Information for seniors

Seniors sitting at a table

Information for seniors

Seniors are an important part of the City of Rockingham community and make up 16% (more than 21,000 people) of the population. Over the next 20 years this number will nearly double to over 40,000 people, representing 21% of the population. We aim for seniors to live a safe, fulfilling and enjoyable life as part of an age-friendly community where they are connected and able to access valued, affordable and innovative community services, programs and infrastructure.

Stay Connected - Tech Help

We have partnered with local group Switched On Seniors to produce seven short, informative, ‘how-to’ videos on a range of contemporary IT topics to help connect others with some of the amazing social connection apps and programs.

These videos provide clear and straightforward guidance to getting started, and are helpful for someone looking to learn, or anyone who would like to help an older person learn more about technology. You can watch them all on the City’s YouTube channelopens in a new window.

Topics covered:

  • using Facebook
  • using Messenger
  • using Facetime
  • using Zoom
  • using Skype
  • searching the internet
  • cyber security tips.

This project was supported by the Department of Communities.

More about Switched On Seniors

Switched On Seniorsopens in a new window is a local group based on seniors providing tech help for seniors. They also provide assistance to family members or staff who would like to better support an older person to engage with technology.

If you have further questions on these topics, or would like to learn more, join one of the weekly Switched On Seniors groups in Rockingham.

National Older Persons COVID Information Line

A support line has been created to help older Australians get the critical information they need over the phone. Call 1800 171 866, 8.30am-6pm (AEST) Monday to Friday, for information and support to senior Australians, their families and carers.

Safe & Found WA

Safe & Found WA is an initiative introduced by the Western Australia Police Force and Australia Medic Alert Foundation that is dedicated to assisting police in locating people who may be at risk of becoming lost or reported missing.

It is estimated that six out of 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once.

Safe & Found WA supports people living with dementia or a cognitive impairment who might be at risk of becoming lost or reported as missing by ensuring police have immediate access to critical information to assist when undertaking search operations.

A detailed profile outlining personal history and characteristics is completed ahead of time, and kept securely along with a recent photo on the Safe & Found WA database for police to access immediately. This information is key to a fast response and a safe return.

A Safe & Found WA ID bracelet is included with membership. The bracelet is engraved with the details needed to return a person to safety should they appear lost or disoriented.

City of Rockingham residents may be eligible for funding for Safe & Found WA registration fees through the City's subsidy scheme.

For more information, visit the Safe & Found WA websiteopens in a new window or email enquiry@safeandfound.org.au.

Video

Introducing Safe & Found WA

Every year WA Police undertakes hundreds of land searches for lost and missing people. These searches are always time and resource intensive and despite best efforts of the police and search partners, these efforts can still end in tragedy. The Safe & Found initiative helps people at risk of going missing by collecting and storing detailed information that will assist police in their search. This information will include physical characteristics, habits and behaviours, previous addresses, health issues and more, giving police a better picture of the person they’re looking for.

At Home Guide for Seniors

Council on the Ageing Western Australia (COTA) has developed the At Home Guide to support older Western Australians to live well. While it is particularly relevant during the COVID-19 isolation period, it is designed as an ongoing companion for seniors at home.

It is important that all members of our community feel safe and supported, with easy access to information and support services. 

The COTA WA At Home Guide and supporting video can be downloaded from the COTA WA websiteopens in a new window

Seniors Newsletter

Front cover of a Seniors newsletterStay up to date with information and events for seniors with the monthly Seniors Newsletter, available by email or post.

You can register to receive your copy:

The current Seniors Newsletter is available on our City newsletters page.

For a list of local regular activities, download the Age-friendly Seniors Newsletter Regular Clubs and Groups Listing below.

Safety for Seniors

Make it tougher for crooks and lessen your chance of becoming a victim of Four older women walking in a park and holding handscrime. Visit the WA Police Safety for Seopens in a new windowniors websopens in a new windowiteopens in a new window for tips to keep you safe at home, when using public transport and out shopping.

By introducing a few common sense practices into your daily routine, you can give yourself, your family, friends and neighbours much greater peace  of mind.

Visit our Community Safety page to learn more about the steps we can take together to stay connected and feel safe in the Rockingham community.

 

 

 

Activity Guide

Our Activity Guide lists a wide range of fun and creative sporting, recreational and leisure activities available within the City of Rockingham.

Subsidy Scheme

Subsidy Scheme breakdownSubsidies are available to adults and seniors on low-income to assist them to feel safer, more secure and connected.

Three subsidy types are currently available under our Subsidy Scheme, with up to $150 available under each subsidy type:

Safety:

  • To assist adults to make their homes safer and more secure.

Home Modification or Assistive Equipment:

  • To assist seniors to manage their everyday tasks and remain in their own home longer.

Information Technology:

  • To assist seniors to become more connected to friends, family, resources and information.

For more information on how to apply, visit the Subsidy Scheme page.

Autumn Centre

The City’s Autumn Centre offers an active and social environment for people over the age of 60 to pursue personal interests and create support networks.

For more information call the Autumn Centre on 9528 8560 or email customer@rockingham.wa.gov.au.

Community Transport Service and gopher charging stations

Rockingham Connect Community Transport Service

The Rockingham Connect Community Transport Service provides wheelchair accessible door-to-door transport for residents who meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • have no access to a private vehicle
  • are unable to access public transport
  • are a Health Care Card holder or on a low income.

Picture of the Rockingham Connect bus

Electric Mobility Scooter (Gopher) Charging Station 

Recharge Scheme logoUsers of electric mobility scooters (also known as gophers) can now feel safe in the knowledge that they can charge their batteries if needed while they are out and about. The City is part of the RECHARGE Scheme which lists 'RECHARGE Point You Have the Power' (RECHARGE Point) locations across Australia.

See below for mobility scooter charging locations.


Scroll sideways
VenueAddressNumber of RECHARGE gopher charging stationsLocation
Autumn CentreMcNicholl Street, Rockingham2Charging stations situated immediately in the covered area outside the main door, to the right.
Rockingham Centre1 Council Avenue, Rockingham4Two charging stations are situated near the Target end of the centre, and two charging stations are situated near Specsavers.
Rockingham ForeshoreChurchill Park1Charging station is situated next to the bench seat near the base of the Lookout.
Stockland Baldivis CentreSafety Bay Road, Baldivis1Charging station available in the foyer outside Jamaica Blue.
Aqua Jetty87 Warnbro Sound Avenue, Warnbro2Charging stations available in the foyer.

 

Public transport

Seniors are eligible for free travel on Transperthopens in a new window services during certain times of the day. For more information, contact Transperth on 13 62 13. Contact Transperth also to request changes in bus routes and/or frequency.

Pensioners and seniors are entitled to a 50% concession on all Transwaopens in a new window services. For more information, contact Transwa on 1300 662 205.

Wheelchair Accessible Maxi Cab

Seniors are able to book a wheelchair accessible maxi cab by calling Black and White Cabsopens in a new window on 13 MAXI (136 294).

Wheelchair and Scooter Accessible Transport

Multi-Purpose Taxis (MPT) and wheelchair and scooter accessible taxis are available in metropolitan and regional areas throughout Western Australia.

The dedicated taxi booking service 13 MAXI is available to provide reliable and consistent services for passengers using wheelchairs or scooters.

Please note the following:

  • your wheelchair or scooter should be capable of being restrained correctly
  • your lap tray should be removed during transit
  • you should allow the driver to use an approved lap belt to secure you.

To book a MPT, contact 13 MAXI or 136 294. For further information, visit the Department of Transportopens in a new window.

Seniors and discounts

Subsidy Scheme

The City offers three subsidies to seniors and adult residents on a low income:

  • Safety Scheme: make your home safer and more secure
  • Home Modification or Assistive Equipment Scheme: manage everyday tasks and remain longer in your own home
  • Information Technology Scheme: become more connected to friends, family, resources and information.

More information is available on the Subsidy Scheme page.

Rates discount

Pensioners and seniors may be able to apply for a rebate for their annual rates and Emergency Services Levy.

Beach access

We have developed access pathways to allow seniors and people with disability easier access to the beach. For more information on beach access, beach trekker wheelchairs and beach matting, visit accessible playgrounds and beaches.

Beach access matting

Community support

My Aged Care

My Aged Careopens in a new window provides information about the different types of aged care services, and local services available, as well as information on eligibility, and costs. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to book an assessment.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology helps individuals to access equipment, technology and services to assist them to retain their independence, and to enjoy a quality and comfortable standard of living.

Contact the following organisations for more information on how they can help:

Meals on Wheels

Chorusopens in a new window has a dedicated team of volunteers that can deliver healthy and nutritious three course meals to your home. Frozen meals are available over weekends.

For more information, contact Chorus on 9339 7225 or email meals@chorus.org.au.

WA Seniors card

Visit the Department of Communitiesopens in a new window to find out how to obtain a WA Seniors Card. The WA Seniors Card can be used to claim a range of State Government concessions and discounts from businesses across Western Australia.

The WA Seniors Card also includes a Transperth Smartrider card which provides access to Transperth services for free or on a concession basis.

Assisted Waste Collection Service

Need help putting out your bins? The City’s Waste Services offers assistance to seniors or people with disability who are unable to take their bins out to the kerb on their bin day.

You may also be eligible for an additional 140L general waste bin if you have a medical condition that results in additional waste. A letter from a medical practitioner must accompany your application.

Contact the City on 9528 0333 or email customer@rockingham.wa.gov.au to find out more about our Assisted Waste Collection Service. 

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