Distance, not Disconnection

Distance, not disconnection

There’s no doubt Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is causing a lot of turmoil around the world.

While symptoms and severity vary, older adults and people with underlying chronic medical conditions seem to be at higher risk of developing more serious complications from COVID-19.

To safeguard our older Australians, restrictions have been put in place in aged care centres right across the country and the government has urged people to be particularly mindful of social distancing when it comes to elderly relatives and friends.

This is a move we wholeheartedly support to slow the spread of COVID-19, but we also want to remind people to stay connected with the elderly in our community.

We know older generations are more likely to experience isolation and feelings of loneliness and have no doubt that our current shift towards social isolation will leave some feeling this even more acutely.   

Here’s some things we can all do to ensure our elderly family members, friends and neighbours are okay during this pandemic:

-        Ensure they have what they need at home. Like all of us, older people need to have what they need at home, including medications, non-perishable food and household cleaning items. If you can, stock their cupboards now and check in to see if they need any additional items ongoing.

-        Arrange an in-home help assessment. Some older people cope day-to-day with family around to help. But if their families need to self-isolate, they can be are left without the support they need. If you’re worried about how a loved one would cope without you, you can talk to our Aged Care Solutions team by calling 02 6932 3009.

-        Make a plan to stay in touch. While you need to keep your physical distance from older people, who are at high risk from COVID-19, hearing your voice can help. Tee up a phone or video call at regular intervals.

-        Monitor their wellbeing. If there are changes in your loved one’s tone of voice or demeanour, they may be experiencing isolation. Keep an eye out for this and be prepared to put them in contact with the services they need.

While The Forrest Centre has a firm plan to take care of our residents, community consumers, clients and staff, by taking these simple steps we can come together to ensure we are caring for all people in our community, particularly those most at risk.