FAQs

The Age-friendly City approach is embedded in the World Health Organisation Age-friendly Cities Framework, which you can read more about here. 

This is an evidence based, globally recognised approach for creating community as a better place to age. The WHO Age-friendly Cities framework developed in the Global Age-friendly Cities Guide proposes eight interconnected domains that can help to identify and address barriers to the well-being and participation of older people. 

Adopting an Age-friendly Plan makes life easier and better for people as they age. It does this by designing age-inclusive policies, services and programs. In such a city, residents can live safely, easily use buildings and services, enjoy safe and welcoming outdoor spaces, and feel part of the community. 

The City of Fremantle promotes an Age-friendly community, encouraging and strengthening the physical, social, and mental wellbeing of all as we age. 

The City values the many people aged 55+ who live, work, study, and volunteer within our community, and encourages all individual’s contributions and participation in the day-to-day life of the community. 

A wide range of initiatives, partnership opportunities facilities and activities are provided by the City. To find out more visit Positive ageing | City of Fremantle 

Being an Age-friendly community is not just about starting new things, it’s a way to bring together and make visible all the work that is already happening.

Positive ageing is about maximising the quality of life and wellbeing of people as they age, recognising that it is not just about physical ageing, but the context in which people experience life. This includes recognising changes in our physical abilities, social connections, employment, and family situations, and finding the positive and rewarding experiences within these transitions. 

This approach encourages us to live vibrant lives at all stages, by maintaining good health, staying mentally and physically active, continuously learning, and being socially engaged. It's about enjoying new experiences such as developing new skills, forming new friendships, volunteering in the community, pursuing hobbies, and visiting new places. 

Positive ageing also emphasises the importance of individual’s contributions to society at all ages, and it encourages continued participation in our community. It is about being resilient during challenging times, staying connected, sharing experiences, and participating in activities that contribute to a healthier and happier life.

Your opinions and suggestions are vital to help inform our Positive Ageing opportunities. Here’s how we’ll incorporate your feedback into our decision-making process: 

1. We’ll analyse all feedback to better understand common themes, needs, and ideas. This will highlight what matters most to our community about positive ageing. 
2. Then we'll use your feedback to guide the design of a new Age Friendly Plan 2025-2030 and to inform future Positive Ageing activities and programs. 

You may be eligible to receive Commonwealth government-subsidised home care. If you are unsure about what to do you should visit the national My Aged Care website by clicking here.

Alternatively, you can ring the national My Aged Care team hotline on 1800 200 422 free-of-charge Monday to Friday between 8am to 8pm, or Saturdays between 10am-2pm to speak to someone.

Launched in 2023 by the McGowan Government, the first Age-Friendly WA: State Seniors Strategy is a 10-year whole of Government strategy to support older Western Australians. This was accompanied by the first five-year Action plan that sets out a range of actions: including a comprehensive campaign to tackle ageism in WA and to support older Western Australians. 

This State Strategy gives people the knowledge and understanding that in-home care is not a local government program. 

To find out more, visit An Age-Friendly WA: State Seniors Strategy by clicking here.

If you are unsure about what to do you should contact My Aged Care or phone call 1800 200 422 this free number anytime Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm or Saturdays 10am-2pm,

For general information on service providers please visit the Fremantle (WA) - Community Directory

The At Home Guide

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Western Australia has developed ‘The At Home Guide’ to support older Western Australians to live well. 

'The At Home Guide' provides information on:

• Accessing services 
• Social and physical engagement
• Safety and security
• Health and wellbeing 

For more information and to access this free resource visit the COTA WA website.

Red Cross - Telecross

The Red Cross Telecross service can provide you with a daily telephone call to check on your wellbeing. Telecross is for people who live alone and are at risk of an accident or illness that may go unnoticed. In particular, people who:

• are frail and elderly
• have a disability
• are housebound
• are recovering from an illness or accident

Telecross is also available to the carers of people who are eligible for the service. When family and carers are away, or if someone has just returned home after a hospital stay, Telecross can also be used on a temporary basis.

For more information visit the Red Cross website.

Red Cross - Community Visitors Scheme

The Community Visitors Scheme is a free service where a Red Cross volunteer visits you regularly to spend time together.

You can:

• have a cup of tea
• have a chat and a laugh
• read together
• watch sport
• play cards
• listen to music

or do another similar activity that you both enjoy. For more information visit the Red Cross website.

Have you considered in-home care support? 

You may be eligible to receive government-subsidised home care through the Commonwealth Home Support programme or a Home Care Package that you can receive will depend on your situation and needs.

 A variety of age care services can help you live independently in your own home. Getting a little help with daily activities means you can stay independent in your own home for long. In fact, a little support can lead to a much better life.

The Australian Government will pay some or all of your aged care costs. Getting the right help at home can help you continue to live independently in your own home for as long as possible.

To be allocated a Home Care Package, you must be assessed by the Age Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This assessment will determine your package level. To arrange an assessment, contact My Age Care by calling 1800 200 4422.

For more information regarding your eligibility visit: Questions about aged care assessments | My Aged Care

Everyone has different requirements, so Home Care Packages are available to meet these needs, and your Age Care Assessment Team will look at what you are entitled to – and where to get it. 

For further information about at-home care visit: Help at home - what to expect | My Aged Care

The best way to get in touch is to email: info@fremantle.wa.gov.au or Telephone: 1300 MY FREO (1300 69 3736)

Please make reference to the City's Positive Ageing Officer.

Alternatively, you can contact the Community Engagement Team at: communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au