Bethanie Highlights Social Isolation in Seniors in Lead Up to Festive Season

As many families begin to fill their homes with cheer ahead of the festive season, Bethanie has been working hard to recognise, raise awareness and combat the issue of social isolation in older West Australians.

A recent study found that social isolation is a growing issue in the Australian population, with older adults at greater risk due to a range of physical, social and structural factors. Research confirms that being socially isolated can negatively affect mental as well as physical health.

It is important that the community recognises that social isolation is not just about people living on their own; it can occur for people living at home, in villages and even residential care. With this in mind, Bethanie staff are always looking at ways to encourage individuals in their care to have the opportunity to lessen the impact of social isolation. To that end, Bethanie’s Therapy and Activity staff work closely with their clients through a holistic, structured approach to endeavor to eliminate any isolation that they may be experiencing.

At Bethanie South Perth Social Centre staff work with case managers, family, spouses and community workers to identify and assist anyone feeling socially isolated.

A number of seniors in the Perth community become isolated because of lack of independence as a result of family members moving away, the passing of a spouse, hospitalization, loss of confidence, loss of their driver’s licence or they are withdrawn due to physical disabilities such as dementia. When this is identified, they can be referred to one of Bethanie’s Social Centres and become part of a caring group in a similar situation.

Bethanie South Perth Social Centre Coordinator, Kristin Leslie said many seniors experience depression to some degree as they may find themselves alone due to the passing of a loved one but not wanting to be a burden to others, so they become increasingly isolated but do not want to be a nuisance by asking family or friends for help.

“Often just ‘getting out the door’ is the first step and so with the support from Bethanie they can become active again and feel that they are a worthwhile member of society,” said Kristin.

The Social Program at Bethanie South Perth Social Centre provides transport to get to and from the Day Centre, morning tea, a hot meal and the opportunity to interact with like-minded seniors looking to stay connected. At the Centre, Bethanie clients have the chance to go out on excursions to parks, restaurants, and concerts or to engage in a variety of activities such as painting, craft, bowling and exercises.

Bethanie client Sybil Watson moved to Perth from South Africa and knowing no one except her family was referred to the Bethanie South Perth Social Centre. Sybil attends the Centre four times a week and has made many friends.

“When I arrived from South Africa I was a stranger in this country, so I decided to put my best foot forward and joined the Bethanie Social Centre,“ said Sybil.

“Everyone at Bethanie South Perth has become a true friend of mine. We talk to each other, comfort each other and we have become a real family,” Sybil continued.

One of Sybil’s friends, Ted Butson, has been visiting the Bethanie South Perth Social Centre for 2 years.

“I love it here, I visit five times a week,” said Ted.

“My favourite part of the Centre is the bus trips, especially if we go to the ocean or the hills. All my friends are just a bonus.”

Sybil acknowledged the hard working staff and volunteers at the Centre, saying “since coming to Bethanie, I’ve noticed that the volunteers here must really love people and true to their reputation, we have the most wonderful team caring for us. We are all very lucky,“ Sybil continued.

“It is exactly what Bethanie is here for, to assist seniors to feel love and acceptance and to know that the Bethanie program that helped them was very positive,” said Kristin.

Click here to find out more about Bethanie's range of aged care services.

Pictured: Sybil Watson, Kathleen Dielenberg, Frank Wood, Pauline Smith, Pedro Noordeman, Ted Butson, Jean Storer, Patrick Flanagan, Sheila Nagle.