Welcome to Spring! 🌻
After a cold and wet winter, I’m sure that you are looking forward to a warmer, and hopefully drier, Spring. And, of course, Spring is a time for us to get out and about – to enjoy the warmer weather, watch the gardens bloom and enjoy what the city has to offer.
With the new Aged Care Act to commence in November, it is important that you understand what it means for you. In this issue we have included a short video and a link that give you some useful information about the changes.
In addition, we have issued our latest outings calendar and we taking a couple of steps next month to improve our ability to keep in touch with you. And, don’t forget to explore what’s on this month at our noticeboard.
Read on for the latest news from Access Sydney.
Our Spring calendar is out!
Burst into Spring with an Access Sydney outing! Whether it’s wildflower blossoms at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, Tulip Time in Bowral, or a ferry ride to Bundeena in the Royal National Park, we have you covered.
You can choose from our calendar here and book your Spring trip by calling us on 8241 8000.
Our booking confirmations are changing
From the beginning of September, you will start receiving updated confirmation telephone messages for trips that you book through Access Sydney.
We have updated the messages, which we issue at 3.00pm on the day before travel, or on Fridays for Monday travel, to include the first name of our driver and the vehicle number plate to help you identify the service you booked.
Noticeboard: Things to explore and do
On Friday 5 September – Join Nourish & Flourish, a Women’s Health Week Event, where you can join a free health information session designed for older women. An expert panel will share advice on staying healthy, active, and confident.
1pm – 4pm at Newtown Wellness Centre, 8-10 Victoria St, Newtown NSW
Bookings Essential: https://bit.ly/ Age25own
Call: (02) 9519 8044 Email: info@ownnsw.org.au
Notice: Our office is closing early on Tuesday 2 September
Next Tuesday we will be closing early – at 4.30pm to upgrade our telephone system. This means that we will not be able to receive any calls after 4.30pm. If you need to contact us, please call before 4pm, or leave it until Wednesday morning.
Nourish & Flourish
Over 15 – 21 September – Learn more about Dementia and explore a variety of resources during Dementia Action Week. This year’s theme is Nobody can do it alone, and with over 430,300 Australians living with dementia and 1.7 million people involved in their care, this is your chance to show support. For more information go to: Dementia Action Week | Dementia Australia
Dementia Action Week
It’s tax time
The Government’s Tax Help program is free and helps eligible people earning $70,000 or less lodge their tax return online. You will need to check your eligibility and make an appointment. You can click here for all the details: Tax Help program | Australian Taxation Office or lean more on our Access Sydney News.
New Aged Care Act to Protect your Rights
The Government’s new Aged Care Act, which will start in November, has been developed with your rights at its centre.
The new Act will improve Aged Care services by:
Ensuring that you can make your own decisions about services, have your choices respected and can retain control over the services that you receive.
Providing a single point of access to Aged Care services that are safe and culturally appropriate. Better oversight of Aged Care services, including improved regulation of service providers. You can watch a short video presentation about the new Act here.
These improvements are supported by a Statement of Rights which outlines your rights when seeking or receiving Aged Care services. Importantly, Aged Care service providers like Access Sydney must understand and follow the Statement.
To assist you to understand the Statement of Rights, the Older Persons Advocacy Network has produced an easy-to-read summary that you can read here.
Introducing a new staff…
Stephanie who joined Access Sydney as a Driver 6 months ago.
Stephanie brings her previous experience in community services as a support worker and providing transport for children to this new role. She is passionate about being on the move, enjoys the camaraderie of her passengers, and likes navigating around the city.
In her own words, ‘I enjoy working with Access Sydney because it’s a good team and it keeps me out and about with lovely people.
