Third Age Health is reminding communities about the
importance of checking in with older whānau following the
devastating effects of Cyclone Gabrielle on the North
Island.
Tony Wai, Third Age Health CEO says, “After
major disasters like we’ve just had with Cyclone Gabrielle
older people are often reluctant to ask for help as they
‘don’t want to bother anyone’ and this can lead to
them not getting the support they need for their health and
wellbeing.
“We’re encouraging family members,
neighbours, and community leaders to pick up the phone and
‘check-in’ on older members of the community to ensure
they’re doing ok.”
Older whānau are also
encouraged to continue to seek care from their regularly
healthcare providers, such as general practice, and to take
advantage of telephone or online appointments if travel is
difficult.
It is also important to contact family,
friends or relatives living in aged care facilities as they
may be worried if they are seeing news reports of areas
devastated by the cyclone and become anxious wondering if
their loved ones are alright.
“Caring for the health
of older members of our community following significant
weather events is so important, as they may be isolated and
vulnerable.”
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