The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting every Australians in many ways. The statistics have shown that older people are facing the most threats and challenges at this time. Although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older people face a significant risk of developing severe illness if they contract the disease due to physiological changes that come with ageing and potential underlying health conditions.

During this time, CCA continues to support and protect older people by implementing safety measures as well as making adjustment to the way we deliver services. We have implemented contactless delivery of meals as well as replacing the bus shopping service with one-on-one
shopping service in order to adhere to the social distancing rule.

CCA has been working hard to protect the safety of staff, clients and the communities whilst ensuring older people have what they need. Our priority is to ensure that all older people can
continue to receive person-centred care and be treated with respect and dignity during these times.

By supporting the older people and people with disability with the essential care that they require, we are also supporting client’s families and carers by giving them a peace of mind.

During times of isolation and quarantine, CCA have a significant increase in shopping referrals and we have 300% increase in meals services in the past two months. This helps to ensure that older people in the community continue to have safe access to nutritious food and basic supplies.

CCA acknowledges that many of our elderly clients rely on the social support programs that we offer as part of their daily routine. We want to ensure our clients stay physically as well as mentally healthy, by sending out resources with accurate information such as the COVID-19 Fact Sheet that we have developed. Furthermore, we have also developed a workbook with some activities for clients to complete should they wish to. The purpose of this is to keep clients engaged and connected as well as to alleviate bored and social isolation.

CCA continues to look for innovative ways to stay socially connected despite the physical distances. We are keeping in touch with clients by calling them and checking on their wellbeing more than ever so that they don’t feel alone. We are also looking into staying connected with clients who have access to digital platforms and a learning opportunity for those who don’t have access.