KIDS TURN CHRISTMAS CREATIVITY INTO CARDS FOR HUNDREDS OF CENTRAL COAST SENIORS

Meals on Wheels™ Australia joins Home Instead’s Be A Santa To A Senior program to spread festive joy and reduce isolation for older Australians.

Christmas joy is on the menu for Central Coast seniors this December, with Meals on Wheels™ Australia drivers set to carry some extra special cargo to help in–home care provider Home Instead reduce festive season social isolation.

As part of Home Instead’s national Be A Santa To A Senior program, the volunteer meal delivery service is helping to deliver nationwide more than 12,500 Christmas cards, which have been decorated by children, to spread some Christmas cheer.

Locally, Home Instead Central Coast & Newcastle have been playing Santa, coordinating the delivery of 200 cards via Meals on Wheels™ and at a special lunch event.

The cards, lovingly decorated by children aged five to 13, from Broken Bay Scouts Group, were also hand–delivered to seniors at Woy Woy Meals on Wheels™ Community Restaurant lunch on Friday, December 1, and also distributed by the service’s drivers.

“Everyone had a wonderful time at the Christmas lunch and one of the Broken Bay Scouts, Xavier, who is six years old, was there to present the cards,” Home Instead Central Coast & Newcastle Community Engagement Manager Samantha Farham said.

“It was really heartwarming to see the happy interactions between the seniors and Xavier. He has already asked to go back to visit, and the seniors said they would love to have him return.”

Samantha said collaborations like this with Meals on Wheels ™ Australia broadened Home Instead’s outreach to support so many more people who need that vital social contact.

“It’s incredibly important for our community’s seniors to feel cared for, included and supported all year round, and even more so at Christmas, and this is what Be A Santa To A Senior is all about,” she said.

“Our experience and Meals on Wheels™ Australia research tell us that two of the biggest threats to wellbeing as we age are social isolation and loss of independence.

“Only 20 per cent of Meals on Wheels™ Australia’s customers report having one or more meaningful social connections a day, excluding their meal deliveries.

“Home Instead shares the desire to increase wellbeing for our clients through meaningful social connection while providing a service and we are proud to join forces this festive season.”

“We know intergenerational contact is immensely rewarding for both older people and children,” said Paul Sadler, Chair of Meals on Wheels™ Australia. “We can ensure isolated older people right around the nation experience that companionship, through our network of meals on wheels services.”

Samantha said a small gesture could make a big difference to a senior. “Simply helping with groceries, walking someone to their car, or taking the time to have a chat or help at home can go a long way to improving wellbeing and eliminating feelings of loneliness and isolation,” she said.

Home Instead is a specialist national provider of high–quality, relationship–based, in–home care for older Australians. Home Instead helps with a range of personal and lifestyle needs while providing welcome companionship. Services include assistance with personal care, light household duties, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transport to appointments, shopping and social outings. Home Instead takes personal responsibility for providing the best in–home care and support to meet clients’ needs and is committed to addressing the individual and national challenges of Australia’s ageing population.