Seniors Rights Victoria works with older people and their families to raise awareness of the value of older people and build their confidence to claim their rights. One of the main ways Seniors Rights Victoria raises awareness of elder abuse is through its free community education program.
Our Community Education is offered free to seniors’ groups and forums. Each session takes around an hour with questions. The current topics available are below.
Planning Ahead | Housing Options as We Age | Protecting Your Rights | Money, Ageing and Family
Planning Ahead
Request a Planning Ahead session
Our Planning Ahead project helps people understand the need to plan ahead, in order to protect their rights and wishes as they get older, to reduce the risk of elder abuse. The project also supports carers and loved ones of people as they age, to ensure they understand how best to support them.
Topics include Enduring Powers of Attorney, Medical treatment decision making and advance care planning. In essence, it is about formalising our wishes and putting them in place while we are healthy and well so that our wishes are adhered to as we age or if our capacity declines.
Seniors Rights Victoria is currently engaging with regional areas of Victoria, working with service providers, community organisations, businesses and council to increase community knowledge about the importance of Planning Ahead.
Download Planning Ahead information sheets
Watch Planning Ahead videos
SRV has been working on the Planning Ahead project as part of the Victorian Government’s Integrated Services Fund (ISF), since 2018. Administered by the Federation of Community Legal Centres (FCLC), the ISF is special funding for projects that have an early intervention focus, as well as involving integrated services. An important part of this project is connecting with regional communities in Victoria.
Housing Options as We Age
Request a Housing Options as We Age session
As we get older, many of us begin to think about where and how we want to live. Rising living costs, housing shortages, and pressure from family members can all influence these decisions.
You might also be thinking about giving money to family in return for care — sometimes called a “granny flat arrangement” or “assets for care”. Any decision you make will have an impact on your finances and independence. By taking the time to understand your options you can make confident choices that will protect your assets and maintain your independence.
This course discusses the following topics:
- Considering staying in your home with a bit of extra help
- Thinking of moving in with family
- Sharing your home with family or friends
- The private rental market
- Retirement villages
Seniors Rights Victoria is delivering this piece of community education and support to Victorians as part of the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner (LSBC) Public Purposes Fund.
Protecting Your Rights
Request a Protecting Your Rights session
Protecting Your Rights is an overview of elder abuse, risks, prevention and support and assistance available through Seniors Rights Victoria. The session is a dynamic way to raise awareness about elder abuse, prevent it from occurring and protect the rights of seniors. This is an interactive session which includes a narrative and group discussion.
To book a session, contact Gary Ferguson, Education Coordinator, on (03) 9655 2112 or by email using the button above.
Money, Ageing and Family
Request a Protecting Your Rights session
Sometimes an adult child will ask his or her older parent whether they can move back home. Usually this follows a crisis in the adult child’s life like a relationship breakdown. As people age, they might also consider moving in with family for care and support. It’s important to think about these living arrangements before they are put in place.
The Money, Ageing and Family session looks at some of the issues to think about when an older person’s living arrangement is about to change. How does the older person protect their rights and continue a fulfilling lifestyle? A free booklet “Money, Ageing and Family” is provided to participants.
To book a session, contact Gary Ferguson, Education Coordinator, on (03) 9655 2112 or by email using the button above.