No internet needed: Help for seniors they can use

Shut-in seniors have been given the advice they need with phone numbers instead of internet addresses

SENDING A LETTER BY AUSTRALIA POST. POSTAL DELIVERY OFFICER POSTMAN JOHN GREGORY RIDING HIS BICYCLE DOING HIS ROUND IN NORTH ADELAIDE.

Forest Lake councillor Charles Strunk has moved to ensure the older residents in his ward are okay during the coronavirus crisis.

Cr Strunk has sent a letter to more than 2000 of his most at-risk residents, all aged 70 or older, explaining the service available to them.

He said he became aware that older resident were often poorly connected into internet services and may be missing out on updates and information on how to cope with self-isolating during the coronavirus.

Cr Charles Strunk at Jetty Walk, Forest Lake. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

The letter will detail services that can be contacted by phone and are available to support older people staying safely in their homes — most are churches and charities offering free or low-cost services and others are businesses.

“While it is important they stay safe and self-isolate due to their age, older people can feel potentially trapped in their home,” Cr Strunk said.

“Not everyone has family or even friends who can support them.

“One contact told me she knew of four older women living in her street who had possibly no one to help them.”

Cr Strunk said the lettter was “basic information” but presented in a way designed to provide a note of comfort and reassurance to the over-70 age group.

Cr Strunk said he expected further help would be available through the government’s “care amy” volunteer service when that became available but he sent the letter to act quickly in his local community.

Citipointe Church at Inala Pastor Tim McDonald said his organisation offered discounted food, or free food for those in need.

Pastor Mavis Singh from the Forest Lake Elevate Church said they would provide volunteer help depending on what was needed but could arrange to pick up and deliver medications or food as required.

The organisations listed on Cr Strunk’s letter include:

■ Forest Lake Uniting Church. Rev Russell Reynoldson. 3372 2299. Will provide food parcels and free takeaway coffee

■ Citipointe Church Inala. Pastor Tim McDonald. 3879 6833. Discounted food for sale and free food hampers.

■ Food hampers: Light House Hosanna Church. Pastor Joshua. 3372 6766; Elevate Church. Pastor Mavis 0418745179. Food hampers; Hands of Hope. 3004 6901. Food hampers

■ Inala Meals on Wheels. 3372 5276. Low cost food delivery

■ Devicentrix on the Lawn, non-for-profit home maintenance. Alfred 0487 409 199. Free lawn mowing

■ Spiro’s Fresh Home Delivered Produce Boxes. 0401 359 045. Food delivery

■ Community Recovery Hotline [phone]. Food or medications while in self isolation

■ National Coronavirus Helpline: 1800 020 080, 24 hours/7 days

Charles Strunk’s office: 34071211 or email [e-mail].