89-year-old Ilias and his wife Eleni, 93, worried the panic of COVID19 might mean they would be forgotten and their home services would be cut.
Fronditha Care has ensured that their approximately 400 home clients would not go without the assistance they need throughout restrictions and closures.
Katerina Margariti is one of the couple’s regular Fronditha personal care workers who helps them clean, cook and run errands.
The service is a great alternative for the couple who want to stay home as long as possible and not have to go into a nursing home prematurely.
Eleni lives with dementia, and Ilias is her primary carer, so the help from Ms Margariti greatly impacts their quality of life.
In the beginning Eleni found it difficult to deal with the change when she herself struggles with her daily routine.
“They’re used to you coming into their homes and saying hello with a shake of the hand or a gentle touch,” says Ms Margariti.
“When you now have to say hello from 1.5 metres away, it’s a bit weird.”
Albeit the change of procedures, the couple have adapted well.
Ms Margariti says her job more often than not isn’t about cleaning or helping the elderly run their errands, but rather being a connection to the outside world.
“They need a comforting word or understanding…they need someone to listen to them without being judgemental,” says Ms Margariti.
Fronditha Care is continuing all its essential services with added safety measures.
Executive Manager of Community Services Penny Hobson says people shouldn’t be scared to receive services.
“We know how important it is to stay connected, and Fronditha Care will always support our seniors during difficult times,” says Ms Hobson.