We connected socially isolated and disadvantaged elderly people with support, services, care and community
Respect, care and dignity for all older people is the key concern for the Aged Care sector. We know many socially isolated older people live in poverty, are ‘hidden’ from sight and unable to access the home-based care services that enable them to live a life with dignity.
Early intervention
BSL’s innovative Critical Interim Support CIS) pilot program is designed to address that service gap. This program provides early intervention before people’s health and living standards deteriorate, reducing demand for other services and also reducing the negative impact of isolation on health and wellbeing. Like all BSL Aged Care programs, this initiative was designed specifically to address the importance of social connection and to create opportunities for meaningful engagement within the community.
In April, an evaluation of the CIS pilot showed promising results. BSL will use these findings to continue its advocacy to ensure that the national reforms to the aged care sector account for the needs of older people who experience deep and persistent disadvantage.
Care, social inclusion and community connection
Our Coolibah Social Hub in Fitzroy and our Clifton Hill aged care residence highlight our focus on providing meaningful opportunities for social inclusion, addressing wellbeing, and building the capability to thrive for older people in the community who experience disadvantage.
Coolibah Social Hub, Fitzroy, Melbourne
BSL’s Coolibah is a drop-in day centre that encourages independence and plays an important role in keeping older people connected. The Hub has 125 members and provides leisure activities, meals, welfare support, and a strong sense of community.
Since 1946 BSL has encouraged and assisted members to pursue their interests and passions, both at our Coolibah centre and out in the community. In the last financial year, our Coolibah Social Hub has delivered a total of 11,639 program hours, supporting members to remain socially connected in their ageing journey. It has also served nutritious breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas and worked with members to pursue their many interests, such as gardening in the Coolibah’s vegetable patch, painting classes, sewing group, exercise sessions, dance classes and cooking classes.
While impacted by COVID-19 closures, we were still able to provide ongoing support to Coolibah members by delivering online activities and opportunities for social connection. We have seen an enthusiastic return in members physically attending Coolibah, with a 58% increase from 79 to 125 members in the past financial year, further demonstrating the demand for social support for this vulnerable group.
Aged care residence, Clifton Hill
Our government-funded and accredited not-for-profit aged care residence supports 110 residents, who have unique, significant, and often challenging life histories. Our staff focus on supporting residents to live a life that they value. We work with residents to maintain the important links they have with their family, friends and the general community. In this way, we foster genuine social inclusion.
The Clifton Hill residence provides 24/7 accommodation and personal care in a purpose-built facility that has strong connections with the local community. The often complex and unique needs of older people are met by using an innovative nurse-led staffing model, which fosters greater connections between staff and residents, improving the quality of care for residents, as well as enhancing recruitment, retention and career pathways for staff. This model was already employed ahead of the Royal Commission report into aged care.
Residents have access to their choice of doctor and other health practitioners, including physiotherapists, podiatrists, dieticians and psychologists, and other allied health services. We also provide specialised care and tailored activities for residents with dementia and have an on-site social worker to assist with residents experiencing mental health challenges.
Another feature is the Lifestyle Enrichment program, where staff assist residents to pursue the interests and hobbies they enjoyed before moving to Clifton Hill, and find new activities to keep them healthy and happy. These activities can include music, art, gardening, caring for animals and social outings around Melbourne.
Over 50% of the client cohort were at risk of homelessness prior to arriving. Many referrals come from like-minded welfare organisations and local hospitals who understand the specialised and respectful service we offer. Throughout the COVID-19 outbreaks, we have ensured our clients are healthy, safe and still able to enjoy their lives. The balance between managing risks posed by the pandemic and maintaining the overall health and wellbeing of aged care residents, including their mental health and quality of life, is at the forefront of our service delivery.
During periods of strict lockdown in 2021, our team assisted residents to maintain connections with families and loved ones via video calls and window visits. We created a weekly in-house store where we sold items in demand, including chocolates, crackers and drinks. Staff maintained regular activities with residents, including daily walks in the nearby Darling Gardens, Sunrise Club (a light exercise session and chat), movies, art and craft, cooking lessons and high tea events. As part of our weekly cooking program, residents provide their input into recipe ideas and were encouraged to cook and enjoy the food they created on the day. Our high tea was a great social event, allowing residents to gather and build relationships between each other and the staff.
During the lockdowns our staff members also became entertainers to our residents, using their hidden talents and continuing to provide their services via video when necessary. They sang and played the guitar or piano and some residents enjoyed weekly dance lessons. Our Lifestyle Enrichment team created activity hubs on each floor, providing materials for residents to engage in activities, such as board games, puzzles and art.
We created a garden, which is popular among residents who look forward to joining in and getting their hands dirty and assisting in all aspects of garden upkeep. We have several perennials and vegetables currently growing in the garden and also had chickens hatching. These activities have known benefits for mental health and wellbeing.
When lockdown lifted, we arranged a visit from Reptile Encounters (a mobile zoo) and in early 2022, we resumed our outings; highlights included our residents visiting Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibition in the Melbourne CBD as well as a visit to the Melbourne Aquarium.
Yen enjoys her Coolibah experience
Yen lives in the BSL Independent Living Units at the rear of the Coolibah Social Hub. Uncomfortable in crowded spaces, Yen experienced mental health issues and was reluctant to come to Coolibah because she felt too many people were present.
Over time, Yen was encouraged by staff to stay at Coolibah longer and engage in activities like learning new English words, enjoying a coffee and chat and educating staff on the Cantonese language.
Yen says her experience at Coolibah has significantly contributed to her overall mental health and wellbeing and she feels more relaxed and comfortable there. She has become less sensitive to what people think about her or whether people are judging her because she is focused on interacting and engaging with staff and other members.
To learn more about BSL Aged Care visit:
https://www.bsl.org.au/services/aged-care/