Resources

Aged care managers have reported growing concerns about staff mental health following the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding heightened emotional exhaustion and increased overall burnout. This ARIIA resource provides a concise and accessible summary of research evidence, outlining the key factors aged care workers faced during the pandemic that negatively impacted their mental and physical health. 

The burnout rate across aged care workers before the COVID-19 pandemic ranged from moderate to high levels, with approximately 30-50% of aged care staff reportedly being affected. This resource from ARIIA is a short easy-to-read summary of the research evidence.

This video from the Australian Health Journal describes social prescribing  and the Connect Local Program led by Bolton Clarke Institute. (16 m)

This video from the Australian Health Journal defines social prescribing and its potential benefits in addressing social isolation,  loneliness, and stress particularly in the elderly. (20 m)

This video from Bolton Clarke Institute describes the Connect Local program run by Connecting Communities to Care. The program aims to promote wellbeing through social connection. (5 m)

This report from the Australian Institute of Family Studies written by Emily Stevens and colleagues, presents the factors dynamics and effects of isolation experienced by older people in New South Wales and a consideration of the status of older people’s rights.  

This webpage from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare discusses the undesirable impacts of social isolation and loneliness across all age groups including the elderly group and ways to prevent and manage it. 

This article from Bolton Clarke discusses the Connecting Communities to Care project aimed at reducing social isolation, loneliness and depressive symptoms and preventing unnecessary hospitalisation in older people in Melbourne. 

This article from the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) written by Dr Rajna Ogrin discusses the potential benefits of social prescribing to address the undesirable impacts of social isolation and loneliness in older adults. 

This article from the Australian Government  My Aged Care describes how the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) has built social connections for older people. It presents a case story between a volunteer and an older person and how the ACVVS has transformed their lives which is also available in a video link.