SENIORS across Mitchell Shire bonded over morning tea with Nexus Primary Health staff on Tuesday, celebrating this month’s Victorian Seniors Festival.
The morning tea at Nexus GP Superclinic Wallan included a great turnout of seniors, some of whom attended through arranged transport at Nexus Primary Health.
This year’s Victorian Senior Festival theme was ‘Learn, Love, Live’ – a motto embraced at the morning tea with cards and posters made by Little Steps Early Education and Care in Kilmore.
Community engagement coordinator Alice Linklater said it was the first time Nexus had celebrated the Victorian Seniors Festival.
“It’s to get everybody together – a lot of people have reduced their social connection with many members of the community and also many groups,” she said.
“We’re bringing people back, getting people connected, making sure that they’re active – which is great for their bodies, heart and mind.
“I think many people here didn’t know each other and you have different people talking to one another and finding new friends, finding new peers, having this connection.
“It’s just the most beautiful, heartwarming morning and lovely to give back to these people that have given so much to us.”
Seniors had the chance to learn about services dedicated to improving the lives of older vulnerable residents within and outside their homes.
Nexus Primary Health care finder Paul Clark informed seniors about the care finder program, which links older people to My Aged Care or other services in the community that arranges homecare.
Mr Clark said there were many people unaware of care finders.
“We find that there’s a lot of people out there aren’t aware that there’s people like me, and other care finders out there to help support them to navigate the My Aged Care system,” he said.
Other speakers included social support coordinator Nicole Carmody, who discussed opportunities of social support groups offering a range of outings that residents can book.
Chief executive Amanda Mullins also spoke at the event, acknowledging the services to Mitchell, Murrindindi and Strathbogie shires and welcoming residents to submit feedback.
The morning tea concluded with several seniors winning vouchers from Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses in Wallan and a free gym swim pass at Kilmore Leisure Centre.
Nexus Primary Health is recruiting volunteers for the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme and Clients transport program.
If interested, people can contact Nexus and ask to speak to volunteer coordinator Kevin Twan.
Thank you Nexus