call to check on your wellbeing and

safety. Telecross gives peace of mind to

people who live alone and to their carers.

For more information, call Red Cross

1300 885 698.

Be careful about whom you let into your

home

• Use your peep-hole or door chain to see

who is at the door without opening it.

• Always check the credentials of service

repair people and do not let charity

collectors enter your home.

• Always talk to people through a locked

screen door. If you are not sure of the

person’s identity, check the company’s

details in the phone book. You can then

verify the visitor’s identity and position. Do

not open the door to check identification.

• If a stranger asks to use your phone, direct

them to the nearest public phone or make

the call for them. Do not let them inside.

Feeling threatened

• If you feel threatened by someone at

the door or on the telephone, calling to

a companion (even though you are

alone) to indicate there is someone else

in the house is a good security

measure.

• If you receive an obscene or menacing

phone call, just hang up the phone. If

the calls persist, keep a record of them

and contact your phone provider.

Suspecting an intruder

• If you suspect that an intruder is in your

home, leave the house immediately and

call the police.

• Go to a neighbour’s house and tell

them what has happened. Call 000

and stay there until the police arrive. Do

not confront the intruder.

• If you see the intruder leaving, note

down a description of the intruder and,

if they have a car, the number plate,

colour, make, model and any other

details.

Tips to help you stay financially safe

Before purchasing goods or services

• Shop around - being informed is the best

way to get the best deal or price for a

product.

• Check out consumer magazines such as

Choice to see if there have been any

recent tests on the product or service.

• Choose wisely and be careful when

considering big purchases - do not buy on

impulse.

• Shop around to get the best credit deal.

When choosing goods or services

• Resist high pressure sales techniques

such as “sign now or you’ll miss out” or

“this price won’t last, buy now or you’ll pay

more”. The more the salesperson

pressures you, the more reason not to

sign.

• Understand ALL the documentation and

ALL your rights when purchasing goods or

service in store or over the internet, over

the telephone, through a door-to-door

salesperson or through mail order.

• Ensure door-to-door sales of more than

$50 are recorded in writing and include a

10 day cooling-off period.

• Know what you are getting from whom.

• Know how much it costs and how you will

pay for it.

• Know if you can return the goods for a

refund. Unqualified ‘No Refund’ signs are

unenforceable if the goods purchased are

faulty or have been misrepresented to you

in any way.

After purchasing goods or services

• Send in the warranty card on the new

product if necessary.

• Keep all receipts as proof of purchase.

For more information:

Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on

1300 55 81 81

TTY 133 677 or

www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Financial Safety and Consumer Rights

All Victorian consumers have a right (under law) to not be misled or deceived

by others. They must receive acceptable treatment by other parties and all

consumers.

Tips to help protect against abuse, mistreatment or neglect:

Consider appointing a power of attorney or

power of guardianship:

• Enduring powers of attorney and

guardianship enable you to appoint

someone you trust to make decisions on

your behalf should you be unable to

because of some incapacity. Enduring

means the power continues even when

you are unable to make decisions for

yourself. There are three main types of

enduring powers of attorney. These

different forms enable you to appoint

someone who can:

manage your finances so that your

financial interests are protected

make decisions in relation to medical

treatment

make lifestyle decisions such as where

you live (guardianship).

• The Office of the Public Advocate has a

free comprehensive written guide and

provides telephone advice on all these

powers of attorney and guardianship.

Keep regular contacts:

• Keep a network of support with friends,

neighbours and family members.

• Keep in touch with people you trust such

as community health workers, religious

leaders and communities or a medical

practitioner.

Get advice:

• Seek independent professional advice

when making any changes to your

financial or living arrangements.

• Don’t make decisions or sign

documents until you have all the

information you need.

Abuse, Mistreatment or Neglect of Older People

All people have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. Older people have

the same right as everyone else to feel and be physically, mentally, socially and

financially safe.

Unfortunately, older people may be vulnerable to abuse, mistreatment or neglect

by people they know, including family. The most common type of abuse against

older people is financial exploitation. It is not uncommon for a family member to try

to use an older family member’s money for their own purposes or to feel entitled to

someone else’s money if they know or think they will be a beneficiary of their estate.

Seek help

• The first time abuse happens - that is you

feel or think something is not quite right -

seek help.

• Abusive behaviour does not go away on

its own.

• Write important telephone numbers, such

as those of friends or the police, on a

card, and leave this beside your bed or

telephone.

• If you think that another person needs

assistance but is having difficulty

because they have dementia or some

other cognitive disability, you may want to

seek advice on possible guardianship or

administration from the Office of the

Public Advocate.

• You can speak to your GP about what is

happening to you as well.

• The prevention of elder abuse is

everyone’s responsibility.

For more information:

If you experience abuse or neglect you

should seek help from the Office of the

Public Advocate 1300 309 337

or TTY 1300 305 612 or visit

www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au

Seniors Information Victoria

1300 135 090 or visit

www.cotavic.org.au/seniors

Goulburn Valley Community Legal

Service

(03) 5831 0900 or

1800 310 900

Useful Telephone Numbers:

Consumer Affairs Victoria

1300 55 81 81 TTY 133 677

www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Emergency Services

(Ambulance, police or fire brigade)

000

Independent Living Centre

1300 885 886, (03) 9362 6111

TTY: (03) 9314 9001

www.yooralla.eom.au/ilc.php.

Mount Eliza Personal Alarm Services

1800 451 300

www.mepacs.com.au

Neighbourhood Watch

www.neighbourhoodwatch.com.au

Office of the Public Advocate

1300 309 337

(03) 9603 9529

www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au

Safety Link Personal Response Service

1800 813 617

www.safetylink.org.au

Seniors Information Victoria

1300 135 090

http://cotavic.org.au/info/siv/

Section 4

How to Travel Safely

Tips to help you walk with care:

Plan ahead

• Plan your route so you cross the road at

controlled crossings.

• Minimise the number of roads you cross in

uncontrolled locations. Contact the Visitor

Centre 1800 808 839 or visit

www.greatershepparton.com.au for

walking maps.

• If you must walk at night, wear light

coloured clothing or a reflective aid.

Safety first! Always take the following

precautions

• Ensure that you have enough time to cross

the road.

• Cross at a pedestrian crossing, with traffic

signals. If these are not available,

whenever

possible, choose a place with a pedestrian

refuge and/or median strip.

• Wait on the median strip if you are unable to

cross the road in one attempt.

• Look carefully in all directions for vehicles

before and as you cross the road.

• Do not start to cross near a bend in the

road. Give yourself a good chance to see

vehicles coming from both directions.

• Time your outing to coincide with busy

pedestrian times.

• Avoid crossing roads near roundabouts.

Drivers must look in a lot of directions

and may not see you.

• Walk along busy or well-lit streets, and

walk against the direction of traffic.

• Walk well away from the roadway,

preferably on the footpath if provided.

• Do not assume that a driver has seen you.

• Do not cross from between parked cars.

• Check with you doctor to see how any

medication you are taking may affect

you.

• Keep the amount of cash and valuables

you carry to a minimum.

• Keep your pension and credit cards

separate from your cash wallet, as they

take a lot of time to replace, which will be

inconvenient for you.

• If someone tries to snatch your bag, let it

go and report it to the nearest police

station.

• If you feel uncomfortable about the

presence of someone behind you, go

into a nearby house or shop.

Tips for Safe Travel in Victoria

Feeling confident and at ease while walking, driving a car or riding on public

transport is vital to keeping active and participating in your community.

Whatever your mode of travel, carrying a charged mobile phone is a good safety

tool to get help in emergency situations.

A number of services and discounts are available for older people to help make

public transport more comfortable and affordable.

Tips to help you drive safely:

It is important to maintain confidence when

driving.

A good way to do that is to drive regularly.

Plan ahead

• If you are driving somewhere unfamiliar,

plan your route carefully in advance,

and if possible use intersections with

traffic lights. Intersections with STOP or

GIVE WAY signs are a better choice

than intersections with no signs.

• If possible, avoid driving in wet weather,

poor light or at night. If it is necessary

to drive at night, do not drive at times

when you would normally be asleep.

• Ensure maximum visibility by keeping

windscreen and windows clean.

• Wear driving glasses or sunglasses in

bright sunshine.

• Make sure that car devices such as

heaters and radios are selected and

adjusted before you start driving.

• Always carry a torch with good batteries

in your car.

• Do a Wiser Driver or Years Ahead

course to update your knowledge and

skills.

Wait until you are ready

• Don’t drive if you are tired, upset or

affected by alcohol or medication.

• Take a break every one or two hours on

long trips.

Get advice

• The Victorian Older Drivers’ Handbook aims

to help you continue driving safely. It

includes a helpful checklist to encourage

you to think about your driving. The

handbook is available at no cost from the

VicRoads Book shop on

https://billing.vicroads.vic.gov.au/epages

/bookshop.sf

If you are unsure of your driving ability,

arrange for a driving instructor or

occupational therapist that specialise in

driver assessments to check your driving.

Many driving schools offer driver

assessment and refresher courses.

• Get regular check-ups from your doctor and

optometrist, particularly if you or others

notice there have been some changes

which mean you cannot see as clearly as

you would like. You should have your eyes

examined every two years, or more

frequently if necessary.

• Tell your doctor that you drive. Some

medications can affect your driving ability.

• Read your medicine labels carefully and

follow the directions and warnings.

• When buying a car, check its safety rating.

Useful vehicle safety information can also

be obtained by visiting

www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au

For more information:

You can get more information about Victoria’s

roads and road safety by calling VicRoads on

13 11 71 or visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Tips to help you feel confident using public transport:

Plan ahead

• Get and use an up-to-date timetable and

Myki from Public Transport Victoria

1800 800 007

www.ptv.vic.gov.au

www.vline.com.au.

• You will need to pre-purchase tickets before

you get on public transport.

• Stay in well-lit areas or wait near local

shops and avoid long waits at platforms,

particularly in the evening.

• If possible, try to use the following stations,

which are marked on metropolitan train

maps:

One of the 67 premium stations in

metropolitan Melbourne. They have

toilets and are staffed seven days a

week (from the first to last train) as well

as a staffed Customer Service Centre

One of the 30 Host Stations where staff

are present during morning peak hours.

• If you use a wheelchair or use a mobility

aid, you can ask for help from the tram,

train or bus driver to assist you board. To

assist the driver to help you exit the train,

let them know at what stop you want to get

off.

Stay with others

• On a train or tram, pick a carriage with lots

of people in it. If possible, and if they make

you feel comfortable, sit near them.

• If someone starts to interact with you in a

way that makes you feel vulnerable or

unsafe, speak out, draw attention to it

and seek assistance of an employee or

another adult. Don’t ignore it.

• Think ‘safety in numbers’ and, if possible,

take a friend with you when you travel,

or travel in a group.

Be vigilant;

If you drive to the train station:

• Park your car as close as possible to the

station

• Always look inside your car before you get

in, and have your keys ready when you are

leaving the station

• Lock your car as soon as you get in, and do

not leave anything of value in the car

For further information:

Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 0007

or www.ptv.vic.gov.au offers information and

advice on gaining access to transport, planning

your journey, timetables, stations, stops and

fares. Public Transport Victoria can advise you

on concessions on public transport including

use of Seniors Card, Vision Impaired Travel

Pass, Companion Card, pensioner concession

cards and myki tickets.

V/Line Helpline 1800 800 007or www.vline.com.au offers similar information to travellers

throughout country Victoria.

For people with severe and permanent disabilities which prevent the use of public transport, the

Multi-Purpose Taxi Program provides travel concessions. They can be contacted on 1800 638

802 if you are in the city.

Travelers Aid Society of Victoria provides support, advice and assistance to people in emergency

situations or with special requirements. Its Centre is at Level 2, 169 Swanston Street, Melbourne

or you can call (03) 9654 2600. Travelers Aid Southern Cross Station offers similar services,

including vital services for travellers who are frail or have special needs. You can contact them on

(03) 9670 2072.

The Disability Access Service (Level 2, 169 Swanston Street, Melbourne), provides personal care

and support services to people with disabilities who want to be independent when they visit

Melbourne. They can be contacted on (03) 9654 7690 or by email at [email protected].

Pension Card & Seniors Card holders are entitled to discounted fare on the public sport system,

including senior’s day pass allowing free Sunday metropolitan travel and greater access

concession fares on a number of services. To gain access to these transport concessions, you

must have your Seniors Card with you when you travel. More details about Seniors Card travel

benefits are included in Section 5 or you can call 1300 797 210.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Disability Access Service

(03) 9654 7690

How Safe is Your Car

www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au

Liveable Housing Australia

www.livablehousingaustralia.org.au

Multi-Purpose Taxi Program

1800 638 802

Public Transport Victoria

1800 800 007

www.ptv.vic.gov.au

Seniors Card

1300 797 210

www.seniorscard.vic.gov.au

Travellers Aid Society of Victoria

(03) 9654 2600

Travellers Aid Southern Cross Station

(03) 9670 2873

Viclink

www.viclink.com.au

VLine Helpline

1800 800 007 or www.vline.com.au

VicRoads

13 11 71 or www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

VicRoads Bookshop

www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Section 5

Other Services that May Assist Older Victorians

Benefits and Discounts:

Public Transport Benefits:

• Travel throughout metropolitan zones 1, 2

and 3 on the all-day senior’s daily fare or at

the concession fare rate for shorter trips

within zones. For more information visit the

PTV website: www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/

fares/concession/seniors/

• Concession fare travel on all V/Line rail and

coach services, with additional discounted

fares available for off peak travel from

Tuesday to Thursday.

• A Seniors Card entitles Seniors Card holders

to free travel on Sundays on metropolitan

trams, buses and trains throughout zones 1,

2 and 3 and on the bus networks in Ballarat,

Bendigo and Geelong.

Fishing - Seniors Card holders are not required

to hold a fishing license and can fish at no cost

throughout Victoria.

Museums - Free admission is offered to

Seniors Card holders throughout the year at the

Immigration Museum, Science Works and the

Melbourne Museum.

Discounts - Discounts or additional benefits

to Seniors Card holders are available from

3,000 participating businesses and retailers

including travel, accommodation, hospitality,

entertainment, leisure and further education.

How to apply

Application forms for the Seniors Card are

available from your local Post Office or from

your local State Member of Parliament.

Further information can be found by calling

1300 797 210 or visit

www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/seniors

-card/other-benefits/public-transport-

benefits

Companion Card

• Companion Card promotes the right

of people with a disability, who require

a companion, to fair ticketing at

Victorian events and venues.

1800 650 611

[email protected] .au

Carers Card

• Carers Card Program is collaboration

between the government, businesses

and the community. The Carers Card

Program gives recognition,

understanding and support to Victorian

carers.

1800 901 958

www.carercard.vic.gov.au

The Seniors Card is a retail discount card providing exclusive benefits to eligible

older Victorians. To be eligible you must

be:

• aged 60 years or

over

• a permanent resident of

Victoria

• retired

or not working more than 35 hours per week in paid

employment.

A number of services may be available to seniors to help with the up-keep of their homes.

In some areas, councils can provide maintenance services at minimal cost to undertake minor

modifications and to assist with the installation of some security devices (03) 5832 9700.

• Victoria Legal Aid aims to give legal advice to people who cannot afford it. If you have a

legal problem, do not ignore it. You can contact the Legal Aid Commission on 1300 792

387 or visit www.legalaid. vic.gov.au.

• Powers of attorney/powers of guardianship. The Office of Public Advocate offers information

and advice on the four different types of powers of attorney and guardianship (three

enduring and one general – see section 3 for further details).

• How to make a decision and act on these.

• Guardianship and Administration. If you believe the interests of an older person need to be

protected because they are at risk and unable to make decisions themselves contact the

Office of Public Advocate for advice on 1300 309 337

TTY: 1300 305 612 or visit www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au.

• Goulburn Valley Community Legal Service (03) 5831 0900 or

1800 310 900 (if calling from outside Shepparton)

Disputes with neighbours can occur for a

number of reasons. If you live in a

neighbourhood, you have legal obligations not

to unreasonably interfere with your

neighbour’s enjoyment and use of their land.

Your neighbour owes the same legal duty to

you. Often conflicts can be resolved without

the need for legal action, through patience and

good communication.

The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria is

an organisation established to help people

settle their disputes in a cooperative and

lasting way. It can help resolve conflict in

families, clubs and body corporates as well.

For information, advice and referral, contact

the Dispute Settlement Centre on

(03)

5858 7653

Information about common

neighbourhood disputes can be found at

www.justice.vic.gov.au/disputeinfo

The Victorian Government provides a waiver or

reduction on a range of state and local taxes and

charges for people holding a Pensioner

Concession Card. Some benefits are also

available to holders of the Low Income Health

Care Card.

State concessions include:

• A rebate on council and water and sewerage

rates.

• A rebate for six months of the year on gas

and electricity accounts.

• Transport concessions.

• Waiver of land tax on your principal

residence.

• Low-cost eye care and reduction in the cost

of spectacles from public hospitals.

• Free ambulance travel in emergencies

and reduced rates on ambulance

subscriptions.

• Access to the Utility Relief Grant

Scheme 1800 658 521.

• A rebate on water by measure charges.

• A rebate on third party insurance.

For further information:

Contact Seniors Information Victoria on

(03) 9655 2100 or visit

www.cotavic.org.au/seniors

Or Greater Shepparton City Council on

(03) 5832 9700.

Resolving Disputes with Neighbours and Family

Assistance with Meeting your Household Costs

Support services available for victims of crime:

• The Victims of Crime Helpline is a free

service offering information, advice and

referrals to assist victims manage and

recover from the effects of crime. It can be

contacted on 1800 819 817 (8.00am to

11.00pm).

• The Victims Assistance and Counselling

Program offers trained counsellors who

can give practical support to you, your

family and others affected by crime.

They can help you make a police report,

provide referral to accommodation

services and access to support groups

and outreach/ home services. The

Victims of Crime Helpline 1800 817

819 can give you more details.

• The Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal

may be able to cover the costs of

counselling, medication, funeral, loss of

income or other loss caused by a crime

against you or a child you are

responsible for. The tribunal can be

contacted on 1800 882 752.

• Victoria Legal Aid provides a free legal

advice service if you wish to make a claim

for compensation. It can be contacted on

1300 792 387 or 5823 6200

(Shepparton) or visit

www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA)

provides emotional support and advice about

legal processes for people who have been

assaulted. To contact any CASA and the

afterhours Sexual Assault Crisis Line call

1800 806 292

Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service of

Victoria offers 24-hour crisis telephone support

for women experiencing abuse in their

relationships. The service can be contacted on

(03) 9373 0123 or 1800 015 188.

Lifeline - is a 24-hour support service providing

immediate counselling and emotional support.

131 114.

For Further information:

A Victims Guide to Support Services and the

Criminal Justice System provides information

about what help is available, from the time a

crime occurs right through to after the court

case has concluded.

The Guide also provides information about the

many support services available, including

where to go for counselling, how to apply for

compensation or financial assistance to help

with medical expenses or loss of income, or

where to get help if you have to-go to court.

Arrange your free copy by contacting the

Victims of Crime Helpline on

1800 819 817.

Goulburn Valley Community Legal Service

(03) 5831 0900 or 1800 310 900

Victims of Crime Assistance

If you are a victim of crime, there are a range of services that can help

you through this difficult time. You may be eligible for compensation or

financial assistance to help cover some of the cost of counselling and medical

expenses, loss of income and any other losses you may incur.

Useful Telephone Numbers:

Aged Care Quality Agency

1800 978 666or www.aacqa.gov.au

Centres Against Sexual Assault (CASA)

(03) 5831 2343 or www.casa.org.au

COTA (Council on the Ageing)

(03) 9655 2100 or www.cotavic.org.au

Dispute Settlement Centre

(03) 5858 7653 or

www.justice.vic.gov.au/disputeinfo

Lifeline

Lifeline 13 11 14

Office of Public Advocate

Phone: 1300 309 337

TTY: 1300 305 612

Or www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au

Please note toll free numbers may incur

charges if called from a mobile phone.

Seniors Card

1300 797 210 or

www.seniorscard.vic.gov.au

Seniors Information Victoria

1300 135 090 or

www.cotavic.org.au/seniors

www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au

Utility Relief Grant Scheme

1800 658 521

Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal

1800 882 752

Victims of Crime Helpline

1800 819 817

Victoria Legal Aid

(03) 5823 6200 or

www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Domestic Violence Resource

Centre Victoria

(03) 8346 5200

Business hours: 8.15am to 5pm weekdays

In person: 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton

Mail: Locked Bag 1000, Shepparton, VIC, 3632

Phone: (03) 5832 9700 SMS: 0427 767 846 Fax: (03) 5831 1987

Email: council@shepparton.vic.gov.au Web: www.greatershepparton.com.au

Join the conversation:

Greater Shepparton City Council is NRS friendly. If you are deaf,

hearing-impaired, or speech-impaired, we ask that you call us via

the National Relay Service:

TTY users: 133 677 then ask for (03) 5832 9700.

Speak & Listen users: (speech-to-speech relay) 1300 555 727

then ask for (03) 5832 9700.

Internet relay users: Connect to the National Relay Service via

www.relayservice.com.au and then ask for (03) 5832 9700.

A hearing loop is also available at Council’s customer service

centre and Council meeting rooms.

Interpreter service available.

GREATER SHEPPARTON CITY COUNCIL

CONFIDENT LIVING

BOOKLET