Help for older people struggling with the impacts of COVID-19

Help for older people struggling with the impacts of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly changed the way we live as a society. The reality of physical distancing and isolating yourself from others is creating new and unique challenges for everyone, particularly older Australians.

As the pandemic continues to unfold, older Australians have been advised to stay home wherever possible.

Older people who are self-isolating, a situation that requires being physically separated from loved ones, may be feeling as though their lives and day-to-day routines have been abruptly turned upside down. For older people who live by themselves and depend on visits from friends and family for company, this sense of isolation may be even more keenly felt.

Sonder’s new program, COVID & Your Wellbeing is funded by Adelaide Primary Health Network and aims to help older Australians feeling overwhelmed or stressed due to the pandemic to stay connected, cope with the new changes in their lives and above all, look after their wellbeing.

COVID & Your Wellbeing is a free service provided by trained Mental Health Practitioners who work with clients to help them to overcome negative feelings and get back to doing the things they enjoy.

Sonder’s Mental Health & AOD Executive Manager, Chris Chalubek explains “Our Practitioners are both understanding and caring. Providing practical and tailored support, they work with each client to develop a set of personal goals and then outline a range of specific strategies to help them to cope with symptoms and achieve those goals.”

Support offered through the program is flexible, in that it can be provided either over the phone or face-to-face at our Edinburgh North or Port Adelaide Centre’s, depending on each client’s preference.

Individuals interested in the program can self-refer by completing a referral form, available at sonder.net.au/covid-your-wellbeing or by calling the friendly team at Sonder on (08) 8209 0700.

For further information about Sonder, visit sonder.net.au/about-us contact us on (08) 8209 0700