The
RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE of
AUSTRALIA
WODEN VALLEY SUB-BRANCH Inc.
WELFARE
PENSIONS, WELFARE AND AGED CARE:
From Tuesday to Thursday each week between 1130 and 1330 assistance is available at the Sub-Branch Office for any member who wants help in the preparation and submission of claims for disability pensions and allowances, and service pensions. We also provide information and guidance about Centrelink pensions and Aged Care, including residential care and care in the home. An appointment can be arranged through the Sub-Branch Office (6285 1931). In urgent cases contact can be made through Brian Cook (6281 2626) or Margaret Barker.
Many of our members care for a spouse or have a spouse who cares for them. In such cases a good deal of subsidised help is available that potential recipients often know little or nothing about. The Sub-Branch recommends that all carers check whether they are getting all the help to which they are entitled. For information contact Margaret Barker or Brian Cook(6281 2626).
Members of the Sub-Branch are reminded that the Sub-Branch may be able to provide assistance to them in the mowing of their lawns if they are no longer physically capable of doing the job themselves. Details may be obtained from the Sub-Branch Office or by contacting Ben Bruggeman (6291 6420).
Systems are commercially available to alert a family member or friend if the user urgently needs help in the home. The Sub-Branch has an arrangement to obtain the Vitalcall system on very favourable terms. We install these units for our frail aged members without charge and, for financially disadvantaged members, we provide a generous subsidy on the acquisition and service costs. For information contact the Sub-Branch Office (6285 1931) or Brian Drover (6290 1588) or Margaret Barker
Volunteers visit The Canberra Hospital, John James Memorial Hospital and the National Capital Private Hospital on a regular basis. We have an urgent need for more hospital visitors. Any member who can assist on either a regular or occasional basis is asked to contact our Sub-Branch Office or Brian Alabaster (6281 6448). Earlier editions of The Serviceman have details of what is involved and how rewarding the task can be. The average time per visit is about one hour and a half.
Volunteers visit patients in Clare Holland House. This is a very sensitive commitment and is not a task for everyone to attempt. Training in how to undertake these visits is provided. Those interested are invited to contact Sub-Branch Office (62851931) or Loraina Dorham (6288 3375)
The Sub-Branch has a program for volunteers to call on members who have been recently discharged from hospital and who lack companionship and need the support that only a friendly visit can provide. If any member is interested in participating in this worthwhile task, please contact the Sub-Branch Office (6285 1931).
RSL participation can be arranged through Gordon Masters (6296 5404) or if he is unavailable, contact the Secretary Ross Thomas (6288 3223). Sometimes the widow of a Sub-Branch member is unaware of the assistance that can be provided or does not notify our office of the situation. Any member hearing of the death of a another member is asked to pass the information to our Sub-Branch Office.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs booklet "Planning Ahead", available from our Sub-Branch Office, is an excellent guide to putting your affairs in order and preparing for and coping with bereavement. Its use can substantially ease the problems of grief for the loved ones.