Positives in pandemic
THE elderly are the most vulnerable demographic to the deadly coronavirus pandemic but in Townsville, despite the restrictions, many seniors are focusing on the positives.
Former member for Herbert Cathy O’toole has shared her experience with homeschooling as a grandmother during the shutdown.
The 63-year-old took on the challenge of helping her sevenyear-old grandson Jack with his online learning for five weeks this school term.
“One could be forgiven for thinking that supervising Grade 3 work would be a breeze,” she said.
“Well let me say it is not. Maths has changed dramatically. The challenge that I set myself is to be curious instead of telling and to use my connecting behaviours instead of the disconnecting behaviours. Teachers do a magnificent job and I say thank you.”
Ms O’toole said she used “curious conversations” and “connecting behaviours” because quality learning was about fun and discovery.
“Also, I am a grandmother supporting my grandson and we have a beautiful relationship that I want to continue to flourish,” she said.
“Jack is a beautiful little boy, who is doing well in these unusual times.
“I listen, support, encourage, negotiate, respect, accept and trust as I work with Jack.
“This has enabled me to protect my relationship with my grandson while also ensuring that he gets his school work done.
“While I probably will never be good at Grade 3 maths, I am building a great learning relationship with my beautiful grandson Jack. Every challenge brings opportunities.”
A Townsville retirement village resident has revealed how she has coped with COVID.
“I have a huge family who would arrive each Sunday morning to visit me,” she said.
“Because of the coronavirus, my family and I agreed they would not visit until the restrictions are over.
“They do keep in touch by phone. Two family members visit twice a week and bring my groceries often with little extras like strawberries and cream, always keeping the social distancing rule.”
The 90-year-old believed she had adjusted well to the isolation.
“I realise it is a necessity for the welfare of all us residents, community and country,” she said.
“People who don’t stick by the isolation rules are being inconsiderate and selfish.
“To occupy myself I read. I am an avid reader. My challenge is to do as many puzzles as possible.
“Adult colouring is also an interest of mine and I absolutely love the Find a Word in the Townsville Bulletin.”
Another retirement village resident in her 80s said she felt life was not much different than usual.
“Perhaps a little slower and quieter,” she said.
“I do look forward to the time when I can visit friends again. I believe our government at all levels have and are doing a wonderful job, as too are our medical and healthcare people.
“May this virus soon be beaten worldwide and if that means continuing with the restrictions, so be it.”
Grandchildren are now able to visit their grandparents in aged care homes in Queensland as coronavirus restrictions wind back across the state.
Residents can have two visitors at a time, including children, as part of the updated public health direction announced last week.
There will no longer be a time limit on a visit, nor a cap on the number of visitors per day.
Residents can also leave their nursing homes for family gatherings of up to 20 people but groups of residents cannot yet go on external excursions together.
Townsville Regional Committee on the Ageing president Robyn Moore welcomed the move and said social contact was vital for seniors.
“A lot of people in aged care homes have been feeling isolated for a long time and that’s not good for their wellbeing,” Ms Moore said.
“They have been put in a situation of complete isolation so that has been very harmful to their mental health because it is a basic human need.
“Being able to see and talk to their grandchildren will make a big difference to their state of mind. It will also be a big relief for staff in homes.”