When Brian, 94, moved into an aged care home to be with his wife Judy, who has advanced dementia, he never expected how lonely it would feel. The silence, the long days, the missing conversations.
Brian’s story isn’t unusual. One in five older Australians are socially isolated, and in aged care, that rises to one in three. But for Brian and Judy, Australian Red Cross volunteers Yuly and Willy started visiting. They brought stories, laughter and music, and reminded them that they still matter, that they’re still part of the world.
This is the kind of joy and connection our world needs right now, and it's only possible with your help. Last year 48 Australian Red Cross volunteers took 4686 older people on 64,791 trips to appointments, social outings and community events through our Aged Care program. You can help someone feel seen, valued, and cared for when they need it most.
This festive season, will you bring joy to someone's world?
