Computer help for seniors

By Danielle Galvin
BERWICK seniors are set to reap most of the benefits from a Federal Government promise of $70,000 to expand broadband internet access for seniors kiosks in the La Trobe electorate.
The federal Labor MP for La Trobe, Laura Smyth, announced last week that more than $31,000 would be invested in seniors internet kiosks in Berwick as part of the Federal Budget.
The four sites set to receive more payments are Berwick’s bowling club, the Brae Retirement Village, the Fiddlers Green Village and the Woodlands Park Retirement Living. All four sites are already being used. The Berwick District Woodworkers Club was left out.
Arlene Coutts, manager of the Berwick Brae Retirement Village, said the initiative has been running for two years.
The retirement village is one of 2000 other aged care facilities in Australia funded by the Federal Government for the scheme, and will be given an extra $8500.
“What we’ve been told is that it is an upgrade of our current services. It’s not everyday that we receive Federal Government funding,” Ms Coutts said.
She welcomed the funding, saying it has been an overwhelmingly positive thing for residents.
The retirement village has two computers, which are shared among the residents. At full capacity, 110 residents occupy the retirement village.
Ms Coutts said while everyone shared the computers and was respectful of other users, new funding to provide more computers would be appreciated.
“It’s been a real learning experience for the residents. They come in to use the computers to check their emails and some have even traced their family history,” she said.
John Lillie, the secretary and executive officer of the Berwick Bowling Club, is looking forward to the internet kiosk continuing.
He said older Australians were often not computer literate and needed a bit of a helping hand.
“People like me who didn’t grow up with computers need to be taught how to use them,” he said.
Many club members came from overseas, and staying in touch with their families was important.
“Our members use it for a lot of things, including emailing, and we have also set up Skype,” Mr Lillie said.
He said he was hopeful funding would continue for some time. The club has two computers, which Mr Lillie believes, is sufficient for the number of members.
Mr Lillie said he was looking forward to the three new tutors starting in the coming weeks to help teach his members how to become computer savvy.
Ms Smyth said Berwick seniors needed to be able to stay connected with family and friends who might be far away.