Embracing connection

Belinda McGuire (Akooramak staff) and Lyn Ott (Community client) enjoy a day at the park. (Supplied).

As women age, one of the most significant challenges we face is loneliness. Throughout our lives, we take on roles as partners, parents, and caregivers, nurturing those around us. However, as these roles evolve or diminish, the loss can leave us feeling isolated—a topic that isn’t always easy to discuss.

At Akooramak Care of the Older Persons, we understand the profound impact of loneliness on women in our community. While we offer comprehensive residential and home care services in Warwick, the majority of our clients are women who are grappling with isolation and the loss of companionship.

Our approach goes beyond just meeting the clinical needs of our clients. We are dedicated to ensuring that the community connections they have built over the years are not only maintained but strengthened. Social support is a key element of our services, designed to enrich the lives of the women we care for.

Every month, we host a lunch gathering at the RSL, providing an opportunity for our clients to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new friendships. These events are more than just a meal—they are a lifeline for women seeking meaningful social interaction.

In addition to these gatherings, our team assists clients with essential tasks such as attending medical and allied health appointments. But our support doesn’t stop there. We believe in helping our clients lead fulfilling lives by facilitating trips to local events like the Carnival of Flowers, the rodeo, the Leyburn Sprints, and even nights out at the Kings Theatre.

We are committed to being there for our clients during difficult times as well. If they are hospitalised, we make visits to ensure they know they are not alone, and we support them through their recovery when they return home.

Our ultimate goal at Akooramak is to enable our clients to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, surrounded by the community they love. By addressing the emotional and social aspects of aging, we aim to alleviate the burden of loneliness and ensure that our clients continue to live vibrant, connected lives.

This Women’s Health Week, we invite you to learn more about our services and how we can support the women in your life. Because at Akooramak, we believe that everyone deserves to age with dignity, care, and a strong sense of community.