The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a heavy burden on seniors in Victoria. As the health risks and social impacts continue, planning the care and wellbeing of older people in our community is one of the most pressing challenges.
When considering the various support mechanisms that can be mobilised as part of a pandemic response, we should assess existing forms of social inclusion that have proven to be successful. While most of the focus on seniors during the pandemic is directed to their vulnerability to COVID-19, their strengths and value to the emergency relief effort is largely untold. This is particularly the case in the contribution of seniors’ clubs led by communities from non-English speaking backgrounds.
This Issue Brief is based on the inputs culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) seniors’ clubs and ethnic seniors’ federations have provided to ECCV since the beginning of the pandemic. Their actions, mostly voluntary, confirm the vital protective role they play in supporting communication and providing emotional and physical health support to their members. This includes assisting with food relief, medication delivery, and regular, in language, ‘check ins’ with those who are isolated.
Media Enquiries
For media enquiries or more information, please contact:
Email: media@eccv.org.au
Phone: 0431 091 738
