AFTER two years of research, a Charles Sturt University team has concluded that a community wellbeing clinic for older people on the Mid North Coast will improve independence, psychological health, and social wellbeing.
Australians that are 65 and over make up approximately 17 per cent of the population, with a greater proportion living in regional areas.
Dr Patricia Mackey, research team leader and a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Charles Sturt University, said that the higher volume of people over 60 living in regional areas in New South Wales was resulting in greater demand for wellbeing clinical services.
The research meant engagement with 79 older people, industry representatives and carers. Results showed that keeping healthy did not mean simply going to the doctor. It meant having somewhere to learn, connect, feel safe and supported, as well as make contributions to the community.
Those who were participants in the team’s research concluded that wellbeing included both mental and physical health, psychological and emotional health, and even spiritual connection.
The ‘Wellbeing Connect 4 Seniors Interprofessional Wellbeing Clinic’ research project examined which university based health and wellbeing clinic models of care met the needs of regional older adults best.
The proposed community wellbeing clinic is especially important given the prevalence of loneliness, social isolation, and issues like digital scams, which all affect older Australians.
“The added benefit is that it would also help build the future allied health workforce through workplace learning and field education placements for students from health disciplines such as social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, paramedicine and nursing,” Dr Mackey said.
Dr Mackey said that the team would soon commence working towards Wellbeing Connect 4 Seniors, through a staged implementation, and that they were currently exploring opportunities for funding.
“Social work students will initially provide programs such as digital life storytelling, wellbeing and reminiscence groups, organise public safety and legal workshops, and a carer support group,” Dr Mackey said.
By Shalise LEESFIELD
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