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THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF MID CANTERBURY
Situation urgent
P6
P24
A friendly voice on the phone By Susan Sandys
susan.s@theguardian.co.nz
Social distancing is keeping New Zealanders alive in the Covid-19 pandemic, but dealing with isolation is not easy. Age Concern Ashburton is ensuring the lockdown weeks are not as difficult as they could be, and keeping in touch with its clients. Chairperson Trish Small said the organisation made the decision about one week prior to lockdown that it would temporarily close its services, as it aimed to keep its clients safe and healthy. And now that closure remains in place as the lockdown continues. Small said Age Concern Ashburton had since had a number of directives from head office in Wellington, aimed at making sure systems were in place to ensure clients would not be left without the contact and support they needed. These systems included Age Concern’s employees, and volunteers associated with the organisation, phoning clients to talk to them. Altogether there were about 270 clients throughout Mid Canterbury benefiting from regular contact with the organisation during lockdown.
They included about 70 who attended the 206 Club, and those who attended exercise classes. “It’s a lot of talking on the telephone, it’s quite time-consuming for those who are doing it. They do enjoy it because they feel they are contributing to a very real need,” Small said. “People can feel quite alone and quite vulnerable.” Director of day services Adair Pethig is responsible for a large proportion of the calls being made, ensuring her 206 Club clients get at least once-per-week contact. Phoning about one dozen people per day, she will ask whether they need support, help with groceries or medication and if they are worried about anything. Pethig says said most of those she phoned lived alone, and were most likely missing the day or two they spent at the Ashburton Seniors Centre each week, enjoying a structured programme with a cooked meal and entertainment. She said chatting about the news was a popular topic on the phone, especially considering many of the older clients did not have internet. “It’s lovely to be doing something and knowing that I’m actually helping them get through their week,” Pethig said.
Age Concern director of day services Adair Pethig makes about one dozen calls a day to stay in touch. PHOTO SUPPLIED
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