Seniors to benefit under Social Advantage package

Western Australian seniors will have greater opportunities to live independently and to use their skills and experience in the community, under the State Government's Social Advantage package.

Premier Carmen Lawrence said today the package contained initiatives which would better acknowledge and use the skills and experience of the one-in-eight Western Australians who were older than 60 years.

Dr Lawrence said a State-wide neck-pendant personal alarm system for seniors, to enable elderly people with special health needs, to live independently, would be established.

"This will help the frail-aged, particularly those older than 80 years - which is the fastest growing sector of our community - to live independently for longer," the Premier said.

"Older people today are fitter than in previous generations and many are retiring earlier.

"Many senior citizens already share their skills, knowledge and expertise as community volunteers and the package aims to ensure this resource is used to maximum benefit."

The Premier said the package provided a scheme of grants to encourage school and community organisations to develop programs which used voluntary services provided by seniors.

"The school system already has some literacy programs where senior citizens help high school students on a one-to-one basis, and these grants will encourage the establishment of more such schemes.

"Community groups will also be encouraged to establish a variety of mentor programs where seniors can be used to assist the personal growth and educational development of young people."

The package also provided $170,000 to employ officers to co-ordinate community volunteer services by establishing volunteer networks. Another $100,000 was allocated to provide four new Community Links and Networks which selected and trained volunteers to support isolated individuals or families.

The State Employment Skills Development Authority (SESDA) would accredit the skills of volunteers to enable recognition of their skills and experience once they joined the paid workforce.

The Seniors Information Service, which already attracted about 30,000 inquiries each year, would be expanded, including the use of a pharmacist to explain medication.

An information program about incontinence including the availability of respite support and laundry services, would also be created to assist the estimated 45 per cent of people older than 75 years who suffered from the affliction.