By MEGAN WILSON
AN ELDERLY Noosa woman is calling for more community groups aimed at older people to help ease feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she found a number of barriers to joining groups in the Noosa area, with many aimed at younger people.
“I’m also deaf, so I can’t do groups, but one-on-one interaction is fine,” she said.
“Transport is also a problem when you live far out.”
The woman said many elderly people experience loneliness and isolation as they can’t get to groups or no group exist for them to join.
Noosa Care group care manager Sandra Gunner agreed there is a problem with isolation in the local community.
“Even with in-home care packages, which are often only a few hours a day at best, the elderly are left alone for long days with often just the television for company,” she said.
Ms Gunner said people often think aged care facilities are “heaven’s waiting room”.
“But the reality is, there is a whole lot of life to be lived in aged care facilities and those lonely nights are not so lonely anymore with staff available 24 hours,” she said.
Ms Gunner said there is a lot of living to be done at aged care facilities.
“We have heard of numerous occasions, from residents who have come to live at Noosacare, it is the rich activity program and friendships they form with other residents and staff that enriches the quality of their lives,” she said.
“Relatives have made comment that their loved one has a new lease on life and, for some, they are trying things they never have before through our art classes, dance groups and other activities.”
