By Jade Lawton
ELDERLY and disabled residents living in the Cardinia Shire have been encouraged to sign up for the shire’s revamped seniors register.
The program, a joint initiative between Victoria Police, CFA, Cardinia Shire and the University of the Third Age (U3A) aims to care for the shire’s isolated or vulnerable residents.
“The seniors register needs a boost – we have over 6500 seniors in the Cardinia Shire yet only 150 on the database,” U3A director Ron Topp said.
“By re-launching the program we hope to attract many more of our seniors that may be isolated. It’s confidential, free and a valuable service to all our seniors.”
Leading Senior Constable John Roberts, of Pakenham police, said seniors or disabled people would also have the option of receiving weekly or fortnightly phone calls from U3A volunteers.
“There will also be alerts when weather conditions give us cause for concern – the government has a mobile phone one but not everyone has internet and mobile phones,” he said.
Sen Const Roberts said three or four elderly people had passed away in Pakenham during the last heatwave.
Mr Topp said seniors who signed up to the register would also get a fridge sticker with a number that emergency services could use to find out the person’s medical information and next of kin.
The information is confidential and will only be accessed by emergency services staff.
For application forms, visit Pakenham Police Station, the U3A, Senior Citizens or contact Pakenham police on 5945 2500.
Victoria Police, CFA, U3A and council will officially re-launch the register with a morning tea at the emergency services precinct on Friday, 4 December.
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