Service Summary | Improving Social Connections of Older Australians Project
Published:
Location:
Hawksbury, Penrith and Blue MountainsService Status:
OngoingBrief Summary:
The Improving Social Connections of Older Australians Project is involves health connectors, community connectors and community connector points.
In 2019, the Social Connectedness of Older People in the Hawkesbury pilot project held three Community Workshops in targeted areas of the region. Over one hundred professionals, volunteers and community members participated.
As a result of the workshop outcomes and committee guidance, three strategies were developed:
1. Training of practice nurses in general practice to become Health Connectors
2. Establishment and training for Community Connectors and Community Connector Points
3. Development and promotion of Website Directory – MyHealthConnector.com.au
Health Connectors
Health Connectors are specially trained practice nurses who work one-to-one with patients and carers. They help people to develop their social support networks, especially those
people who are vulnerable and at risk of ‘falling through the cracks’. This free service is offered in practices across our region.
My Health Connector Website
The My Health Connector website is a free online directory to help people improve their social connections and lifestyle supports. The directory provides information about local
health and community services available to support people living in our region. My Health Connector can be used by both services and community members. It can also be used as a
resource for Health connectors and Community connectors to promote services available in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith areas.
Community Connectors
Community Connectors are members of the general population who know what services are available in the community and can share that information with people in need.
Training was provided to support the community be confident to have conversations around social isolation and use the My Health Connector directory as a resource. Community
Connectors can be of any background or profession – neighbours, volunteers, taxi drivers, baristas, retail workers. Anyone who has contact with older people and an interest in
helping older people can volunteer.
Community Connector Points
Identified community organisations can provide face-to-face or telephone assistance for improving social connections and reducing social isolation of older people in the
Hawkesbury, particularly those without internet access. The Community Connector Points built sustainability for the program beyond the pilot period. You can access a community
connector points on the My Health Connector website. The success of this Hawkesbury pilot project has resulted in the program expanding to the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Penrith
LGAs and ongoing in Hawkesbury.
Further information at https://www.nbmphn.com.au/Health-Professionals/Services/Older-Persons-Health/Compassionate-Communities/Social-Connectedness
Who is this for?
Older people aged over 75 years and over 65 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the community.
Results/Outcomes:
An evaluation report is included in the Report section
In Hawkesbury LGA 11 practice nurses were trained as Health Connectors, 74 community members trained as Community Connectors.
From the Patient Experience Surveys participants felt they had improved well-being, less lonely and more connected. As a result they were more willing to join activities. This was despite showing no significant difference post intervention in some measures such as a loneliness and self-rated health.
In 2020 we commenced the Social Connections for Older People initiative in Penrith and Blue Mountains as a part of the Australian Government’s mental health response to the
COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative aimed to support older people who may be experiencing social isolation and/or loneliness by promoting connections to services and support to
improve their mental health and wellbeing. Similar strategies were implemented for these communities.
In 2023 our work on social connection continues to expand with more Health Connector positions and Community Connector Points being offered. The Health Connectors in general
practice will continue to have conversations with patients about health issues, especially staying connected.