By Laura Michell
Cobaw Community Health staff have been checking in on elderly residents for a chat or to deliver a hot meal to stop them from feeling lonely and isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The health service’s Social Support Program group outings was one of the first programs cancelled as a result of the pandemic, putting an end to regular catch-ups for the program’s members.
The Social Support Program is open to people aged 65 and over, or 50 and over if they identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Cobaw community connections manager Carly Visscher said the cancellation of the group outings meant staff had to come up with new ways to help the program’s members remain connected.
“Due to the age of our participants, we had to put a halt to our bus trips around the region, so all of a sudden there were no more lunches out, no trips to the cinema or visit to local gardens,” she said.
“Staff are stopping by participants’ homes to have a chat from a safe distance and delivering food prepared meals and things to keep them entertained, such as books and DVDs.
“We have been working with the many generous local businesses and individuals who are offering their goods and services to the community.”
If you are interested in joining the Social Support Program, you can apply through My Aged Care or call 5421 1666
