Orange City Council’s Choices at ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ is helping the city’s older residents get out and about with a range of social support services designed to maintain connections.
Choices at ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ offers regular visits to Orange cafes and eateries each month through its Coffee Club and Community Restaurant, as well as bus trips to explore surrounding towns and cities.
The is packed full of fun activities and places to visit, such as coffee at Lake Canobolas, lunch at Canowindra or a movie in Manildra.
Choices at ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ clients enjoy the Parkes Elvis Festival.
Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair, Councillor Mel McDonell said Choices at ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ provided services to support the city’s older people to remain living independently in their own home for longer.
“It’s also vitally important for older residents to maintain their friendships and social connections to avoid feelings of loneliness or isolation that can affect their quality of life,” Cr McDonell said.
“The impact of the pandemic over the past couple of years really highlighted how important companionship and social support is for our older residents, especially those with mobility issues that might prevent them from taking part in social activities without a bit of help.”
People aged 65 years and over (or 50 years and over if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) can access Choices at ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾’s subsidised social services if they are registered with My Aged Care. To register, phone 1800 200 422.
Most of the outings have a small fee, however, Council endeavours to keep costs to a minimum. Activities can be individualised to meet the interests of participants and if you have a great idea for an activity that you would like to participate in, give Choices at ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ a call.
