“Could you write a letter to an elderly local to make their day? If you’re searching for a way to help someone during COVID-19 why not join this Pen Pals program. Brighten up a senior’s day by sending them a letter, a drawing or video. Simply register at https://homeinstead.com.au/penpals/ and we’ll match you up with someone.”
The new facebook page for @penpalsathomeinstead is http://www.facebook.com/penpalshomeinstead/
This initiative comes from local Giselle and her Italian husband Giovanni, the owners and directors of Geelong’s Home Instead which is based in Pakington St, Geelong West. They care for over 350 elderly in our community and saw the need for this initiative. They are encouraging the community to write to our most vulnerable. To share messages of hope and joy, to make seniors feel connected with their community and to help them overcome any feelings of loneliness that they may be experiencing.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with responses already from 11-year-olds to all ages. We pass their messages of hope on to our clients and those connected with age care. If the senior agrees to join in, they are welcome to reply back. It could be the same message that might be read to a number of people, bringing hope and joy to many. It is nice to share videos and drawings also.
“Locally owned and operated, ‘Home Instead’ are a community organisation who are reaching out to help others. We are the go-to provider for Barwon Health emergency respite care. This is 100% funded by Barwon Health. We get calls 24/7. I’m proud that 100% of the time we can get one of our 110 local care givers ready to go within 30 minutes.
“We provide inhouse training for our care givers and specialise in Palliative and Dementia care. Our care is based on our philosophy of building trust and understanding what each individual needs. We provide hope and meaning by building on relationships and trust. Services include domestic assistance, personal care, showering, dressing, grooming, medication prompting, cooking, transport and shopping. We’ll help prepare the shopping list, do the shopping and deliver it.
“Home care is getting more and more popular. We know from our clients that the Pen Pals initiative is very much needed at this stressful time. We hope we can recruit many Pen Pals to brighten up the lives of our elderly.”
Story: Jacqui Bennett. Photos: Supplied
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