SUPPORT FOR THE ELDERLY
CDNI facilitates support programs for the aged migrants and refugee community in the areas of dementia and aged care including support structures, health and wellbeing, and elder abuse. We help seniors who are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation by connecting and engaging them online or face to face with others
We focus on the following to ensure elderly people are receiving adequate support:
Support for the Elderly
Providing access to aged care and health services specific to mature-aged migrants:
Many mature-aged migrants may face unique challenges in accessing aged care and health services due to language barriers, cultural differences, and lack of familiarity with the healthcare system. We assist in navigating the aged care and health systems. Additionally, we provide access to culturally appropriate services that cater to the specific needs of mature-aged migrants.
Mental Health and Well-being of the Elderly members of the community:
Mental health and well-being are essential aspects of healthy aging. Elderly members of the community may face increased social isolation, loneliness, and mental health issues. We provide mental health counselling, support groups, and social activities to help promote mental health and well-being among the elderly members of the community.
Support on coming out from the social isolation after the pandemic:
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased social isolation and loneliness among elderly members of the community. We arrange programs and activities that help bring elderly members of the community together, including online socialisation opportunities and in-person events when it is safe to do so. Additionally, we offer resources and assistance to help individuals struggling to adjust to socialising after a long period of isolation.
Develop client-based programs for the elderly members:
A client-based program for elderly members of the community involves offering services and activities that meet the specific needs and interests of the individuals. This approach recognises the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each person. CDNI provides customised care plans, events and activities tailored to the interests and abilities of each individual. This approach helps to promote independence, autonomy, and a sense of purpose among the elderly members of the community.
News
Aussies aged 50 and over offered free access to digital literacy programs
With 2.5 million Australians not online, the digital divide is leaving too many behind. Now, older Aussies can access help for...
Events
Get Online Week Event 2021
With the support of the Good Things Foundation Australia, we celebrated digital literacy of senior Australians during the Get Online Week event in October 2021. The event was held online to maintain Covid safety of the seniors.
During the event, new learners were introduced to the ‘Be Connected Learning Portal’ and were encouraged to sign up to learn new skills. Our existing learners from CALD community shared their success stories which encouraged new participants who had not joined us until then.
A guest speaker spoke about the importance of digital literacy in our day-to-day life, and a trivia was also arranged in this event to encourage social connections.
Resources were used from the ‘Get Online Week’ site and the ‘Be Connected’ learner website.
Stronger Together Program
Cultural Diversity Network Inc (CDNI) ran the Stronger Together Program 2021/22 to celebrate National Family Week in June 2022. This program brought together different generations within multicultural communities, with the aim of passing history, heritage, and cultural traditions from the elders, who are the flagbearers of their culture, to the younger generation, who have been raised Australia and may not be familiar with the rich story of their heritage.
We acknowledge and thank Multicultural NSW, who sponsored this event, and whose generous funding made this possible.
An intergenerational group of about 100 participants from multicultural backgrounds enjoyed a sunny afternoon of social interaction and entertainment. There were many family-oriented activities, including grandparents, parents, and grandkids working together to create a Family Tree and to design Name Plates in the language of their origin. A focal point of the afternoon was an open Q & A session where grandchildren questioned their grandparents about their family heritage and history. Art and music were also a feature of the event, with an exhibition of delightful artworks of a renowned Bangladeshi artist, Mr Syful Islam displayed, and traditional music performed by artists from different cultural backgrounds.
CDNI is one of very few organisations delivering programs supporting the elderly in migrant and refugee communities. Our success in doing so has been widely recognised, and in particular our support of seniors in reducing social isolation and maintaining good health during the Covid-19 pandemic has been featured in Australian mainstream media.