With more than 100 stands and seminars on two stages, the third Care and Ageing Expo at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre will be held over the weekend of 3 and 4 August and focus on products and information enabling older people to enjoy the ageing process.
An increased number of stands will feature products and services covering all aspects of the care and ageing industry, ranging from providing advice on finance to demonstrating equipment to help make living at home easier and even hearing solutions for older people.
Exhibitors will include residential care, home care, retirement living, equipment, service providers, health care, legal and financial, medical, consultants, technology and support groups.
Created by Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), the Care and Ageing Expo will showcase the full spectrum of products and services in home care, residential aged care and retirement living that will assist the community to navigate through what can be a confusing journey.
Organiser of the expo Richard Campbell said it aimed to help people understand what was available in every aspect of ageing well.
The Bethanie Lifestyle seminar stage, with MC, former ABC presenter Verity James, will provide a continuous stream of valuable consumer information including discussion panels with opportunities for questions.
Topics range from aged care finances and home care planning, to how to care for those with dementia or learn about cyber-crime and safety for seniors along with much more.
A more informal Chat Lounge will focus on technology, staying healthy and innovative products to make life easier for the ageing consumer.
There will be opportunities to hear about and discuss products and services from industry specialists from TADWA, VisAbility, Silver Chain, Intelligent Home and others.
The Chat Lounge Stage will also provide a setting for performances from the Rosewood Choir and Bethanie Dancers. Also providing entertainment will be jazz trio the Gumnut Stompers.
The Lounge Retreat, a chill out area within the expo provides comfortable seating and a space where visitors can relax and talk with friends over a coffee or a bite to eat from the pop-up café.
Mr Campbell said over the last couple of years the Care and Ageing Expo had proven to be an ideal way of encouraging aged consumers and their families to contemplate how to create a contented environment for ageing well.
“There are many new developments in the way both government departments and care and ageing services as well as ever-improving technology to help make life safer and more enjoyable for older people.
“At this year’s expo, which has become the biggest and best in WA, there will be a host of opportunities get a conversation started in the family about almost anything to do with ageing family members.”
Types of exhibitors will include: residential care facilities; home care providers; retirement living providers; equipment providers; service providers; allied health providers such as physiotherapists, cognitive therapists and counsellors; vulnerable care groups including, LGBTIQ+, legal, financial, banks, superfunds; medical; consultants; technology; workforce; and not for profit volunteer groups.
LASA CEO Sean Rooney said that in a rapidly evolving aged care environment the expo would play a valuable role in helping consumers understand the options available to them.
“Age services providers are responding to the demands of consumer centred care and tailoring offerings to meet the care needs of the growing number of older Australians.
“So now more than ever, the consumer and their loved ones have the opportunity to compare the various age services options and make informed decisions,” Mr Rooney said.
“I would strongly encourage anyone who is nearing retirement, or caring for elderly loved ones, to visit the Expo, ask questions and gather as much information as possible before making what can be ‘life changing’ decisions.
The expo will be open from 9.30am to 4pm on 3 and 4 August.
There is free entry for pension card holders (Aged, Veteran and Disability). Children under 18 are also free.
Tickets are available for pre-purchase for $8 for adults and $5 for concession card holders (Health, Seniors Card and Student). Companion cards are accepted.
At the door tickets are $10 for adults and $7.50 for concessions.
More information and tickets are available from www.careandageingexpo.com.au
