The introduction of more social groups in aged care has decreased the self isolation rate for the Illawarra’s elderly.
With companies such as the Bay and Basin Community Resources (BCR), Wollongong senior residents are being presented with the opportunity to connect with other people within aged care.
BCR Aged Care Executive Manager Lorriane Williams said the added community events have been beneficial, on top of the one-on-one services that already exist.
“We are able to now expand and provide from outside peoples homes,” Ms Williams said.
“A lot of older people want to still explore the world but unfortunately can’t do it safely alone.”
The increase in services has allowed retired residents and people in need of age care to partake in social based activities rather than staying within households.
Social isolation for older people has been considered a public health concern across Australia giving much needed connection and improving the overall social isolation and wellbeing for senior generations..
“A lot of people tend to be isolated and live on their own and find they’ve moved away from their support networks and often lack transport, Ms Williams said.
The elderly people are given the opportunity to get out in the community with other aged care client, as well as creating a social community among like-minded people out in the environment during activities and events.
BCR CEO, Heather Marciano said the increase in services has allowed retired residents and people in need of age care to partake in social based activities rather than staying within households.
“A lot of people tend to be isolated and live on their own and find they’ve moved away from their support networks and often lack transport,” Miss Marciano said.
“From these factors we decide to connect them through a common denominator such as food or activities which are really important.”
Ms Marciano said aged care activities continues to improve across the Illawarra.
BCR Communities is a service that provides care for people with disabilities and aged care, as well as providing job options for students with disabilities leaving school. Heather Marciano and Brad Slaughter are some of the crew behind BCR Communities which is currently developing a centre that will utilise NDIS services to provide an accessible and social platform for people with disabilities around the Illawarra.