Tapping into community spirit to support Queensland seniors

Some lucky Queensland seniors have something special coming their way thanks to some thoughtful Carinity service users.

In celebration of Queensland Seniors Week clients of Carinity Bunderra in Boonah and Carinity Our House in Toogoolawah, which support people living with a disability, put together gift packs for older members of the community.

The gift packs, which include tea and coffee sachets, a packet of biscuits, useful information on local services for seniors, and a special Seniors Week card, are being sent to Carinity Home Care clients this week.

Carinity Bunderra clients with some of the Queensland Seniors Week gift packs being delivered to Carinity Home Care clients.
Carinity Bunderra clients Callum Moore and Brock Marton with some of the Queensland Seniors Week gift packs being delivered to Carinity Home Care clients.

“The people at Carinity Our House and Carinity Bunderra are so thoughtful and caring and they bring a smile to the face of everyone they meet. It was no surprise that they were excited to be able to bring some joy to seniors around the state,” Carinity Our House Client Services Coordinator Maggie Poole says.

Maggie says despite their age difference and varying life circumstances, Carinity’s disability service clients and home care clients have quite a bit in common.

“Our community centres provide a social hub where people living with a disability can engage with others, make friends and enjoy a real sense of belonging as part of the broader community,” Maggie says.

“Similarly, older Queenslanders who are receiving care at home from Carinity are also supported to enjoy life, get out and about in their local community and access key services, while staying connected to their network of friends.

Carinity Our House Lifestyle Support Worker Louise Northey assists client Hugo Teske.
Carinity Our House Lifestyle Support Worker Louise Northey assists client Hugo Teske to make Seniors Week gift packs.

“In addition, Carinity is both a registered provider of disability services through the NDIS and an approved provider of home care services through the Australian Government’s Department of Health.”

Queensland Seniors Week, which runs from August 15-23 and is in its 60th year, will pay tribute to the resilience of older residents during a turbulent 2020.

“In these uncertain times, the effects of social isolation can be particularly stressful for people living alone, including older members of the community,” Carinity Home Care Manager Janelle Heyse says.

“Given many older people have been forced into self-isolation due to COVID-19, it has been vital to guarantee continuity of care for seniors and ensure older Queensland remain connected to their communities.

“While some home care providers scaled back or ceased services due to the coronavirus, Carinity Home Care has continued to assist seniors to stay healthy and safe at home during the pandemic.

“Our Lifestyle Carers continue to assist older Queenslanders with a range of services including assisting with personal and nursing care, social support, attending appointments, shopping, and other activities.”

Carinity Home Care operates around the Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich-West Moreton, Gold Coast, Caboolture-Bribie Island, Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba and Rockhampton regions.

For more on Carinity Home Care visit the website or phone 1300 109 109, and learn more about Carinity’s disability support services at this link.

Carinity Our House client Ashleigh Barry was happy to make Seniors Week for older Queenslanders.
Carinity Our House client Ashleigh Barry was happy to make a contribution for Queensland Seniors Week.

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