Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) is offering cash prizes for fresh, innovative ideas on how to best tackle isolation and loneliness in older Australians.
Whether it be inspired by a personal story, accompanied by photos of your loved ones, or a theoretical brief, AMCS is welcoming contributions in any form or medium.
The winner will receive a cash prize of $500, with $200 going to the runner up.
Elizabeth Drozd, chief executive officer of AMCS, tells Aged Care News that it is an issue close to the heart of the organisation, with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) elders especially vulnerable to isolation.
“Older adults are most at risk of social isolation because of illness, disability, family or friends living far away, the passing of a spouse, language barriers or a lack of emotional connection with others,” she says.
People have interesting ideas but society rarely discusses seclusion in older adults as an issue to be actively changed. We hope to keep the conversation going and implement creative solutions to keep seniors engaged in the community.
Elizabeth Drozd, chief executive officer of AMCS
She adds that this initiative aims to address the royal commission’s recommendation that social support mechanisms be bolstered within aged care services.
“People have interesting ideas but society rarely discusses seclusion in older adults as an issue to be actively changed.
“We hope to keep the conversation going and implement creative solutions to keep seniors engaged in the community.”
Entries have been rolling in already and AMCS has been inspired by some of the personal anecdotes shared.
UK-Australian romance author Davina Stone (pictured above, right) says that she helped her “wonderful mum-in-law” self-publish her memoirs at age 90.
“Encourage them to keep following their dreams,” Stone says.
“It helps seniors to keep their minds active and work towards their goals.”
Programs will be developed out of consumer insights, adding to AMCS current suite of social support initiatives, including Volunteer Visiting Programs, Social Support Groups, Centre-based Day Respite Program and online creative workshops.
To enter the competition, submit entries to Olivia Oh here: olivia.oh@amcservices.org.au by Thursday, December 23.
Call 0481 218 931 for more information.
[…] Thank you Aged Care News for featuring our competition to enter innovative ideas on tackling isolation and loneliness in older Australians.Davina Stone’s idea was to keep encouraging a senior to follow their dreams, no matter their age. She helped her “wonderful mum-in-law” self-publish her memoirs at age 90.“It helps seniors to keep their minds active and work towards their goals,” Ms Stone says.1st prize $5002nd prize $200We welcome ideas in all forms. Please enter by Thursday 23 December to Olivia Oh on 0481 218 931 or marketing@amcservices.org.auhttps://agedcarenews.com.au/2021/12/02/cash-prize-competition-open-for-new-ideas-to-help-our-cald-el… […]