Resources

This report from COTA Australia discusses the experiences of Australians aged 75 and older during the COVID-19 pandemic and how their mental health was impacted by the pandemic.

This report from Enkindle presents top home care innovations in aged care. It provides case studies and examples of technologies and creative service models, and how these can be used in the care setting. (Free registration required to receive report by email.)

This manual from End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) contains different evidence-based digital tools to support the aged care sector to make the best of technology to enhance care at the end of life. It covers the steps to digital readiness which includes assessing digital maturity, adopting digital tools and technology considerations.

This webpage from COTA Victoria discusses a few approaches to address social isolation and loneliness. It also contains a video about the Connecting Communities to Care programs from Bolton Clarke and links to resources from the World Health Organization specific to social prescribing to address social isolation.

This information sheet from the Australian Institute of Family Studies discusses social isolation and loneliness and provides common definitions to support practitioner understanding of people experiencing challenges with social relationships and connections.

This article from Advocare provides helpful tips for older people and their families to help address social isolation and loneliness. An infographic is also available that summarises the tips in a visual manner. 

In this article, Dr Laura Tierney discusses what makes activities meaningful to older adults living with dementia, stressing the importance of ensuring activities are enjoyable, suited to the person, and related to personal goals. 

This article from the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Journal describes the role, importance and benefits of gardens and gardening for the wellbeing of older adults.

This webpage from Aged Care Guide describes various leisure activities available in nursing homes such as community outings, dress-up days and special occasions and other lifestyle needs. 

Aged care services are increasingly embracing innovative digital technologies to improve the care experiences of older people and to enable care workers to do more, even with fewer resources (e.g., staff, financial). This ARIIA information sheet on wearable technology is part of a series covering types of technology currently used in aged care.