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 channel.
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 Seniors 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.
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 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 website 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.
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 website.
Stay 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 also available on our City newsletters page.
Safety for Seniors is a free program run by the City aimed at supporting more vulnerable and isolated seniors within the community.
It offers the opportunity to connect with a friendly volunteer by phone once a month for a chat and/or attend activities or events.
If you would like to register for the program you must meet the following criteria:
- have no or minimal contact with family
- feel socially isolated from the community
- be aged 65+
- want to receive regular phone calls from a City of Rockingham volunteer.
To register for the Safety for Seniors program please contact Community Safety on 9528 0333.
seniors walking in park 
Make it tougher for crooks and lessen your chance of becoming a victim of crime. Visit the WA Police Safety for Seniors website 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.
Our Activity Guide lists a wide range of fun and creative sporting, recreational and leisure activities available within the City of Rockingham.
Subsidies 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.
Seniors are eligible for free travel on Transperth 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 Transwa 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 Cabs 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 Transport.
Challenger Court at 30 Ray Street, Rockingham is a City-owned retirement village that has 50 one-bedroom independent living units which have a comfortable living area, kitchen and bathroom.
Prospective residents must meet the following criteria:
- aged 55 years and over
- living in the City of Rockingham
- not in full time employment
- financially disadvantaged
- medically fit to live independently at Challenger Court.
For more information contact 9528 0333 or email customer@rockingham.wa.gov.au.
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.
My Aged Care
My Aged Care 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
Chorus 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.
Visit the Department of Communities 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.