Darebin is progressing well toward becoming an Age Friendly City.

The Age Friendly Darebin Report and a majority of its 98 recommendations were endorsed by Council in July 2019.

The recommendations will see many new initiatives implemented, new and improved services, increased advocacy, and Age Friendly principles embedded in Council’s plans and strategies.

In March 2020 the Aged and Disability Department presented a progress report to Council. This ‘Snapshot’ of the progress report was co-designed with community members. It reflects some of the first steps and outcomes of new programs and services. To read the full progress report, please visit the document library. You can find out how some of these projects and services are already having a positive impact in the community.

The new initiatives presented in the progress report include an innovative service to assist older people to navigate the complexities and challenges of the national My Aged Care system. Council has funded the new service “Positive Ageing – Darebin Information and Support Service”. The service was launched in early October and provides personal assistance for people to navigate the aged care system. It informs and supports Darebin’s older residents and their families to find services that are right for them.

Please visit the document library for information about Positive Ageing in 12 community languages.

Council started to trial a new volunteer program to support social connection. An initial activity was launched in March 2020 but had to be put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lock-down.

The goal of the voluntary social connection program is to offer meaningful and real opportunities for older people to enjoy each other’s company in the community. For this trial, Council recruited and matched ten volunteers, interested in supporting other older people to leave their homes and participate in community events or programs.

A new Service Improvement Plan for additions and improvements to existing Council aged care services aims to provide greater flexibility, offer more social connection and to promote independence and inclusion. It includes a limited trial providing service continuity to Council clients who are moving on to a Home Care Package, the choice to continue with a Council worker during the trial.

To provide greater flexibility for the users of Council’s community transport services we are currently exploring new bus routes across the community in consultation with community members.