Local retirees aren’t letting COVID-19 get in the way of their strong community spirit! Despite over 70s being hit particularly hard by social restrictions and strong advice not to leave their homes, residents at Glengowrie Retirement Village are using a little imagination to have fun and stay connected while maintaining social distancing.
Between treasure hunts, dress up days and a pop-up soup delivery service, concerns about residents being isolated and cut off from loved ones during this period of social distancing have been put to rest.
Village Manager Debbie Dean says that despite unprecedented challenges facing the community, the residents’ resilience and support for each other has been remarkable.
“The unique challenges presented by the pandemic have also been the inspiration for some innovative solutions, with a range of fun and heart-warming rituals established in our community during lockdown.”
“One resident recently discovered that a pumpkin vine had sprung up unexpectedly in her garden. That prompted a group to set up a pop-up delivery service, dropping home-made pumpkin soup to each of our residents. We’ve already got more than 100 takers who we will deliver soup to on Friday from the comfort of our golf cart, megaphone at the ready, dressed as a pumpkin and a chef!” she said.
Meanwhile, resident Catherine Beinke is also the village’s ‘Chief Sunshine Maker’. She has been crocheting little rays of sunshine, making more than 30 crocheted suns for a home-grown treasure hunt. The suns have been decorated with an assortment of faces and are hidden throughout the village for avid walkers to discover.
“There has been an overwhelming desire from our residents to help out others in the village and to just put a smile on each other’s faces. People have wanted to stay connected, look after their neighbours and ensure the village is still a fun place to be,” Ms Dean said.
Glengowrie residents have also been passing the time by planning regular dress up days. Residents who get in on the fun are rewarded for their efforts with a hand-made photo book the next day – a fond reminder of an otherwise challenging time.
RetireAustralia villages like Glengowrie Retirement Village have been doing their bit to make the lockdown easier for residents, performing regular wellbeing checks, providing assistance to access essential items such as groceries and medications and organising fun social activities which can be carried out at a safe distance.
“We know older Australians are vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, and this can have a detrimental effect on their physical health, leading to sleep disruption, increased cortisol levels and elevated blood pressure. Particularly during this period of social distancing, we’re prioritising our residents’ mental health just as much as their physical wellbeing.
“We would ask everyone in the broader community to keep an eye out for their older neighbours, who might be isolated and lonely. Now’s the time to reach out to them, either with a call, a note, or chat over the fence. Our community is strongest when we work together and support each other,” Ms Dean said.
Glengowrie Retirement Village offers 114 independent living units and 23 serviced apartments to cater to a range of needs. Ideally located in the seaside suburb of Glengowrie, the village blends into its peaceful surroundings but is just moments from shops, services, public transport options and local attractions like Glenelg’s Jetty Road.
29 April 2020
