Vietnam Veterans Keith Payne VC Hostel’s burgeoning partnership with the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre has been boosted by the delivery of three tablets.
The new technology will help residents of the Noraville based facility keep in touch with volunteers who can no longer visit due to the pandemic.
While the effects of COVID-19 have been widespread and well publicised, what has often gone forgotten is the impact that social distancing has had on aged care facilities who, in many cases, rely on volunteers to provide extracurricular support and activities.
Known as the Community Visitors Scheme, the volunteer program is funded by the Federal Government Department of Health and matches volunteers with residents to help create genuine connections and relationships that last over time.
That interaction has been significantly inhibited by COVID-19, but in handing over three tablets on loan to the facility, the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre (TNC) will assist in brightening the lives of residents.
“For many years we have had a strong relationship with the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre, which previously saw handmade blankets donated regularly for our residents,” Hostel Chief Executive Officer, Justin Dover, said.
“While the blankets continue to be delivered, we are incredibly grateful that the TNC has seen fit to loan us these tablets so that our residents and volunteers can see each other once again.
“We recognise that while our own staff have great relationships with our residents, the volunteers who visit our facility have built valuable connections as well, so it’s really special to be able to maintain that while restrictions remain on visitation in person to the facility.”
Source:
Press release, Nov 18
Patrick Boddan