The NSW Seniors Festival is being held from April 4 – 15. Find out more about the festival by clicking HERE The theme of the 2018 Festival is Let's Do More Together. 

In 2018 the Festival will celebrate its 60th year. NSW Seniors Festival is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere, reaching up to 500,000 seniors each year.

If you are over 60, NSW Seniors Festival gives you the chance to make new friends or get together with old ones at an array of local community events, many which are free or heavily discounted.

Follow the festival on Facebook by clicking HERE

Find out what’s happening on the Border by clicking on the Albury City website HERE 

Albury Meals on Wheels Inc is a non-profit organisation that has been delivering meals to the community for more than 55 years.  

"The meals are delivered by our wonderful team of volunteers, rain, hail or shine, seven days a week, 365 days a year," co-ordinator Karen Fraser said. 

"We assist the frail older people and younger people with disabilities so that they may remain in their own home. Home is where the heart is.”

Ms Fraser said Meals on Wheels could deliver a three-course meal and could cater for most dietary requirements. 

"Our Volunteers ensure the meal is more than just a meal, it’s a friendly visit, a chat and daily check," she said.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, including retired or semi-retired people; part-time and shift workers; uni students; church groups; social groups such as Rotary, Lions and Zonta; organisations including Mercy Learning Centre and Aspire; and local businesses such as Hume Bank and Coxtech. 

"Without our caring volunteers, Meals on Wheels would not survive," Ms Fraser said. "We are always looking for volunteers –  if you can spare a couple of hours a month, give the office a call or shoot us an email to albury.mow@bigpond.com."

Follow Meals on Wheels on Facebook, or visit alburymealsonwheels.org.au. For information about meals or volunteering, phone (02) 6041 2004 or pop into Shop 21a/659 Young Street, The Village Centre, Albury.

This advertising feature is supported by: Albury Meals on Wheels

When Beverley Bell became extremely unwell, she decided which of her belongings she would like to give to family and what she would like to donate.

Following her passing last year, Bev’s family was able to resell the items earmarked for charity and make a meaningful donation to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.

“We raised $1000 and Bev would be so pleased we are donating it to local cancer research,” her sister-in-law Gayle Mundy said.

Beverley, 52, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in October, 2015.

She had chemotherapy, surgery and radiation but in February 2017, suffered a brain haemorrhage and lost the battle she had so bravely fought. Her family held a market stall, garage sale and car boot sales to raise the money for the Border Medical Oncology Research Unit.

This is just one way of supporting the work of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.

People can also choose to leave a bequest to the Trust Fund in their will.

Trust Fund chairman Grant Luff said leaving a gift in your will was a special way of helping people in the community who were living with cancer.

“It doesn’t have to be a large amount to make a difference,” he said.

“Leaving a bequest of any size will serve to honour your memory and be a lasting legacy of hope for generations to come.”

The mission of the Trust Fund is: "to raise funds to support cancer services in the Albury-Wodonga region to provide quality care to patients and families."

Donations made to the Trust Fund go towards new life-saving medical equipment, staff training and development, cancer research and Wellness Centre programs and services.

The cancer centre opened in 2016, uniting the Border’s cancer services under one roof offering a place to diagnose, support, educate, research and treat all forms of cancer. It includes: 30 inpatient beds; 28-chair day chemotherapy ward; three radiotherapy bunkers; 17 medical and allied health consulting rooms; pharmacy; and a Wellness Centre.

This advertising feature is supported by: Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre

For Beryl Beckett, moving from her own home to Estia Health Albury meant she could relax, enjoy life and remain an integral part of her local community.

Beryl moved into residential aged care at Estia Health Albury almost three years ago and hasn’t looked back.

“I love being here. The staff are wonderful and I feel very comfortable and cared for,” she said. “Best of all are the activities. I’ve made new friends, I’ve lost weight and I feel fit.”

With 68 homes in South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, Estia Health delivers high quality clinical care and added services that focus on the best possible outcomes for each resident.

Nicoline Maritz, executive director of Estia Health Albury, explained how staying connected is an integral part of resident wellbeing.

“A few years ago, we asked our residents what we could improve. They told us that they didn’t want the locals to forget them, so we initiated our community engagement program. It’s been a great success at our home and is also a major focus at Estia Health Wodonga.

“We have a primary school visit every fortnight. Other in-home activities include visiting musicians, dancers, choirs, volunteer-run bingo, church groups, pets and more. 

“We also take our residents out regularly to the gym, local shops and clubs, and for scenic drives. That way they’re still a part of everyday life and not isolated,” said Nicoline.

This advertising feature is supported by Estia Health

Westmont Community Care Services has moved to 193 Beechworth Road, Wodonga. However, all contact details remain the same.

And Social Support Groups that are currently run by Uniting Vic Tas at The Willows on McFarland Road Wodonga will remain at The Willows with no changes.

Community care manager Christine Odewahn said Westmont Aged Care Services Ltd is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing aged, community care and lifestyle options to the people of Wodonga and surrounding regions with respect, dignity and choice. Westmont offers an array of lifestyle options ranging from 24/7 residential aged care (including a 15-bed memory assisted unit), assisted apartment living, independent village living and community care.

Westmont Community Care has been operating since 2010 and now provides Home Care Package Case Management. 

"We offer home care package management covering full case management, assisting clients to self-manage their package, referrals, a full range of services and supports to work with clients to determine what they need, what is important to them and what services will best meet their individual needs," she said.

Westmont provides private and brokerage services, services for DVA Veterans Homecare, funded Commonwealth Home Support Program and Home & Community Care Program and for clients under the NDIS. 

This advertising feature is supported by: Westmont

Community home nursing services are a much needed part of seniors care on the Border, says Kate Kennedy.

A registered nurse, Kate purchased NGM Home Nurses on February 1 this year after working with them for 15 years.

“NGM Home Nurses has been operating for 24 years and was originally born from a need for more assistance to residents in their own homes in Albury/Wodonga,” she said.

Her team consists of 33 registered nurses visiting Albury and Wodonga.

“I really love working with NGM Home Nurses. We have a strong, professional and very caring team of nurses. We treat every patient as if they were a member of our own family,” she said. 

“We will continue to offer our clients exceptional nursing services, giving them the care and support they require to continue living independently. 

“Community nursing is very rewarding and all the staff love their job, attending to clients medical and supportive needs.”

NGM Home Nurses offer shower assistance, dressing changes, injections, medications, emotional support as well as general health assessments. They can provide information and refer clients to other aged care services and liase with health professionals and community health services.

NGM Home Nurses work seven days a week all year round, including public holidays. NGM is a Dept Veterans Affairs provider as well as servicing the nursing needs of private patients for a fee.

This advertising feature is supported by: NGM Home Nurses

There’s no reason why you should compromise when looking for seniors’ living accommodation, says Ruth Kernaghan, estate manager at Wodonga Gardens Retirement Estate.

"We understand you’re independent, tech savvy, attuned to the importance of health and wellness and concerned with sustainable living," Ms Kernaghan said.

"Enter Wodonga Gardens Retirement Estate.

"There are many secrets to Wodonga Gardens’ success, from its unrivalled location in Wodonga with views of the countryside, to being close to everything you need and the superb individual villas with all the mod cons."

Wodonga Gardens is located off Flinders Way in West Wodonga.

Ms Kernaghan said four key considerations played a large part in its success:

Comfort

The layout and style of the community makes residents feel at home. 

"We offer a variety of accommodation styles and sizes, with neutral colours, and open spaces," she said.

Safety

Ms Kernaghan said the gated community allowed residents the freedom to lock up and leave, knowing their home and valuables were safe. 

"And with outside maintenance work being managed by the estate staff, there’s even less for you to worry about when you’re away - on-site staff give you peace of mind."

Community

"A sense of community is key to all of us," she said.

"That feeling of belonging and connecting with like-minded people is very important."

Ms Kernaghan said Wodonga Gardens residents could participate as much or as little in the activities and events that are planned and run by estate staff as they chose to. 

"But the whole time, you have a natural network of friends and supporters looking out for you,” she said.

Lifestyle

Life at this estate means residents can say goodbye to outside chores and home repairs. 

"From a leaky tap to a lawn that needs mowing, we’ve got you covered," Ms Kernaghan said.

Situated only 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, the Albury-Wodonga region offers wide open spaces, cultural highlights and all with the convenience of city living.

"All there is for you to do is get out there and enjoy it," she said.

If you're keen to find out more, Wodonga Gardens welcomes those who would like to walk the grounds, tour the homes and chat to residents.

For more information phone Ms Kernaghan at Wodonga Gardens Retirement Estate on (02) 6059 2690.

This advertising feature is supported by: Wodonga Gardens

Mobility aids, including electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters, provide people with limited mobility greater access. While there are essential differences between both types of mobility aids, what is ultimately right for you comes down to your needs and preferences. 

Mobility scooter or electric wheelchair: Mobility scooters are designed for people who may be fairly mobile around the home, but who find it difficult to walk long distances. There are a wide range available, from smaller models that can fit into the boot of a car, through to heavy duty mobility scooters that are able to navigate steep hills and travel long distances on a single charge. Electric wheelchairs are similar in many ways in that they are designed to assist people who have difficulty walking. However, their smaller turning circle means they are more suited for use indoors. If you’re using it at home, chances are you’ll spend a great deal of time on your mobility aid. They offer more seating options for comfort, including by reclining the backrest and raising or lowering the foot rest.

Operation and manoeuvrability: Electric wheelchairs are operated using a joystick mounted on the armrest, requiring less upper body mobility to control. Mobility scooters are operated using a tiller handle and will require both hands to steer and control. Electric wheelchairs have a smaller turning circle than mobility scooters. While there are small scooters with a tighter turning circle designed for use indoors, you will require more space between furniture to manoeuvre indoors.

Speed and distance: Electric wheelchairs are limited to a maximum speed of 6km/h and will travel up to 30km on a single charge. This can be affected by things such as the terrain and the weight of the user. If distance is a concern, a mobility scooter may be a preferable option. A robust mobility scooter can travel at speeds of up to 10km/h and distances of up to 50km on a single charge. While electric wheelchairs can be used outdoors, they are better suited to flat, even terrain and slight slopes such as access ramps. If you need to navigate difficult terrain and hills, a mobility scooter will give you the required power and stability.

Acceptance: While the best mobility device for you is the one that provides the optimum level of independence and support, there can be a perception that some devices – and therefore users – are more ‘legitimate’ than others. While unfortunate, generally the public may be more accommodating of someone in a wheelchair than in an electric scooter. On the other hand, a mobility scooter may provide less stigma for someone who doesn’t want to be seen as a ‘wheelchair user’. 

This advertising feature has been supported by: Aidacare