Our focus this year was on involving clients in the program review and design process and increasing participation through effective marketing . We introduced several new programs , collaborated with other service units , and successfully grew in-person participation across the programs .
What did we achieve ? 90.4 % of Commonwealth Home Support Program / SSP targets reached
cognitive stimulation therapy program delivered in collaboration with Merri Health ’ s Specialist Aged Services ( S . A . S ). This evidenced based therapy program supports social engagement and reinforces existing skills for clients living with memory loss launched new Men ’ s Program to support our growing male client base
40 clients per week attended new Wednesday Fun Day program to encourage clients to enjoy a meal and develop friendships together
Weekly Outings Program for clients to enjoy different scenic destinations and make new friends and connections
131 % increase in centre-based respite for carers from 50 hours per month to 240 from additional respite funding and increased capacity
Where can we improve ?
more marketing will improve community awareness of the programs staff shortages made meeting client needs such as multilingual language support and funding targets a challenge . Focusing on recruitment will help to overcome this .
What ’ s next ?
collaborating with other service units to deliver joint programs and create additional referral pathways
ongoing marketing and engagement with referral agencies to increase awareness and uptake
engaging emerging retirees in the co-design of programs to meet their goals and aspiration
developing new programs
“ I connect with other people , and I have made new friends that I wouldn ’ t have met if I didn ’ t come to these programs . The staff listen and respect me and welcome me .
I also meet people my age . I get new experiences and go to new places that I have never been to – even though I have always lived in Melbourne .
It ’ s like a holiday for me .”
– Rose
Merri Health Annual Report 2023 55