Compass Holiday Guide

Introduction

The Compass Holiday Guide is designed for older people, their family, friends and carers. The guide contains information, tips and resources to help support you during the holiday season, whilst providing information on staying connected and reducing social isolation.

The holidays should be a time of celebration, unfortunately for some older people it can be a time of fear and confusion. The stress of the holidays can intensify some of the factors that increase the risk of abuse.

Here are some key tips to help you prevent and reduce social isolation over the holiday season.

Make your own decisions

Everyone – including older people – has the right to make their own decisions and choices, including choices about where to live, how to live, their money and health. Others may not agree with the decisions older people may take, but they should be respected and honoured unless personal safety is at risk.

Stay on top of your financial affairs

It’s important to make sure financial and legal affairs are in order and up-to-date. Although it’s normal for older people to turn to other family members to help manage finances as they age, they should ultimately be the one with the final say and control. It’s always best to use qualified and independent professionals. If you can’t afford professional assistance, keep as many trusted people informed as possible. When people know where they stand, they’re less likely to experience financial abuse.

Stay in touch with family and friends

Humans thrive on quality human contact. When it’s absent, isolation can leave people feeling depressed, sad or lonely. Older people may feel unwanted, or a burden, or that others don’t know they exist. The best way to beat this is to keep loved ones close. That could be family, friends or neighbours.

Increase your online confidence and skills

In an increasingly online world, many older Australians find it difficult to keep up with technology and can feel isolated as a result. Be Connected is a free Australian Government initiative aimed at increasing the confidence, skills and online safety of older Australians. The website provides interactive learning activities, training courses and ‘how-to’ videos. Learn how to spot scams, shop and bank online and stay connected with family and friends. You will improve your quality of life by connecting with your community and the wider world.

Get active and be healthy

Physical activity is important for everyone, no matter how old. Exercising every day, even if it’s a gentle walk or exercise, can help boost energy levels, activate ‘happy hormones’ and extend life. And the happier and healthier we are, the more independent we are likely to remain.

Get involved in community events

Attending community events can help to create active social lives, offer purpose and create a connection to the things that are important to us. Here is a link to our events page.

Useful tips when moving in with family

As people get older, they may find that living alone in their own home is no longer working. They may want to be closer to their adult children for company and support. These living arrangements often work out well. But problems can arise if unforeseen circumstances happen, or if there is a dispute or disagreement with other family members. Learn more about Family Agreements.

Know your rights

You have the right to live in a safe environment. You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. You have the right to make your own decisions and choices. You have the right to access the same types of protections as any other adult. If you are unhappy with your living situation or the care you’re receiving, tell someone you trust and ask that person to contact appropriate support.

Call out ageism

Ageism and discrimination against older people is prevalent. It may be malicious, learned or unintentional. But this behaviour is unacceptable in any form. It’s important to call it out whenever it is experienced. Learn more.

Covid-19

Be aware of the latest health advice relating to Covid-19. Compass has a range of helpful resources relating to Covid-19. Learn more

Support Organisations

• 1800 Respect - 1800 737 732
  1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. They provide support for people experiencing, or at the risk of experiencing, violence and abuse, their friends and family, and professionals.

• Emergency Service - 000
  Call Emergency Services on 000 if you are in immediate danger

• Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
  Beyond Blue works to raise awareness of depression, anxiety and suicide prevention, reduce the stigma surrounding these issues and to encourage people to seek support when they need it.

• 13 Yarn - 13 92 76
  If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.

• Lifeline - 131 114
  Lifeline exists to ensure that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone. We are available 24 hours a day to listen, without judgement to any person in Australia who is feeling overwhelmed, experiencing crisis or longs to be heard.

• QLife - 1800 184 527
  QLife is an anonymous, free, national peer-support service for LGBTIQA+ people, their families, friends, and communities.