Social isolation is one of the great tragedies facing older Australians. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 16% of elderly Australians experienced loneliness, an alarming figure that requires proper addressing. Thankfully, there are home care plans that can help Aussie seniors avoid loneliness and remain an active part of their community. The NDIS provides packages that, whilst offering in-home care, also help elderly Australians maintain contact with their friends, family and the wider community.
Here, we will list five of the ways in which you can help your participant enjoy a healthy and vibrant social life, as this is imperative to maintaining overall health and wellbeing as we age:
Social Isolation Prevention: volunteering
The best home care services Lake Macquarie has will always promote volunteering as a way of community participation. And, of course, the Lake Macquarie region has absolutely no shortage of volunteering opportunities for elderly Australians.
Whether it’s helping out at the local op-shop, working away in a community garden, assisting visitors at the local library or something completely different, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities available for Aussie seniors looking to be an active part of their community.
Social Isolation Prevention: video chats
As we age, it can be harder to get ourselves out of the house to see friends and family. Unfortunately, it can also be difficult for our friends and family to pay regular visits, with work, family and social commitments getting in the way.
Thankfully, technology has come a long way in recent years, and communicating with friends and family is far more accessible than in the days of the landline. Today, elderly Australians have ample methods of communication available at their disposal, one of which is video chatting.
It couldn’t be easier to start a video chat with a friend or loved one and just one or two calls a week can go a long way to improving your participant’s sense of health, happiness and wellbeing.
Book clubs
If your participant loves to read then the time-tested book club is the perfect way to help them stay socially active. You may have to search around to find one, or you and your participant might even like to try starting one yourself, but it’s a great way to keep your participant socially active whilst doing one of the healthiest activities for the mind – reading!
Exercise groups
Exercise is just as important as we age than when we are young. Therefore, your participant might like to partake in one of the various sporting activities available in the Lake Macquarie region. There are so many sporting options available and it’s great because your participant will combine exercise with socialising.
There are the obvious choices, like bowls and swimming groups, but you can also think about other exciting ways in which your participant can stay fit and active whilst partaking in the local community.
And your company, of course!
At the end of the day, just you being there to spend time with your participant is a great way for them to socialise. If you’re a caring and compassionate individual who loves to help out whilst socialising with some awesome people then this position is likely perfect for you.
You will learn a lot whilst helping an older Australian stay socially active. This is one of the most important things for a senior’s health and so you will be providing your local community with an outstanding service!