"Being alone and confronting social isolation"

After my partner died and my children moved interstate I found myself alone, and with limited mobility requiring constant use of a walking frame, I found even old friends no longer invited me to join outings as they are reluctant to cope with my walker and my access limitations. So I found myself entirely alone, sometimes not seeing anyone all week. But my Rehab specialist advised regular social  engagement is essential to support cognitive health.

I was recommended to join the War Memorial Hospital Day Care Centre social program.

What a blessing that I did so. I so look forward to my Tuesday meetings with a great group of men and women whom I now consider to be close friends. Twice a month we are taken out to places for lunch. I just love those bus tours. The other weeks we have different activities, sometimes we have a musical performer for the day.

Recently it was my 82nd birthday and I was feeling a bit low by myself. But what a wonderful surprise when I got to the WMH Day Care Centre the wonderful staff had put up Happy Birthday signs and we had a special cake with our lunch. Such joy !

The staff are not only so friendly and charming but they are effective looking after us and I always feel they make themselves aware of how we are feeling physically and mentally. 

They also arranged for me to join a regular exercise class conducted by the Council at my local library which I attend every Monday.

I no longer feel alone and socially isolated and I have encouraged other people to also join the WMH Day Centre Social groups. 

Good company, terrific staff and enjoyable activities shared with others. What blessings!!