Skip to main content RSS Info Close Search Facebook Twitter
Location
Category
Providers / Vacancies
Feedback

Keep connected with the ones you love over Easter

While the Easter holidays are a time to spend time with family and friends, as well as a well deserved holiday, it can also be a time of isolation for some older Australians, which is why it’s important to  reach out to your older loved ones who may need help or someone to talk to.

<p>Taking the time to reach out for help when you need it is really important during the holidays and Government help services can be a lifeline for many. [Source: iStock]</p>

Taking the time to reach out for help when you need it is really important during the holidays and Government help services can be a lifeline for many. [Source: iStock]

The current pandemic has made it harder for older people to see their loved ones like they usually would, which is why these holidays can be so important to strengthen those connections.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, says there are many available services that can help vulnerable older Australians when they are in need during the holiday season.

“After a difficult year, it is vital older Australians stay connected during the holidays, which can be a lonely time for many people,” says Minister Colbeck.

“The pandemic taught us the value of looking out for each other. It has never been more important.

“I would encourage all Australians to reconnect with the elderly people in their lives – their parents, friends and neighbours – to check on their needs and lend a hand if they need it.”

There are a range of Government services that can provide social connectedness and mental health and wellbeing support to older Australians during the holidays.

The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line on 1800 171 866 can provide advice and referrals to services you may need during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes information about travel restrictions and advice about home care services.

If any older people, or their families and aged care staff, have experienced grief or loss and require bereavement counselling, you can contact the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement on 1800 222 200.

Dementia peak body, Dementia Australia, has the National Dementia Helpline, which is a free service for people living with dementia and their carers. It provides emotional support, guidance, and connection to relevant support services. The helpline is available from Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm (AEDT) on 1800 100 500.

You can also access dementia support services through the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) on 1800 699 799.

Taking the time to reach out for help when you need it is really important during the holidays and these Government services can be a lifeline for many.

Minister Colbeck adds that the pandemic has further highlighted the importance of checking in on loved ones.

“Sometimes a phone call or a visit to senior relatives and friends is all that’s needed, but it is always appropriate to reach out for additional support if required,” says Minister Colbeck.

Other available mental health and wellbeing support services includes:

To find social support in your community, learn how to use video calls to stay connected, or access the Community Visitors Scheme, visit the information section on AgedCareGuide.com.au.

Share this article

Read next

Subscribe

Subscribe to our Talking Aged Care newsletter to get our latest articles, delivered straight to your inbox
  1. Data from a recently released report highlights a concerning...
  2. With an ageing and growing population, data from the...
  3. Approximately 411,000 Australians are estimated to be living...
  4. How could you benefit from attending university as an older...
  5. Fueling your body with healthy foods as you age could help...
  6. If you believe you have reached a point of it being too unsafe...

Recent articles

  1. What is the expected impact of the changes to the upcoming...
  2. Recently published retirees prove that it’s never too...
  3. In the last decade, people aged 65 years or older were...
  4. What caused an increase in the number of calls to advocacy...
  5. Managing your medications may seem difficult but it...
  6. Dementia Australia’s free information sessions can help...
  7. Waiting to update your will and other legal documents could...
  8. Palliative care allows Australians at the end of their lives...
  9. Telstra and Optus are closing their 3G networks on October 28,...
  10. Tax returns must be completed by the end of the months and...
  11. Rental stress is affecting the aged care workers that are...
  12. Why is the Victorian Government providing free public...
  1. {{ result.posted_at | timeago }}

Sorry, no results were found
Perhaps you misspelled your search query, or need to try using broader search terms.
Please type a topic to search
Some frequently searched topics are "dementia", "elderly" etc
Close