Home & Lifestyle Spring 2021

Central Coast Retirement Lifest yle

Woodport Retirement Village Residents Finding Comfort in Numbers L yn Lovell, Village Coordinator from Woodport Retirement Village is busy putting together a lockdown activity book for the village residents. The book is a team effort with the residents sending their collection of ‘mean’ puzzles, quizzes, and crosswords to challenge their fellow residents. This is one of the many workarounds that the villagers have come up with to keep themselves entertained during the lockdown. The pandemic is tough on everyone, but more so for older people who are at a greater risk of illnesses and may be more isolated. Lyn helps the residents with their online shopping, runs errands and organises COVID-Safe travels in the village bus for those who do need to go somewhere in person. She has also set up personal QR codes for residents without smart phones to help with the COVID-Safe check-in process. During the strictest of lockdowns, as an alternative to the regular village morning tea, residents had a socially distanced morning tea from their separate balconies. There was a lot of hand waving and laughter as residents enjoyed each other’s company in a different way. A playlist of requested songs was played over the loudspeaker that they could hum (and even dance!) along to! Village Manager Sue Frost said that retirement communities are proving to be a sound option for retirees especially during times like these. “It is a safer alternative for older Australians who could benefit from the social connections and the extra support.” “We do our regular check-ins with the residents to help them in anyway we can. Sometimes it’s just stopping by for a chat and some laughs. Whilst our residents enjoy all the freedoms as an individual in their independent living units within Woodport, they take their responsibilities and impact on the village community very seriously. We have been keeping our residents up to speed with all the latest information and advice on COVID requirements and have emergency plans in place to respond to any outbreaks to the best of our ability and safety standards,” she said. Though like the rest of us the Woodport team can’t wait for this to be over, on a positive note, the crisis has made the community more adaptable, cohesive and as well as made people recalibrate and prioritise what is most important to them. “Residents who live by themselves have teamed up to become “bubble buddies” and we see more people going out for walks and exercise. They say hello to other people on the streets when out,” Sue observes. “Physical distancing is no barrier to maintaining and growing social connections and being part of a vibrant community certainly helps!” Woodport Retirement Village is part of The Salvation Army Aged Care. The Woodport team continue to adapt, promote, and showcase the benefits of retirement living by responding to enquiries, through virtual tours and limited on-site tours in line with the latest Federal and State and The Salvation Army Aged Care’s safety guidelines. If you or your loved one is considering retirement living in the Central Coast, please contact the Woodport Retirement Village Team on 02 4365 9373 or visit us on agedcare.salvos.org.au

Mobility Scooter Tips - For your Safety

B efore you rent or buy a mobility scooter, check in with your doctor or occupational therapist to verify it is the right choice for you.

Assess how the scooter will fit into your present living conditions. Make sure you have enough room to store

it in a safe unde rcove r space and you can access it easily when you need it. Before heading out on your scooter, it is worth investing some time checking it over to confirm tyres are inflated, you have enough battery charge and lights are operational. Anyone using a mobility scooter is classified as a pedestrian in most parts of Australia. As such, you are required to follow the same road rules a pedestrian would. As you are classified as a pedestrian in NSW, you do not need a drivers license to use your scooter. Mobility Scooters vary in design, size, features and price. Check how well your mobility scooter would be able to handle curbs, hills, and other environmental conditions in your area. It is important to choose a device that is suitable to your weight and build. The team at Premier Mobility Centre will assist with your decision and will welcome you to their store or come to your home to do so. It is important to be certain that the features and controls of the scooter are designed so you can operate them safely & comfortably. We are happy to spend the time finding the perfect fit for you. Read the User Manual for the mobility scooter you are about to use. There is important information that you must be aware of for your safety and for the efficient operation of your mobility device. A thorough yearly service will qualify that your scooter will not let you down. Repairs and maintenance are just as important as they are with a motor vehicle and will ensure your continued safety on your chosen ride. Take care of yourself It essential that you take basic steps to take care of yourself leading up to and while driving. This includes: Not drinking and driving, Make sure you are awake and alert enough to drive, Sticking to safe routes, Driving at walking speed, Not carrying heavy packages without a basket, Wearing appropriate clothing and mapping your route to include paths and avoid rough surfaces. Stick to the side of the road, facing oncoming traffic and make sure you’re visible by wearing bright clothes or a reflective vest and having working lights on your scooter. Take extra care at night! A lot of Scooter riders are unaware that breakdown and comprehensive insurance is available and affordable, just speak with your sales representative. Remember, you are a pedestrian, so do not drive with the traffic. It is always better to alter your route and stay safe, even if it is a slightly longer journey. If you have any questions regarding road safety for mobility scooters, do not hesitate to get in contact with your local council. For more information phone our friendly staff on 4333 7004

28 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Spring 2021 John & David from Woodport Retirement Living

Wanda & David