CATHOLICCARE
BBN / JUNE 2020
Memory Innovations Centre – keeping seniors connected during COVID-19 CatholicCare’s Memory Innovations Centre has adapted very quickly to keep seniors in the community connected and supported in the current climate. We are committed to keeping our clients and staff safe whilst ensuring seniors have access to our programs during these unprecedented times. The Centre, located in Waitara, aims to improve quality of life, wellbeing and cognition for older Australians through the use of emerging technologies (including virtual reality, brain programs and smart home devices) and creative activities – all focused on having fun and connecting with others! Participants have access to a variety of programs and education sessions run by experts including a Social Worker, Exercise Physiologist, Psychologist, Nutritionist/Dietician, Occupational Therapist, Dance/Music Therapist and Creative Arts Therapist. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are offering a suite of online workshops catering to all technology skill levels - including both video and phone-in workshops. We are delivering tablets to those who don’t have the right
technology so they can participate in the programs and supporting people remotely to get online. Shane Watson, Coordinator of Aged Care Services said, “It wasn’t as simple as flicking a switch from in-person to online service provision. Our team was incredible in bringing their expertise to the table as we grappled with many challenges, but we are really proud of the result and love to see our seniors smiling and enjoying the programs so much.” We are currently offering a range of programs online from dance and art classes to exercise, cooking and cognitive training - all designed to stimulate the mind and body and keep our seniors engaged. We are providing nutrition tips for seniors, recipe cards, art making tips and much more! We have welcomed numerous new clients who thoroughly enjoy being part of the Memory Innovations Centre family. Dianne, our newest member said, “I am enjoying the Build Your Brain program very much and love the opportunity to meet new people even during isolation”.
Our programs continue to grow in popularity, and we would love to support more seniors as geography is no longer an issue – anyone can jump online and join in! For more information call Jessica on (02) 9481 2659 or visit www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/mic
Our volunteers got creative with our friends in aged care homes during lockdown Nothing is greater than the heart’s motivation to touch the lives of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. CatholicCare’s Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) volunteers know this. These wonderful people spend an hour once a fortnight developing friendships, having a chat and sharing a cuppa with people in aged care homes on the Northern Beaches who may not have many visitors. Due to the changes in visiting aged care homes since COVID-19 and the “lockdown”, our volunteers are having to get creative - phoning, writing letters and emailing their buddies instead. The joy they are bringing especially during these unusual times is immeasurable! Volunteer Gill is catching up with Gloria who is vision impaired by phone each week. She plays her favourite songs over the phone and reads her poetry. “I love hearing Gloria sing along to her favourite tunes and I know how much she looks forward to my calls as this is a particularly isolating time for our seniors in homes,” said Gill.
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