"Reduced access to buses for residents"

I have a parent who resides at GPL in San Remo. They have always felt the level of care to be exemplary.

Prior to Covid planned bus outings were the highlights in my parent's week, they looked forward to Lunches within the Community, opportunity for shopping needs and scenic drives.

Sadly my parent's health has been slowly deteriorating over the last couple of years and, adding the restrictions over the last 12 months, it was difficult to see that their motivation was at an all-time low. My parent was presenting very depressed, choosing to spend their days in bed, sometimes not getting up for days at a time.

It was however with a happy heart the news that Residents were able to enjoy bus trips on a Monday and Wednesday each week. My parent was delighted to once again be able to participate in social outings, it has given them a new lease on life!

My parent's motivation and emotional well-being lifted and they were back having the pleasure to continue with social lunches and many scenic drives as a result.

The recent news that GPL's bus outings will be significantly reduced is a huge blow and a great disappointment as I know what this will mean for my parent.  

It has been such a relief hearing my parent talk about the different outings that they have been going on and I am really sad that this is going to be greatly impacted.

My understanding is that GPL has 27 residents who were sharing 1 x 5-seater bus, twice a week, with 2 outings each day that they had the bus. They will now only have 3 outings in a month instead of the 13 that were planned. In my opinion, this is not going to cater for the amount of residents who would greatly benefit from these social outings. I would hate to see further decline in my parent and likely other residents due to, I believe, a lack of opportunity and well-being activities such as social outings.

I acknowledge the incredible hard work and dedication that the GPL team have shown over the last difficult 12 months. I am hopeful that this bus issue can be rectified so that my parent can continue to enjoy their last years in a happy fulfilling environment.

Yours sincerely,

Concerned