BEING able to lead as independent a life as possible in your own home is not just about having the latest assistive technology. Your ability and willingness to join in with the community is just as important as practical help for your wellbeing.
Chwee Kiat Chua, better known as Ricky, has been the linchpin in encouraging and supporting older people in his community to get out and enjoy life.
Ricky’s work and verve have been officially recognised with the UnitingCare Carol Penning Inspired Care Volunteer Award.
Ricky was instrumental at UnitingCare’s Bridgeview Cottage in encouraging the Healthy Living for Seniors program to embrace multiculturalism.
He had a vision to introduce a Chinese group to the service and made it a reality. The program now has 15 clients attending two days a week. The aim is to improve their health and wellbeing, enable social participation and improve functional independence.
Clients can take part in daily activities including exercises, art and music therapy, bus trips and even visiting a hairdresser. There is a supervised door-to-door bus and morning tea and lunch.
UnitingCare, www.unitingcareageing.org.au