Health workers' care packages fighting loneliness in lockdown

A team of Gippsland healthcare workers is on a mission to make sure vulnerable people don't feel alone during lockdown.  

Ten staff at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service have created care packs, which are delivered to the elderly living independently, or people living with a disability 

"It's as much for them as it is for us, they are part of our family," support services coordinator Janelle Wilmott said.

"They are so socially isolated, their loneliness and the depression, we just like to keep in contact."  

Merilyn Hewitt, 77, said receiving a fortnightly care package from a familiar face was the best part of her day.  

"It's lovely, it's like I am remembered, and I am included in a community," she said. 

Before COVID-19 restrictions were in force, Merilyn attended the Planned Activity Group sessions weekly for her source of social interaction. 

But since lockdown restrictions came in, this package drop off is some of the only interaction she gets. 

The care packs change from week to week, surprising recipients with games and baked goodies, helping to keep them entertained.

"They had photographs of the staff on one side of the page when they were four or five years old, we had to guess who they were," Ms Hewitt said. 

The healthcare workers also make weekly phone calls to the 60 people on their books, making sure they remain connected with the social and health support they need. 

"It's just a matter of listening to them and listening to if they have any complaints, so it's just listening and providing as much support as we possibly can to them," Ms Willmott said. 

The team said running this program was not just about their participants, but said keeping in touch with their local community has also helped them stay strong as they work through this pandemic.