Future planning in focus

Aged care support is just a phone call away

COTA SA’s regional tele-support service makes navigating and accessing aged care support a simple process for people and their families — one phone call at a time.

The service, funded by the Country SA Primary Health Network (PHN), supports older people living in country areas to explore and understand the complex aged care system, as well as assists them in becoming aware of relevant, accessible health, well-being, and social support systems within their community so they can live independently for longer.

Wattle Range Council’s Strategic Plan plays an important role in guiding the growth and future direction of the region - it is a plan which will act as a blueprint for what Council will aim to achieve in the next four years.

KEY THEMES:

• Community Vibrancy & Presentation

• Environmental Sustainability

• Infrastructure & Asset Sustainability; and

• Organisational Excellence

It is important that this vital document continues to represent the interests of the entire Wattle Range community, therefore the public are again invited to provide their feedback on the draft prior to its adoption.

Comment is also sought on the council’s draft Long-Term Financial Plan 2023-2033, which is critical to the success of the Strategic Plan, determining whether it’s objectives can be funded long term.

You’ll find both draft plans, along with information on how to give your feedback, at www.engage.wattlerange.sa.gov.au or in hard copy at any of council’s offices and the Millicent Library. Consultation is open until 5pm on May 10.

Garlic bread toasties

1/2 baguette, end trimmed, cut into 8 slices

60g garlic butter, at room temperature

60g thinly sliced smoked leg ham

80g gruyere cheese, coarsely grated

Finely chopped fresh continental parsley, to serve

Method

Spread 4 slices of bread with garlic butter. Top with the ham and cheese. Spread garlic butter over the remaining bread slices and place on top, butter side up. Spray a frying pan with oil and heat over medium-high heat. Place sandwiches in pan. Cover with a sheet of baking paper. Place a slightly smaller, heavy frying pan or saucepan on top. Cook the sandwiches, turning halfway, for 2-3 minutes or until golden. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, turning occasionally, for a further 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

Led by COTA SA Country Ageing Well Coordinator, John Moran, the tele-support service is as simple as making a phone call, with John readily available to offer independent advice that simplifies the often complex aged care system and offers the best guidance tailored to each individual’s situation.

“Our regional tele-support service is designed to help South

Aussies living alone in regional or rural environments to become aware of what is available to them as they enter their older years,” John said.

“We have made it easy for people in regional communities to make informed choices for their future, and also have access to resources that will help them to continue to be independent for as long as

“With the complexities of the aged care system, it is vitally important an independent organisation is available to people to access accurate and easy to understand advice,” John

For those living in Mount Gambier, COTA SA were proud to host one of eight informational hubs as part of their Aged Care Navigator Trial. The trial helped local residents learn more about My Aged Care while informing COTA’s national care finders program.

“People aged 50+ in country South Australia are more likely to be in poorer health than the same age group in metropolitan Adelaide,” COTA SA’s acting chief executive Miranda Starke said.

“Our aged care trials and tele-support services are a part of COTA’s larger scheme to represent this older population,” Miranda said.

To learn more about navigating and understanding the aged care system for older people living in regional South Australia, please get in touch with John Moran by calling 1800 182 324.