The COVID-19 pandemic has meant new visitor restrictions are in place at the Bupa Eden aged care home to prevent spread of the virus, so Bupa is seeking help from the community to maintain a connection with residents and spread a little joy.
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Bupa is asking local children to write letters or draw pictures for its residents and post them or drop them off at the aged care home.
Annette Guilfoyle, general manager at Bupa Eden, said residents loved receiving these letters, and it was also a great way to keep children busy while they were at home in this time of isolation.
"This is a tough time for all of us, but particularly for aged care residents who might be feeling disconnected from the community," Ms Guilfoyle said.
"Our residents' eyes light up when they interact with younger generations.
"While they can't do this in person at the moment, letter writing is a great way to keep those relationships going - or to kickstart new relationships."
Ms Guilfoyle encouraged letter writers to include return addresses in case residents wanted to respond.
"Not all our residents will be able to respond, but I'm sure many will want to and we could see the start of some amazing pen pal relationships," Ms Guilfoyle said.
Suggestions of content to include in your letter:
- Information about yourself and your family.
- What's your favourite thing to do?
- Where do you go to school?
- What's your favourite colour?
- Why do you want to write the letter?
- Let the resident know you're thinking of them with your best wishes.
- Include a drawing of something that makes you happy.
The World Health Organisation has advised Bupa it is safe to receive letters or packages.
According to the Department of Health, the coronavirus will die on most dry surfaces within a few hours as secretions dry out.
The staff at Bupa are also wiping down deliveries before sharing with residents.
Suzanne Dvorak, managing director Bupa Villages and Aged Care, said it was important to keep people connected at this time.
"Our residents are remarkable, they're a generation of people with grace and resilience," Ms Dvorak said.
"This is an opportunity for them also to teach some of the younger generation ways of managing through times they haven't experienced before."
Families are encouraged to take photos of their children's creations and share them on social media with #VisitsByMail to encourage others to get involved.
The postal address for Bupa Eden is 22 Barclay St, Eden, NSW, 2551.
