Portarlington community shows support for aged care residents

THE Portarlington community has ensured Arcare Portarlington Aged Care residents are well supported, despite them having to remain physically apart from the community.Arcare Portarlington made the decision to lock down the centre on March 17. Stringent safety measures have been implemented to ensure the staff who come and go do not risk any contamination.

So far they have successfully protected all of their 99 residents from the coronavirus.

The community’s support was initially shown through businesses such as Woolworths Portarlington and Portarlington Pharmacy taking special measures to guarantee the centre were not lacking anything essential.

More recently, other local businesses such as Pier View Lolly Shop, The Whiskery and Jack Rabbit Vineyard have provided gifts for the Arcare Portarlington staff to show their appreciation for the dedication of the employee.

Portarlington Guides have also begun writing cards and creating pieces of art for all the Arcare Portarlington residents.

Arcare regional client service manager Susie Thomas said she was heartened by people’s willingness to help.

“During the whole COVID-19 situation, the community of Portarlington has just grouped together totally in an amazing way to support each other and the residents of Arcare.”

Portarlington Pharmacy’s Louise McLaughlin said the pharmacy understood it would be a difficult time for Arcare Portarlington and wanted to provide support where they could.

“We were in contact with Arcare and said if there was anything their residents needed, because obviously they couldn’t get out and about, we were happy to deliver up to them.

“If there was anything specific they wanted or needed that we didn’t have we’d order it in and then deliver it.”

The pharmacy usually holds a bimonthly pop-up shop at Arcare Portarlington.

Ms Thomas said having normal interactions such as this was “really important for residents who aren’t able to go out.”

While the pop-up shop cannot run at the moment, Ms McLaughlin said the pharmacy was still looking to provide Arcare Portarlington residents with a degree of independence.

“We just made up a little flyer with some things that also let them know that if something that wasn’t on there, they could request it. They can then do a shopping list and ring us up to order.

“It’s just trying to normalise things as much as possible for them. It gives them a way of still being in control and being able to make their own decisions.”

Ms Thomas said Portarlington Pharmacy’s generosity typified the Portarlington community’s readiness to help where possible.

“Every time I’ve asked for something, people are thinking about it and helping me do whatever we need. It has been fantastic.”