LIVING WELL , AGEING WELL
Isolation and loneliness continued to impact the wellbeing of many older Victorians during the year . Our Living Well , Ageing Well ( LWAW ) program provides one-on-one support , activities and social groups to help people aged 50 and over regain independence and confidence . This includes Diversional Therapy ( DT ) for people aged 65 +; which links them into community activities to support their social , psychological , physical and spiritual wellbeing .
A key focus for the year included incorporating co-design into new program developments , a smoother process for clients to join and more accurate statistical recording .
We collaborated with other Merri Health teams to offer new programs to meet client needs .
What did we achieve ?
expanded services across North Metropolitan Melbourne
new partnerships with the Royal Melbourne Hospital , Northern Hospital and Head to Health
4 workshop programs introduced to drive renewed interest and new clients
refreshed communications information delivered LWAW promotional postcard to
220 + social housing residents
delivered the ‘ Food for Mood ’ course in partnership with a Merri Health dietician
new exercise group program in collaboration with Merri allied health staff new titles of Community Navigators in line with forthcoming industry developments
31 % increase in demand for Diversional Therapy services via My Aged Care , with
115 referrals , up from the year prior
improved the client ’ s experience and goal achievement through team goal setting across a client ’ s journey
developed strong relationships with the local Regional Assessment Services ( RAS ) to drive referrals
Where can we improve ?
• the threat of COVID-19 has forced many people with chronic conditions to live a more isolated existence in the community resulting in a drop in clients and retention
• in response to COVID-19 , we engaged clients to co-design process improvements and are currently developing our first major survey for consumer feedback
What ’ s next
• roll-out of new groups to respond to the higher level of community anxiety due to COVID-19
• continue mindfulness groups and apply telehealth mindfulness groups in response to higher demand
• developing a range of Diversional Therapy individual services and groups including Art Therapy and Life Story Book seminars
• continue to partner with organisations to meet the needs of this hard to reach client group
COMMUNITY CONNECTION THROUGH INNOVATIVE GROUPS
We support older people and people with dementia to stay healthy , active and connected with their community through enjoyable and meaningful activities .
Our focus this year was to increase participation in group programs and outings in the community after transitioning 70 % of our services to individual support , largely via Telehealth and Wellbeing Packs in 2021 , in response to COVID restrictions .
We were delighted to introduce new programs and resume lunch outings , shopping tours and visits to various venues around Melbourne for participants .
To meet the diverse needs of clients we offered :
• centre-based , community-based and telehealth group programs
• in home , telephone and community access individual support
• wellbeing and gardening packs
We continued to expand our community partnerships with Lively and Moreland Library , successfully delivering IT training ( focusing on using mobile devices and laptops ) to clients .
HEALTH SERVICES
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