Building friendships on the Central Coast

It’s a ‘money can’t buy’ experience that is helping to curb a major issue in home care.

An Anglican Care Friendship Group on the Central Coast has improved socialisation and mental stimulation for residents over the better part of a decade.

Central Coast Home Care Manager Lenore Smith said the group started about seven years ago to support people with poor mobility.

“With home care, depression is the biggest problem from both loneliness and isolation,” she said.

“So, the group has been a big help in this area. It has allowed these people to create friendships and they’ve maintained them.

“A lot of them exchange phone numbers and support each other when they are at home on their own.

“In our area, the only day groups available were for people with dementia. So, people we support with mobility issues had nowhere to go.

“This group is for those who need hands-on assistance to get out and about but are still able to interact with their peers.”

The friendship group usually involves an exercise program, social cup of tea, a hot lunch, and competitive games.

There is also a different theme each week, with previous events focusing on the Olympics, a ‘trip’ to Hawaii, and the Melbourne Cup.

Ms Smith added it also strengthened connections between staff and residents.

“Two of our staff members run this group and we’re very proud of it,” she said.

“On competitive days, it’s staff who have to ride the horses for events like the Melbourne Cup, and the residents get to throw dice to see how many blocks we can move.

“They get very competitive, and everyone gets involved. It allows residents to meet new people all the time.”

Visit www.anglicancare.com.au for more information about other services across our facilities.