The Alexandrina Council region boasts a range of groups that enable our older adults to connect.
Our key priorities are to advocate, collaborate and deliver information about services, learning and social opportunities. Our key actions include information sharing and supporting community to meet and connect.
We develop partnerships and seek funding opportunities to support the wellbeing of the community.
Learn more about our priorities and action in the Community Wellbeing Action Plan and Plan on a page - Our Older Adults.
Projects and initiatives
Into the light short film
The Connecting through the Art of Ageing project team, enabled the creation of this short intergenerational film. The Alexandrina Youth Theatre and Film group worked with older members of the LGBTIQA+ community to create the 'Into the Light' short film under the direction of Lyn Pike, and local film maker Mike Tye. Sincere appreciation is also extended to the Southern Fleurieu film Society and Richard Hodges for their sponsorship of the film. Intergenerational conversations were held over a period of several months with six young people interviewing eight older people about their lived experiences.
Encouraging them to share “their stories” on film was a creative and enjoyable experience for the participants. Encouraging the LGBTQI community to meet up in a relaxed environment, facilitating a ‘getting to know you’ atmosphere and gently guiding conversations between generations of their lived experience growing up as a perceived ‘different’ member of our society, teasing out their stories, emphasising some aspects which may encourage both young and old to share their pleasure (and perhaps pain) would hopefully serve to strengthen connections between young and old in the community.
Alexandrina Seniors Tech Project
Throughout our community consultations we heard that older adults, wanted to access easy to understand and paper-based information.
With funding support from Office for Ageing Well we are seeking to the increase knowledge and skills of older adults using technology. Small group or one on one conversations with older adults informs the improving useability and accessibility of Councils website.
This project concluded August 2023, and the Alexandrina Seniors Tech Engagement Project Final Report is available to read.
Wellness in Nature Project
Office for Ageing Well Age Friendly grant 2024-25 Project
Council was excited to have received an Age-Friendly SA Grant from the State Government. Our Community Development team used the Age Friendly SA Grant to run a ‘Wellness in Nature’ program for residents over the age of 50, promoting the health benefits of engaging in the natural environment in our region.
The Wellness in Nature project aimed to improve community health through activities that increased engagement with nature. It has provided opportunities to participate in activities in parks, beaches, and rivers within the Alexandrina Council region, aiming to reduce social isolation, increase physical activity and enhance mental health.
The project is now coming to a close and the project team have truly appreciated all the connections and energy of the groups, businesses, and individuals which collaboratively made this project as special as it was. The outcomes will help to inform and shape our projects into the future.
Activities & support services
Useful resources
Adult Safeguarding Unit (ASU) responds to concerns about adults who may be vulnerable and experiencing abuse or mistreatment. An adult may be vulnerable due to age, disability, ill health, social isolation, dependence on others, or other disadvantage. Call the Unit for free confidential advice, information and support.
Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) offers free, confidential state-wide service to older adults, or their representatives who are seeking information, education, and support about the Aged Care System.
Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission deals with complaints about aged care services.
Care Finder Program supports vulnerable older people, who have no one else who can support them, to learn about, apply for, and access aged care services and supports in their local community. Navigators will work directly with people who are eligible under the Care Finder Program in helping them to access and navigate aged care services for the first time, change or find new services and connect with relevant local supports.
- Phone: 08 7320 3150
- Email: carefinder@connectcare.org.au
Carer Gateway is an Australia-wide network of Carer Gateway service providers. They will talk through what you need and help you to find local services and support to help you.
Carers SA offer a wide range of personalised services, packages and information to support Carers from all backgrounds and cultures at no cost.
Catalyst Foundation provides free and independent community information and connects people to care, support and accommodation services.
Compass.info is a comprehensive online hub dedicated to providing accurate, current and accessible information on a range of topics including Dementia, aged care, ageism, coercive control and elder abuse.
Council of the Ageing (COTA) SA is a older persons peak body representing the rights and interests of South Australian aged 50+. Ageing Well Coordinators are available to talk about navigating the aged care system.
Phone: 1800 182 324.
Dementia and Driving - A Decision Aid. Driving is a complex task. In order to drive safely, you rely upon a variety of skills such as judgement, memory, attention and the ability to assess your surroundings. The aim of this book is to assist in deciding when to stop driving after receiving a diagnosis of dementia.
Department for Infrastructure and Transport provides information for older drivers including safe driving tips and obligations and opportunities for older drivers.
Know Your Rights is a guide to the rights of older South Australians. Contact Office for Ageing Well on 08 8204 2420 for a free hard copy.
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 is a free telephone service that provides information and advice to:
- people living with dementia
- people concerned about changes to memory and thinking
- people living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
- family, friends and carers of people living with dementia
- people who work in health and aged care
My Aged Care is a Federal Government initiative for older people to register to begin the process of receiving subsidised help at home or considering residential care. My Aged care is an entry point to access Australian Government aged care services.
Phone: 1800 200 422
Staying at Home is a free carer wellbeing and respite program for people living with dementia and their carers and is intended as an early support in the years following diagnosis. Throughout the retreat, carers will be provided with education and peer support that will build their knowledge, skills and capability to continue in their caring role. A significant focus of the activities will be on the wellbeing of the carer while the person living with dementia is offered enjoyable activities, peer support and care by qualified care staff.
South Australia Plan for Ageing Well 2020-2025 is the vision and priorities for ageing well in South Australia. The Office for Ageing Well seeks to contribute to creating communities that value older people and the contributions they make to society.
South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme provides taxi fare subsidies for people with permanent and severe disabilities.
