The City of Ballarat Ageing Well Services team looks a little different these days.
With a new direction and some new faces, the Ageing Well Services team are passionate about ensuring Ballarat is an age-friendly community. This means people of all ages feel valued, connected, included and respected.
The focus of the Ageing Well Services team is to work with and advocate for residents aged 55 and over. This includes a focus on healthy ageing, social and community connection. It also involves ensuring older residents are aware of and have access to the services and support they need to remain as independent as possible as they grow older.
The Ageing Well Services team currently provides the following services to residents aged 55 and over:
The Community Connection Service is focused on supporting people to navigate the aged care system and other community services/supports. It links people into community support and other programs with a health and wellbeing focus.
The Social Activities Program provides a range of social connection opportunities and activities focused on healthy and positive ageing.
The Regional Assessment Service* team includes several Regional Assessors who help people access government-funded home help services by undertaking an assessment to help determine people’s support needs.
The team is also committed to celebrating and positively recognising older residents by delivering the Ballarat Seniors Festival and hosting Ballarat’s Senior of the Year Awards.
Meet some of the Ageing Well Services team
Vivian Meng – Social Activities Officer
You might see Vivian out and about at various City of Ballarat activities and events. That’s because, as her job title suggests, Vivian’s role involves facilitating social activities that promote staying active and connected.
Jeneene Coyle – Community Connector
As a Community Connector, Jeneene helps Ballarat’s older residents connect with and navigate government-funded services. She links them with other services, programs and supports that focus on health and wellbeing.
Tara Phillips – Regional Assessment Service Assessor
With a background in aged care nursing, Tara works as an Assessor in Ballarat’s Regional Assessment Service* – the entry point to accessing the Commonwealth-funded My Aged Care services for residents 65 years and over.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson said it was important that residents, no matter their age, feel confident to participate fully in life however they choose.
“We know that older residents that have access to the services and support they need will be better equipped to age well and remain independent for as long as possible,” he said.
“That’s why the City of Ballarat’s new Ageing Well Services team are dedicated to supporting residents aged 55 and over to connect with the local community and navigate services.”
