Health, wealth and wisdom… its all about seniors – Canberra CityNews

This week CityNews speaks with the people and services passionate about improving the lives of Canberras older community.

From looking after their health to getting their affairs in order, these Canberra businesses know the importance of helping the older community.

This expertise allows seniors to balance their priorities with ease, making time for both the necessary and the fun.

CityNews speaks with the people and services passionate about improving the lives of Canberras older community.

AS one of Canberras largest independent law firms, MV Law delivers a comprehensive range of specialised legal services. Multiple award-winning MV Law Partner, Tanya Herbertson, and her team offer a wealth of experience in wills and estate planning and disputes. Tanya says shes been in the industry for more than 20 years and loves connecting with her clients.

Personal law is just that: personal. All the expertise in the world doesnt mean anything if you dont also have the emotional IQ to truly put yourself in someone elses shoes, she says.

Tanya says that their focus is on estate planning, making wills, and organising peoples power of attorney, as well as answering questions about guardianship issues and tribunal issues.

I love the people side of it, I love hearing peoples stories, hearing their issues or problems and helping them to work out a path forward.

MV Law, Level 2, 121 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic. Call 6279 4444, email info@mvlaw.com.au or visit mvlaw.com.au

TONY Ayres, manager of Sears Morton, says for people who experience mobility issues, daily tasks that many people take for granted can become quite difficult.

A seemingly simple task, like getting out of a chair, can be a hazard, he says.

Thanks to innovations from furniture designers and manufacturers, there are items of furniture such as lift chairs that can be of much-needed assistance to those facing this problem.

An electric lift chair allows the user to transition comfortably from standing to a seated position, and then back up again. Lift chairs aim to fully support the user throughout the entire motion from standing to sitting, reducing the likelihood of potential injuries or falls.

This type of chair is recommended for those with limited mobility such as the elderly or those recovering from injuries or surgery.

Tony prides himself on his customer service.

Ive had feedback from seniors, they appreciate old-fashioned, personal customer service, says Tony.

I realise the importance of helping people find the right chair.

People can personalise the colour of their lift chairs, too. They come in both neutral colours and bright colours, and theres a spring sale across the store now.

Sears Morton, 167 Newcastle Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 5587, or visit searsmorton.com.au

FIVE days a week Arthritis ACT hosts senior exercise classes that CEO Rebecca Davey says are a great way to stay fit and meet new people.

Theyre great exercise for seniors but more importantly theyre a really nice way to meet other people that might be going through some of the same challenges, says Rebecca.

Other people living with pain, other people who are not happy with the fact that their body isnt working quite as well as they are used to anymore. What most people find is its the friendships they make thats the really special thing the social connections.

Rebecca says that the classes have no upper or lower age limit, either.

Anyone of any age can come, she says.

Most of our classes do tend to have people that are retired and are older but there is no age limit.

Occasionally we have some young people come as well and that gives a nice mix because its more like a community.

Rebecca says the classes cover everything from strength and balance training to chair yoga to tai chi, as well as specially tailored classes for small groups.

Thats only the start, Rebecca says, with Arthritis ACT also offering services such as exercise physiology, disability support and meal planning to help people in managing their pain.

No question is too big or small for us, she says.

Arthritis ACT, Building 18, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

YOUR Property Profits is here to make sure people who are physically or financially limited in their ability to renovate their homes are not disadvantaged by their current circumstances, says owner Sophie McLean.

Our renovations are strategic, we only renovate where we can create an uplift in value, she says.

Our most recent sale, at Holt, attracted more than five times the number of visitors to the property than other comparable properties on the market in the area at the time.

Sophie says the expert team undertakes cosmetic and reconfiguration renovations designed to maximise profit and offer a bespoke service catered to the individual needs of each of their clients, especially seniors who can often face problems when selling their homes.

They may need or choose to downsize their homes, or to move into a retirement village. They may have medical issues that leave them physically restricted. They are often on the pension which limits their ability to lend from major financial institutions, says Sophie.

We do all the work. We pay all the costs and we make sure they walk away with more money in their pockets than they would have had selling without us. And theres a lot people can do with that extra cash!

For some this cash is essential for their ongoing care and medical bills, for others it has a huge impact on their quality of life and independence. Either way, more cash in their pockets gives them greater freedom to choose how they spend their retirement.

Your Property Profits. Call 1800 225597 or visit yourpropertyprofits.com.au

CAPON and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators can help clients update their will as they get older to ensure their wishes are respected, says wills and estate-planning lawyer Ashilpa Khanna.

Ashilpa, who has also recently been made a notary public, says some people dont have a will, which means their possessions are instead distributed by the rules of intestacy.

This distribution means that someone your spouse or a family member will have to apply to the court to be appointed administrator before they can handle your estate, she says.

This can be costly and time-consuming. Even if they have a will, Ashilpa says its important that seniors periodically review it, especially after significant events such as when children get married or the birth of a grandchild.

At the forefront of peoples minds is making sure their financial and legal affairs are in order so that, in the event of a crisis, their loved ones are secure and can be provided for as intended, she says.

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators has been helping people with their legal matters for more than 34 years and can also help seniors with a range of legal issues in areas such as family law, childrens matters, conveyancing, and power of attorney.

We are focused on giving honest and expert advice at all times, she says.

Our staff are experienced in their fields and we take pride in knowing that they will always use common sense, respect, courtesy and good judgement when dealing with clients.

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Email enquiries@chsol.com.au, call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

AS people approach retirement, they start to consider the things that are most important, says Warrigal Aged Care CEO, Mark Sewell.

It should be time to be excited about whats next, and with Warrigals network of community villages across NSW including Queanbeyan on the doorstep of the ACT you have keeping social, connected and cared for, your way, to look forward to, he says.

Warrigals community villages are carefully designed to foster a caring and connected community of like-minded people looking to enjoy their later years. These spaces nurture the ability to form new friendships over shared hobbies, while boasting modern facilities for a comfortable life.

In addition to emergency call systems and in-home care options for peace of mind, Warrigals villas and apartments are modern, open plan, with high-quality features and fittings. Depending on your location choice, you can enjoy a one to three-bedroom property with a courtyard, maintained or self-maintained gardens, barbecue areas with car spaces, carports and garages.

Mark says recreational activities take place in outdoor areas, such as games, hobby clubs, exercise groups, happy hour and many other leisure activities.

You can also take advantage of on-site libraries, wellness centres including hairdressers, transport assistance, and of course bring your pets along, too, as most Warrigal communities are pet friendly.

Warrigal regularly takes feedback on-board to upgrade whats on offer.

Warrigal Aged Care, call 1800 927 744 or visit warrigal.com.au

HIGHER Function offers a range of classes that are taught by experienced physiotherapists and exercise physiologists, using evidence-based exercises, says physiotherapist Andrea Rich.

Strong Bones is a group class designed specifically for people with osteoporosis and osteopenia (low bone density), she says.

This class focuses on exercises to safely improve bone density stomping, holding weights and incorporates strength training, mobility and balance exercises to improve overall mobility and prevent falls.

Strength For Life is a class for people over the age of 50 in which you receive your own personalised strength and exercise program and are working towards your own individual goals.

Golf Fit is great for those who want to play longer games of golf without pain, prevent injuries and improve mobility, strength, power and speed.

Andrea says people come to class to work hard, get stronger and reduce their pain, but the atmosphere is still fun and friendly.

Lots of people have become friends and go for a well-earned coffee after classes, she says.

Our small group classes allow for everyone to receive attention from the therapist, ensuring they are performing exercises correctly, safely and can offer modifications where needed.

We have a 90-year-old client who attends three classes a week. We have lots of fun but still work hard.

Higher Function Physio & Pilates, Suite 4, Level 1/23 Petrie Plaza. Call 6262 9664 or visit higherfunction.com.au

ORTHOPAEDICS ACT was established in 2013, and provides a complete range of care for patients with orthopedic conditions.

Associate Professor Chris Roberts says they are the largest and most comprehensive orthopedic practice in Canberra.

Our specialists are experienced orthopedic surgeons, he says.

The goal at Orthopaedics ACT is to treat patients with musculoskeletal disorders, strive to reduce pain, and improve their patients function and quality of life.

Chris Roberts says this may involve trauma and fractures, sporting injuries, high-speed motor vehicle accidents, overuse injuries, arthritis and disabling pain.

There is nothing more satisfying than hearing from our patients that there has been a reduction in their pain or that they are pain free and able to get back to activity without restrictions, he says.

At Orthopaedics ACT we have all devoted ourselves to caring for our patients and striving to be the best in our field.

Orthopaedics ACT, Woden Specialist Medical Centre, level 2, 90 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 6221 9320 or visit orthoact.com.au

VILLAGGIO Sant Antonio is a multicultural aged-care facility that feels like home, says general manager Alan Hardie.

Its a calm, peaceful place with beautiful gardens and we try to keep that relaxed ambience, he says.

We have an activities lifestyle co-ordinator who organises functions, outings and buses for residents.

Our villa residents also have access to a bus so they organise their own happy hours, travels, visits to galleries and more.

Alan says the facility, licensed for more than 100 residents, is conveniently located nearby everything that seniors need.

Were about one and a half kilometres from shopping, medical centres, main highways and on-site parking, he says.

He also says Villaggio provides 24-hour nursing care to residents.

Weve got visiting doctors, a podiatrist, physiotherapist on-site and more.

Residents consider it as their own home and we try to make them feel as comfortable as we can and look after their needs as much as possible.

Villaggio Sant Antonio, 35 Burkitt Street, Page. Call 6255 1794 or visit villaggio.com.au

TAKING the first step in estate planning is often an enlightening experience, with many people surprised to find out what theyre actually worth, says KJB Laws estate planning special counsel Kerstin Glomb.

I have clients who believe they dont own much, but then when we walk through things like superannuation and life insurance theyre surprised to find out how much theyre actually worth and what they have to organise, she says.

After that initial meeting I find people feel a lot of relief and peace of mind that theyve started the process.

Although it can be an uncomfortable topic to approach, Kerstin says estate planning is something everyone should think about and KJB takes pride in helping ease the burden and making clients feel comfortable.

We guide people through what options they have and what they should address so that they can take charge in providing protection for themselves and their loved ones, says Kerstin.

Its about working out with a client who are the right people in their family or broader surroundings and then structuring their document to reflect that. Theres nothing better than when people say after signing that theyre happy to have it in place, feel comfortable and most importantly that they understand what theyve signed.

KJB Law, ground floor, 10 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au

SUNROOM for Seniors is a small, welcoming group providing an opportunity for social interaction and friendship, says program co-ordinator Tegan Johns.

We provide a program of activities adapted to attendees needs and interests, says Tegan.

Sunroom for Seniors meets in a specially designed facility at the North Belconnen Uniting Church on Conley Drive, Melba, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm.

Tegan says the group offers enjoyable activities in a warm and friendly setting where seniors can meet and get to know each other, all supported by qualified staff and volunteers.

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Health, wealth and wisdom... its all about seniors - Canberra CityNews