Over the last month, we’ve all experienced life like never before. We’ve seen our favourite sports cancelled, movie theatres close and local businesses struggle through a difficult and unprecedented time. We’ve also had to limit our contact with our loved ones, which has been the most difficult part of this whole pandemic for a lot of people.
But just because we can’t visit our friends and family, doesn’t mean we can’t keep in contact. Our loved ones are only a call away, and with the help from technology we’re still able to see and connect with those that mean the most, even when they’re far away.
Due to concerns for their residents’ health and wellbeing, aged care facilities have gone into complete lockdown across the state. It’s times like these when we often want to spend more time with our elderly family members, but obviously the risk is too great. So while the doors may be closed, that doesn’t mean the residents at Shepparton Villages aren’t keeping in contact with their loved ones.
With the help of Facebook and the staff, Shepparton Villages residents have been able to get messages out to their loved ones and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Family members have been sending their own messages back, happy to see their parent/grandparent are doing well whilst other family members are hoping their parent/grandparent will be the next face to pop up on Facebook with a message. Even complete strangers have commented on how lovely and heartwarming these images are.
Shepparton Villages executive manager community engagement and PR, Jo Breen said, “The residents are amazingly resilient – some have likened it to the depression, and with good humour, have said it will pass and we will all be okay.
“They understand the measures are taken to keep them safe even though that keeps them from loved ones at special times, such as birthdays or family events. We are doing everything we can to ensure contact is made between residents and loved ones.” Ms Breen said.
The staff at Shepparton Villages have also been finding other ways to keep their residents entertained and connected, with new iPads, card games and even a Tik Tok video underway.
During such trying times, it’s just nice to see how the community can come together and adapt to a new norm so quickly, knowing that we are all in this together and will eventually get through it.
