Rod Barton MP has been speaking with support workers in the Eastern Metropolitan Region and has found one issue is consistently brought up, the mental of our senior population.
"Our support workers at the coal face, are finding it incredibly difficult to get seniors back out and about and engaging with the community. This concerns me deeply," says Mr Barton.
Since the onset of COVID-19, we have seen a new light shone on mental health. Many have struggled because of lockdowns, financial struggles and pandemic anxiety.
Unfortunately, the resources provided to address these issues have failed to account for the tailored supports required by our senior population.
Support workers are seeing worrying trends of isolation, anxiety and depression among seniors in their community.
"I have heard of QR codes being a confusing and embarrassing enough process for some seniors that would rather stay home to avoid the stress of it all. There needs to be greater outreach tailored at supporting seniors in embracing our COVID-normal."
"When the health and wellbeing of our elderly population declines, this places pressure on younger generations and affects the entire community. We must do better"
Mr Barton will continue to advocate for a tailored response to seniors mental health and will be working with neighbourhood houses in his electorate to advocate for better community resources.
