AGWS Planned Activity Groups
'Active Living' and 'Positive Ageing'
‘Active living’ and ‘Positive Ageing’ strategies have dominated the focus of service provision within the AGWS Planned Activity Groups (PAG) throughout the 2005-2006 Financial Year. Within a health promotion context these initiatives have been holistically embraced and implemented in the PAG Program culminating in the delivery of the ‘Well For Life’ as funded by the NWR Department of Human Services Home and Community Care Program. AGWS was able to sustain the continued implementation of strategies that promote physical and social independence through the introduction of a new activities program, which incorporates physical activity, gardening, cooking, walking and outings.
The PAG Program continued to address issues of its special needs groups throughout the year including younger persons with cognitive, physical and psychiatric disabilities and individuals suffering from dementia. These initiatives included an enhanced activities program for the younger disabled group focusing on life skills development and creative arts and reminiscent therapeutic activities for our dementia-specific clients. These activities have set the foundation for the ongoing development of innovative and person-centred approaches in the delivery of meaningful centre-based activities to the community.
Currently available statistical information and feedback from the community suggests an ever-increasing community need, particularly as a greater number of frail and isolated Greek speaking elderly are seeking support from culturally relevant services. During the 2005-2006 Financial Year AGWS has provided centre-based activities within a Planned Activity Group setting to 580 members of the community. The over-representation of Greek-speaking elderly in the NWR PAGs is reflective of demographic data suggesting a large concentration of rapidly ageing Greek speakers in the Northern Metropolitan Region. Further analysis has indicated a proliferation of an increasing ageing population within the Eastern Metropolitan Region underpinned by marked variability in need. These changing demographics will continue to give rise to significant planning considerations for the organisation as it continues to strive tomeet the needs of the community.
Funding for this invaluable program is provided by the Department of Human Services HACC program and we greatly acknowledge the support of DHS.
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OUR CENTRES
The Australian Greek Welfare Society operates planned activity groups in 4 Centres throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan Region. These are located in Preston, Sunshine, North Balwyn and Clayton.
The planned activities are aimed at assisting frail elderly, people with dementia and younger persons with a disability who are from Greek speaking background to maintain their daily living skills so that they can continue to remain living independently within the community.
The program also provides support to carers by offering weekly centre-based respite. All centres have experienced culturally and linguistically appropriate trained staff that facilitate activities which address the physical, emotional, cultural and cognitive needs of clients who attend the program.
Activities at the centre include handcrafts, gardening, cooking, light exercises, a walking program, bingo and outings. The program also provides support to persons with dementia through culturally appropriate dementia specific activities.
Clients who attend the planned activity groups are provided with lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Transport is provided to and from the centres and is arranged by centre supervisors.
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