COTA NT advocating for and working towards an age-friendly, just, inclusive and equitable society for all Territorians over 50
Jan Jewell Chair of COTA NT and COTA Coomalie
Jan previously had a background in bookkeeping/accountancy and office administration and became a carer when her husband had his first stroke in 1998.
Jan was a carer for 11 years with the last 3 to 4 years being very much 24/7 coping with her husband’s dementia along with diabetes, heart problems and reclusiveness. When her husband passed away in 2009, Jan was introduced to COTA through making phone calls as to what was available in her area (Jan lives in a semi remote rural area approx 100 ks south of Darwin).
COTA Coomlie was just starting up and Jan got involved with COTA due to her experience with aged care and the problems of looking after someone at home especially in a remote rural area. Jan also brings to her role an understanding of some of the problems associated with ageing in place outside of a major centre.
Jan also volunteers at the Batchelor Tourist Information Centre for Litchfield National park and Batchelor Area School. This allows her to mix with a lot of different people and listen to their concerns about things that are happening around the community. Jan says, “It keeps me in touch with the aspirations of people as they age.”
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Page updated: November 2023