OH! Magazine - Australian Version December 2018 | Page 13

3 TIPS TO SUPPORT SENIORS
THIS CHRISTMAS
Esha Oberoi explains how you can make this season bright for older adults in
your community.
is the season to be jolly… but
sadly, for many Christmas can be a
lonely time and a painful reminder of
loved ones lost. Our most vulnerable – the
elderly – are at
greatest risk of
experiencing
loneliness at this
time, whether it’s
because they’ve
lost a spouse,
moved away from
family, or their
social circles are
shrinking. Mental
and
physical
deterioration can
also lead to less
family
visits,
reduced mobility
and
greater
isolation.
T
Founder and CEO
of
aged
and
disability
care
provider
Afea
Care
Services,
Esha
Oberoi
shares three easy
ways to support
seniors this holiday season.
1. Start a conversation
Whether you’re passing someone on the
street or checking in on your next door
neighbour, people often just need someone
who is willing to ask and listen. When I
was suffering from depression, it was
alarming how few people actually stopped
to ask if I was okay when I looked sad!
I think people are afraid to ask the hard
questions because they aren’t sure how to
respond if the response is that they are
having a hard time, which is why initiatives
like ‘R U OK? Day’ are a great conversation-
starter. Taking the time to ask how people
are and really listening to them, can go a
long way in reminding someone that they
aren’t alone.
2. If you know someone elderly who has
limited mobility – help with festive tasks
You can support seniors by helping them
write Christmas cards, hang decorations,
cook, shop for presents and generally by
bringing Christmas to them if they aren’t
able to do these things for themselves. If
you’re making a festive dinner, invite them
over or make an extra portion to share.
Small gestures help spread the holiday
spirit.
3. Volunteer with a
local charity
A new study on
loneliness
in
Australia found
that over 40 per
cent of elderly in
aged
care
facilities
don’t
receive visitors! A
great
way
to
support
the
elderly
at
Christmas is to
volunteer at a
local
nursing
home or even call
to find out what
they might need.
If you have kids,
bring them along
too and watch
how
people’s
faces light up!
There are many
ways you can lend
a hand and make a difference.
Esha Oberoi
Esha is the founder and CEO of care
provider Afea Care Services. At the age of
24 years, Esha set out to redefine the
experiences of our ageing community and
her efforts have since been recognised
when she was named the winner of the
2014 Indian Executive Club Award, and a
finalist in the 2014 Telstra Young Business
Awards. For more information visit
www.afea.com.au
OH! MAGAZINE ( DECEMBER 2018 )
13