Seniors Expo offers help at home and tips for preventing elder abuse

Orange seniors are invited to a morning tea with a side of legal advice, blood pressure checks, community housing information and financial help.

The Orange Seniors Expo, on next week, is an opportunity to find out about a range of services available in Orange to help seniors remain at home and part of the community.

Meals on Wheels is one of the services on offer for older people at the Seniors Expo.

Meals on Wheels is one of the services on offer for older people at the Seniors Expo.

To coincide with the expo, the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald will launch the Central West Region Collaborative for the Prevention of Abuse of Older People.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the collaborative was a group of 26 service providers, community groups and organisations committed to raising awareness about elder abuse.

"The group educate the community on how to recognise and refer potential cases of abuse.

"It's about educating people, particularly those who work with older people about how to recognise the signs, ask the right questions and know where to go to for help.

"For example, anyone in the community who suspects a case of elder abuse can contact the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192."

Orange City Council's Services Policy Committee Chair Scott Munro said many seniors had become more isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic and the expo was a one-stop-shop where they could be put in contact with service providers who could assist them.

"Most people want to stay living in their own home and living as independently as possible," Cr Munro said.

"The services and programs showcased at the Seniors Expo are all designed to enable people to keep their independence, keep well, and be part of the community."

Seniors attending the expo will have access to medical checks such as blood pressure, upper body strength checks and balance checks. Advice on making a will, legal guardianship and power of attorney, financial information and help on how to navigate My Aged Care.

Council's community services will also be offering information on how to access Meals on Wheels, home modifications and maintenance, maintaining connections with the community and mental health support.

The Seniors Expo is on Thursday June 10, at 10am until midday in the CWA Hall in Robertson Park.

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