Keeping isolation blues away

Check in on your grandparents or elderly neighbours during the COVID-19 pandemic. With physical distancing in place, the impact of social isolation and loneliness may be more profound during this time.

Older people, especially those with underlying medical conditions, are at a greater risk of falling seriously ill if they are infected with COVID-19. While it is advisable to limit physical contact with older people during this time to help keep them safe, it is important to stay connected with them as some may become socially isolated if physical distancing continues. If left unchecked, this can be detrimental to their mental wellbeing.

Jo Danahay, 81, knows what it means to have a strong support network. Jo moved to BlueCross Box Hill in April 2019 soon after her husband Noel passed away.

More than a year on, Jo is still grieving for Noel and appreciates the emotional support she gets from her family and friends, as well as staff at the aged care residence. Staff also ensure Jo stays connected with her family and friends through regular phone and video calls.

Among Jo’s support group are five former work colleagues that she has known for more than 30 years.

“I got to know these wonderful women – Denise, Clare, Jenny, Liz and Maria – when we were all working together as nurses in an aged care home that has since been demolished,” says Jo. “They are great girls!”

While their nursing careers may have led them in different directions and paths along the way, “The Girls” as the six bosom friends called their group, have continued to stay in touch with each other over the years by phone calls, visits and even short holidays together.

“Jo was the first one to retire out of our group,” says Denise Smith. “Before mobility became an issue for some of us, we organised trips to Tasmania, Wilsons Promontory and Beechworth, among other places.”

The Girls put together photos with birthday messages from the group, which staff at BlueCross Box Hill then printed and made into an album for Jo. It was a wonderful surprise for Jo, who was also pampered with lots of other goodies, cakes and messages from family, friends and staff on her birthday in July during the height of the pandemic in Victoria.

Although The Girls were unable to visit Jo due to the pandemic, they ensured their decades-long birthday tradition remained unbroken.

“Every year, we remember and celebrate each other’s birthday and this year is no exception,” says Denise. “Jo always remembers our birthdays and the special occasions too with her beautifully written cards. Although we can’t celebrate with her in person, we wanted to do something special for her on her birthday.” And they did.

Denise is looking forward to visiting Jo again as visitor restrictions to aged care residences are eased across Victoria. “I promised Jo I’ll come over to see her as soon as they stop the lockdown,” she says.

Although missing her friends, Jo has also formed some lovely friendships with other residents at the home, some of who have become her close friends.

“I have learnt more from being a patient than I ever did from being a nurse,” says Jo, when asked about her experience living in an aged care home. She also misses doing the house chores. “I miss cooking and being able to do my own clothes!”

Top Left: Jo Danahay stays connected with family and friends, with the help of staff

Above:

Collection of photos and birthday wishes to Jo from The Girls