Community involvement as a retiree is not just important, it is vital for both continued socialisation and cognitive function. Right at Home, Australia's premier, quality home care provider, has tips for the elderly.

For retirees, it is important to remain socially involved as a way of reducing the chances of developing either dementia or depression. As a home care provider, Right at Home ensures that any seniors in our care are given ample opportunity to remain engaged and be active members of their community.  

Here are five simple ways you or your ageing loved ones can remain active in the community. 

1. Join a Community Garden Initiative

Community gardens are increasingly popular and serve both community members and their local environment. Community Gardens Australia (CGA) is one such organisation. Within the capacity of a voluntary organisation, CGA advocates in support of community gardens and the practice of community gardening as a form of urban land use and social development. Community gardens provide space for people to work together to create beautiful, productive spaces that benefit both the toiler and the community. Joining a community garden project gets you outdoors, interacting more with others, and (hopefully) making new friends. 

2. Join a Charity

Participating in a charity organisation is a great way to stay connected and feel worthwhile in the service of others. But don’t just choose any ol’ charity, be sure you’re working in something that you feel passionate about and want to participate in. For instance, don’t volunteer at the RSPCA if you are allergic to animals.  

3. Become a Library Member

If you aren’t already, why not join the local library. The books are free for those on a budget, and at most libraries, the staff are more than happy to purchase a book on your behalf if it’s not already on the shelves. You might also consider starting a local book club whereby community members meet once a month at the library, or café, and share the latest in literary exploration.  

4. Join a Sports Team or Gym

While running 10 kilometres may be off the table for some, joining a local lawn bowls team, golf club, or sports and recreation centre can be an excellent way to stay active and social. You may even consider engaging a personal trainer – many may offer seniors rates and what better way to ensure your body and mind are cared for and stimulated.  

5. Start a Board Games League

If sport isn’t your thing, consider joining a local chess club, cards group, or bingo or trivia night. You get community engagement and cognitive stimulation all at once.  

If you need help providing socialisation and companion care for your loved one, find out about our companion care services today!

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links: 

Australian Government Department of Health 

Victorian Health and Human Services 

NSW Health 

Queensland Health 

ACT Health 

WA Department of Health 

Tasmanian Department of Health 

Northern Territory Department of Health 

SA Health 

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no package management fees, Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget. 

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one. 

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website. 

Right at Home Offices in Australia: ACT Canberra; ACT & Queanbeyan; Adelaide Central; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane North; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Central Queensland & Wide Bay; Darling Downs; Far North Queensland; Gold Coast North; Gold Coast South; Greater Logan; Mackay; Moreton Bay Region; Noosa, Gympie & Hinterland; Sunshine Coast; Townsville; Central West New South Wales; Gosford; Hunter & Port Stephens; Macarthur Penrith; Newcastle; Northern Rivers; Padstow St George; Southern NSW; Sydney Central & Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Liverpool; Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Norwest; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Parramatta; Sydney Ryde; Sydney The Hills; Sydney Upper North Shore; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Perth South Eastern Suburbs; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth West Coast; Southwest Victoria; Sydney Sutherland Shire;